Encore of Europe: Gameplay Thread

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In the name of His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Abdulhamid I, Padishah, Emperor, Sultan of Sultan, Khan of Khans, Amir al-Mu'minin, Custodian of the Three Holy Mosques, Emperor of Rome etc. etc.


For too long have the Barbary pirates ignored the Sultan's rightful and divine authority as their suzerain and the Caliphs of Islam. Not only did they wreck havoc on high seas, they also violated the very Ottoman land with their treachery. Now, as they are in distress in result of their own actions, they would expect their suzerain to come to their rescue from the infidels. BUT his Sacred and Imperial Majesty demands complete obedience of his vassals if they wants to keep their heads on their necks, whether from the infidels or the Porte itself.

(You f-king wanna help, guys? Well, thing will have to change.)

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The entire Ottoman State joins all of Prussians in mourning of the passing of their great ruler, King Frederick, already and rightly dubbed as "the Great". Under his enlightened and wise leadership the Prusso-Ottoman relations flourished and, we are certain, will continue so, as an important part of peace and stability in Europe, especially given all the merits of his noble successor.

A statue of the late King of Prussia shall be erected on a honorary spot in Istanbul, as testimony to these feelings.

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The Exalted Ottoman State is a multiethnic and multireligious realm that spans three continents and, thus, is in an excellent position to play a stabilizing role in the region, in the spirit of peace and mutual respect among powers. Territorial expansion is nor our goal, but given all the historical and contemporary experience we shall adopt a policy of armed caution to be prepared to defend the Ottoman lands, as well as His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan's vassal states and depencies.

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The Ottoman Empire welcomes Portuguese offer of forging economic ties and shall prepare a proposition as soon as convenient.

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The Ottoman Empire, which too belongs to the European family of states, will not even contemplate joining any alliance established in order cultivate hostilities among powers. Just a couple of decades ago Europe had been divided into mutually hostile coalitions, engaged in cruel warfare, and we do not want to have any part in this again.

This is especially important when it comes to our relations with Vienna. Learning from years of conflict and overcoming numerous mutual grievances, the Houses of Osman and Habsburg decided to work together in order to secure peace and stability in the region, and the Sublime Porte is, in the light of recent revelations, even more committed to carry on.

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Whatever our past issues with the Habsburg Monarchy and the Polish-Lithuanian Republic were, His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan views any attempts to launch the war of aggression against our two major neighbours as a direct threat for peace in the entire Europe, for we know such a war wouldn't be contained. As a show of good faith and friendly intentions toward the two powers mentioned, the Ottoman State decided to join their Prussian ally preemptive action to deny the Kingdom of Portugal means to ignite the war of aggression.

Yes, we acknowledge it was a meticulously prepared operation both Prussia and the Ottoman State started to consider the moment our intelligence first accuired troubling messages sent by Queen Maria regarding forming a coalition against Austria, France and Poland-Lithuania. Only a fool wouldn't have considered his options throughtly and prepare for worst case scenario or, as in this case, how to prevent it in time.

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The Most Exalted Ottoman State is thoroughly reviewing its agriculture production to see if we'll be able to give a meaningful aid to our allies, keeping in mind we too experienced less productive harvest.

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Upon thorough consideration, His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan had decided to embark on bold and far reaching program of building and economic reform.

1. There shall be universal, unified tax code in the Ottoman State.

2. We shall construct another world wonder in form of the Suez Route, to facilitate transoceanic trade by making it much easier than it is now. A proper land route shall be constructed to link the two ends of the Suez Pass, in addition of commencing the works to build a waterway alongside the route for more convenient movement of goods via barges and smaller ships. Accordingly port facilities at the both coasts shall be expanded.

3. Our newly conquered colony in Timor shall serve as a trading base with the region, spearheading for economic expansion there as well as to help establishing closer political and religious ties with the local Muslim rulers.

4. Only partial resettlement of Tripolitania is to be completed, pending further deliberation.

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The Venetian-Ottoman Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

1) In return for the Empire's promised grain shipments, Venice will dispatch economic advisors to the Porte, enabling the Ottoman economy to be brought up to European standards.

2) In return for Ottoman assistance in defeating the Tripoli rebellion, Venice will permit free use of its ports in the Mediterranean to Ottoman traders.

3) Neither country will intervene in the internal affairs of the other.

4) Full embassies are to be opened in both nations, establishing formal ties

5) Upon the defeat of the Rebellion, Venice will maintain control of its territories, but establish the Province of Tripoli as an autonomous region within the Republic. Pending the terms offered by Austria, their old territory in North Africa will be recognised as Ottoman land.

X Doge Gian Carli, Most Serene Rpublic of Venice

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Due to our desire to forge closer economic and political ties with the nations of Asia, among which China plays a great role, His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan shall dispatch his Envoy Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary to China.

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A Brief Statement of the Fate of Victor Amadeus III and The Lesser Demons in His Service

While His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan's desire to respect internal affairs of all nations, he can't help but feel horror and abhorrent at Mr. Verri's open threats to committ a ritual and public regicide of a crowned prince. He believes all Princes of Europe should unite in strongly requesting Mr. Verri's government not to cross this line.

(OOC: a modern guillotine is not invented yet, so you probably refereed to Italian mannaia)

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Declarations from Berlin (V)

It is the privilege of His Majesty Frederick William II to announce that upon negotiations between the Kingdom of Prussia and Corsica, the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Portugal, the latest peace overture has resulted in a definitive peace treaty that will put an end to the intervention and preserve peace in Europe. Through this treaty the basis of a lasting peace between our three nations will be built and consolidated, and thus fulfill our promise to stand up for the security of Europe via limited, measured action. We wish to recognize the goodwill of Queen Maria I in these negotiations, and reiterate our hope that this Treaty of Lisbon will be beneficial to us all:

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x Frederick William II, King of Prussia and Corsica.

xQueen Maria Braganza of Portugal

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Declaration on Piracy

In the light of recent successfull campaign in Africa, the Most Exalted Ottoman State wishes to interest fellow powers of the Mediterranean basin in forging a pact aimed at rooting out piracy once and for all. Details are easily to agree upon if we agree on the principle.


On unrelated note His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan orders festives to be held across the Ottoman realm to celebrate our victories in Africa and Asia.

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We will gladly allow Persian caravans to transit through the Ottoman territory with the greatest ease possible and under proper protection. The only issue, which we are confident can be solved quickly, is that a large number of Persian guards could cause concerns in Mesopotamia, and His Sacred and Imperial Majesty wouldn't want to see this unintentionally jeopardizing peaceful relations with Persia. Keeping the level of troops assigned reasonable would be most appreciated. And the Ottoman troops would make sure no one dares to molest the caravans.


(Also, I'm not sure if it was made public, but the Sublime Porte had already reached an agreement with Austria regarding transit of our grain caravans for Europe.)

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Decree from Russian Emperor Paul regarding the European Famine

Besides the treaty just signed with France, Emperor Paul of Russia, being a just and humane sovereign, has ordered that the sale of Russian grain to Austria and Sweden be prioritized. The Emperor earnestly hopes that this measure will help Europe overcome this devastating famine.

The Sublime Porte commends Emperor Paul for his righteous stance regarding the famile and international cooperation.

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His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdulhamid Khan, Padishah and Commander of the Faithful, had noticed Tripolitanian rebels are now trying to rally fellow Muslims to their defense as the Venetian forces are crushing them. The Caliph believes however it is a righteous punishment send by the Allah himself upon them for defying the sacred authority of Amir al-Mu'minin. Venetians, though not Muslim, proved to be infinitely better Men of God than the pirates and became the Sultan's valuable ally. This war has nothing to do with faith and our sacred faith shall not be twisted by these scroundels for their own interest. Let it be plain: the faithful who defy the Amir al-Mu'minin shall not receive his protection.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdulhamid Khan, Padishah and Commander of the Faithful, had noticed Tripolitanian rebels are now trying to rally fellow Muslims to their defense as the Venetian forces are crushing them. The Caliph believes however it is a righteous punishment send by the Allah himself upon them for defying the sacred authority of Amir al-Mu'minin. Venetians, though not Muslim, proved to be infinitely better Men of God than the pirates and became the Sultan's valuable ally. This war has nothing to do with faith and our sacred faith shall not be twisted by these scroundels for their own interest. Let it be plain: the faithful who defy the Amir al-Mu'minin shall not receive his protection.

The Caliph will not threaten the faithful who are neutral in this struggle. Know, however, that bullying and threats does not lead to friends, much as salt water quenches no thirst.

Why is the Shah getting involved in the matters that does not concern him and his people?

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Know that the words of a Persian are more true and straight than any arrow, and more unyielding and flawless than any fortress. We are neutral, and neutral we shall remain.

Proclaiming neutrality in what an internal conflict between the Sultan and treacherous rebels implies the two sides are equal in a sense. It is a grave insult, same as if the Sultan said a similar thing about the Shah and the past pretenders to his throne.

Therefore no Persian caravan shall be permitted to enter the Ottoman land.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Know that the words of a Persian are more true and straight than any arrow, and more unyielding and flawless than any fortress. We are neutral, and neutral we shall remain.

Proclaiming neutrality in what an internal conflict between the Sultan and treacherous rebels implies the two sides are equal in a sense. It is a grave insult, same as if the Sultan said a similar thing about the Shah and the past pretenders to his throne.

Therefore no Persian caravan shall be permitted to enter the Ottoman land.

Will you punish all of Europe on a technicality? Speak not in haste, I urge you.

Furthermore, does any man recall the Ottomans practicing naught but neutrality in the Persian Civil War? No! And did we begrudge them for it? No! We have forgiven and forgotten. The rebels hardly threaten the Sultan. We do not threaten the neutrality. Rarely is such a promise made for nothing that it is treated as an insult. The rebels have asked for friendship - the Ottomans have not done so in centuries. Once more, we pledge to never attack the Ottomans in an aggressive war. We urge the Sultan to not take our pledge of neutrality to his empire as an insult. We ask not for a similar proclamation from the noble Ottomans, but only that they allow our humanitarian mission to pass. To that end, we are prepared to give the Sultan ninety-five of our largest camels as an offering of friendship.

It seems we've sorted our differences.

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The independence of Brazil is fait accompli and therefore Brazil is oficially recognized as a fully sovereign nation. The desire of Brazilians to be ruled by a sane monarch is perfectly understandable. The Sublime Porte, however, cannot at this time extend the official recognition for each pretender to the throne, as we need time to get the full picture of what is a quickly changing situation.

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بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In the name of His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdul Hamid Khan, Padishah, Emperor, Head of the House of Osman, Sultan of Sultans, Khan of Khans, Commander of the Faithful and Custodian of Three Holy Mosques, Emperor of Rome, etc. etc.


Having just proven beyond any doubts its capability of projecting power across the globe, the Most Exalted Ottoman State hereby proclaims that as a preeminent Muslim power, as well as holder of the Caliphate, shall undertake special interest and indeed responsibility regarding sovereign Muslim states in Africa and Eastern Asia*, by offer them economic cooperation, aid as well as diplomatic and military protection. The Ottoman soil may be the cradle of the Muslim world, but said world doesn't end on its borders. It stretched as far as Oceania and won't be overlooked.





* doesn't concern already existing colonies of friendly or at least non-hostile powers

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The Most Exalted Ottoman State extends full diplomatic recognition to the Provisional Government of Sardinia-Piedmont.

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Scandinavian Policy Towards the Ottoman Empire Announced

His Majesty Gustav III and His Imperial Majesty Sultan Abdul Hamid are pleased to announce a new, happy chapter in Scandinavian-Ottoman relations. Both monarchs have agreed that good relations between both their nations will be mutually beneficial. As such, they have agreed to the following terms:

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x Gustav III, King of Scandinavia

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His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan is extremely distressed with irresponsible action undertaken by the Austrian government, aimed at destroying peace that benefited Europe so well. The Most Exalted Ottoman State is committed to its alliance with the King of Prussia and in case of provoked war shall have no other choice but to honor its obligations.

In the light of current events, the Sublime Porte cannot continue with its projects to establish the grain route. No Ottoman grain shall enter the Habsburg realm, nor any grain by third power destined for Austria shall be allowed to pass. We shall continue to supply Venice and Piedmont via sea route.

The only way previous arrangements could be restored is if the threat of war over Bavaria is dissolved.


(OOC: you guys know I have no f-king choice)

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We applaud our Venetian friends' reasonable stance regarding the situation that is all but reasonable.