Topkapı Sarayı – Istanbul
The late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the palace gardens as I reviewed the latest reports. With the success of the Taganrog Raid, the Russians might think twice before attacking us. But of course, it comes with a price since they will attack us cautiously in which it was the worst possible because it might be an alternate way of ending this war.
"Cemil," I called out, setting aside the parchment in my hand. "Any news on our blast furnace in Edirne? Have they begun selling steel yet?"
Cemil, standing nearby, gave a slight bow before speaking. "Alhamdulillah, my Shehzade, the furnaces are operating steadily. Thanks to the secrecy you insisted on, very few outside of the palace are aware of the project's true scale. However…" He hesitated.
I raised an eyebrow. "However?"
He sighed. "Selling the steel is another matter. The production for the time being is stable, but large-scale sales require merchants, contracts, and trust. We cannot just flood the market overnight without raising questions."
Şahin, who had been listening quietly, folded his arms. "If we move too fast, the viziers, especially the defterdars and the merchants, will start wondering why an imperial blast furnace is producing so much steel independently. If they trace it back to you, my Shehzade, they might start questioning your true intentions."
I exhaled, rubbing my temple. "That is true… but we need funding to keep the expansion going. If we delay too long, we'll run into shortages of raw materials."
Cemil smirked. "Well, if you want funds that badly, why not 'test' the market first? Small, selective sales—just enough to move product but not enough to alarm the court."
I nodded slowly, considering the idea. "That could work. Start with blacksmiths and armorers who already supply the military. Keep it discreet. If anyone asks, let them assume it's just an extension of the palace foundry."
Cemil bowed. "As you command, my Shehzade. I'll see to it immediately."
With that settled, my mind shifted to the next matter. Since the first batch of rifles has been successfully created, the 40th Orta will be the first to test and used in the battlefield.
"Has Muhtasin Pasha sent word about the weapons?"
Cemil shook his head. "Not yet, but if I know Muhtasin, he's probably taking his sweet time analyzing them."
I smirked. "That sounds like him. I suppose we'll just have to wait."
But in my gut, I already knew. The real test was yet to come.
Edirne – Ottoman Empire
Muhtasin Pasha leaned against the wooden railing outside his barracks, watching as the men of the 40th Orta lined up in formation. The weapons had arrived earlier that morning, and now, under the midday sun, his soldiers were finally inspecting them.
"Commander! Commander!, the weapon has arrived, but so far I asked them to put it in front of the barracks." One of the officers notified Muhtasin pasha.
"Good, lets get to it," He walked to the front where he saw 1 wagon, just in front of him. "Oh Muhtasin pasha, come on let me show you the weapons."
The checking went smooth, for 1 wagon, at least 1,000 rifles along with the gunpowder and the ammunition. Well of course, a bit different from standardized ball muskets. For the earlier stage of the blast furnace, and thanks to the progress of the alchemy team under Cemil effendim at Edirne.
He hold the rifle, look for any distinction.."Looks fine to me. Lets test it out boys!!!!"
"Yes Sir!" The soldiers replied in unison and went straight to work mode. They load the weapons into the shooting range. Some of them are arranging the shooting dummy in places.
~~~
"The work is done, pasha."
Muhtasin proceed to the shooting range, and start the test. "Ahmet! Come forward."
Ahmet Karamir, a boy who had been sent by Shehzade Selim to train with 40th Orta few months ago, walked toward Muhtasin. Since the training began before the war, Ahmet Karamir has begun with physical training and marksmanship as per formulated in the Nizam I-cedid plan.
"Pasha, I came as per order. I assume you want me to join the shooting test isn't it?" Ahmet guess.
"Well you got it right boy. I assume you know the ropes." Muhtasin threw one rifle at him.
Ahmet caught it, and examined it. "Hmmm it looks the same..but…". He noticed the barrel, "Yep, the barrel is a bit different. Well let's test it out."
"Shehzade had mentioned earlier about this rifle, it makes the bullet stable and can shoot further. Which is why I want you to demonstrate your skill."
Muhtasin Pasha observed the young recruit with mild amusement as Ahmet Karamir turned the rifle over in his hands, his sharp eyes inspecting every detail. Though still a boy, his posture was that of a seasoned soldier—straight-backed, focused, and unafraid.
"Well, old gramps," Ahmet continued, smirking slightly, "I don't see much difference except for the grooves inside the barrel. But if what Shehzade Selim said is true, then we should put it to a proper test."
Muhtasin raised an eyebrow. "Proper test?"
Ahmet nodded, glancing at the standard shooting range where targets had been lined up at the usual distance for training. Then, his gaze drifted upward—to the wooden balcony on the second floor of the barracks.
"I want to see if it can still hit accurately from an extended range," he said. "No use testing a new weapon the same way we tested the old ones."
A few of the soldiers nearby exchanged glances, some scoffing at the idea.
"That's double the usual distance," one remarked.
Muhtasin chuckled, crossing his arms. "Well now, if you miss, boy, you'll have wasted a good shot. And I don't like wasting gunpowder."
Ahmet smirked. "Then I'll make sure not to miss it then."
Without waiting for approval, he strode toward the barracks and ascended the wooden stairs, his boots creaking against the planks. The men watched with curiosity as he positioned himself at the balcony railing, loading the rifle with smooth, practiced motions.
Below, Muhtasin and the officers observed in silence.
Ahmet took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and aimed down the barrel. The rifle felt balanced in his grip, and despite the added distance, he could still see the target clearly. He adjusted slightly for wind and let his instincts take over.
The crack of the gunshot echoed across the yard.
The soldiers turned to look—astonished—as the wooden dummy in the farthest row jerked violently, the bullet striking squarely at its chest.
A hushed silence followed before a few murmurs spread among the men.
Muhtasin whistled. "Not bad."
Ahmet, satisfied, reloaded. "Let's try another."
He fired again—this time aiming for the smaller dummy positioned even further back. The bullet struck just below its wooden head.
The murmurs turned into outright chatter.
"Did you see that?" one soldier whispered.
"From that distance?!" another muttered in disbelief.
Muhtasin smirked, nodding approvingly. "Alright, enough gawking. Let's see how the rest of you handle it." He turned to the gathered soldiers. "Or are you afraid to be outdone by a boy?"
The men grumbled, but they stepped forward eagerly, now more intrigued than before.
"Line up!" Muhtasin barked. "You will test these rifles properly—adjust your stance, take your time with your shots, and hit your targets cleanly. We will see if this weapon truly gives us an edge or if it's just another fancy toy."
The Janissaries took position at the range, each man carefully loading the new rifles. Unlike their smoothbore muskets, the rifled barrels required a bit more precision in loading, but once the first shots rang out, it became clear—this was no ordinary firearm.
The sound of gunfire filled the air, but unlike the usual scattered accuracy of traditional muskets, the results spoke for themselves. More shots struck true, fewer bullets veered off-course.
One soldier, normally average in his marksmanship, lowered his rifle, eyes wide. "Pasha... I barely adjusted, yet the shot went straight."
Muhtasin grinned. "That, my friend, is the difference between ordinary and extraordinary."
As the training continued, the men's confidence grew, their formations adjusting to incorporate the newfound precision. Muhtasin silently observed, already knowing what to put in his report to the palace.
~~~
"My shehzade, the report from Edirne has arrived" Cemil gave the letter, despite actually two reports been send, both were sent to Hunkarim itself, and shehzade Selim.
I read the letter, the successful weapon test and Ahmet's progress, it was satisfying, knowing that the rifling is now working. And Ahmet's skills too.
"That's what I like to hear" Now the rifling will become a common thing but the first modification are know from Ottomans instead of westerns.