Ming Zuo

Chapter 1796 World Lonely City
Constantinople is located on the dividing line between Asia and Europe, and has witnessed countless storms from ancient times to the present.

It can be said that the situation in Eurasia was born here.

Now that the coalition forces of the East and the West are fighting here again, the fate of the world will be determined again.

The First Army had been preparing for three full months in Qiorlu, and did not launch an attack until all logistical supplies, artillery ammunition were delivered.

The battle was fought very hard.

The Ottomans also knew that Constantinople could not be lost, and turned hundreds of miles outside the city into strong fortifications.

From Fefuzi Pasha who played shortly before Joellu, the two sides devoted all their efforts to the competition.

The northern part of Fefuzi Pasha was full of hills, and the Ottomans became ruthless, dragged the heavy artillery up the mountain with great casualties, and bombarded the First Army condescendingly.

Therefore, it has been fighting European countries for many years, so the Ottoman Empire is not far behind in military equipment.

Under the bombardment of massive artillery, the First Army was so beaten that it couldn't lift its head up, and couldn't get close to Fefuzi Pasha at all.

The progress of the Second Army is not going well.

The Ottomans were well aware of the importance of the strait, so they deployed heavy troops on both sides.

When the ocean-going fleet attacked for the first time, it was hit by heavy artillery on both sides of the strait with heavy casualties, and had to retreat back to Canakkale in embarrassment.

Although the artillery performance of the National Defense Forces is more advanced, it is difficult to attack coastal defense with the navy.

Moreover, the strait is too narrow, and the Ottoman artillery can easily cover the entire water surface, making it impossible for the ships of the ocean-going fleet to avoid it.

In desperation, after discussion between Shang Kexi and Chang Ying, they could only advance by land and water.

The three marine divisions were divided into two groups, each leading a part of the North African coalition forces to attack the Ottoman army from both sides of the Dardanelles.

This made the Ottomans uncomfortable.

In addition to being passive, land defense and sea defense have always been afraid of outflanking.

In the Sino-Japanese War, the Beiyang Fleet was destroyed because of this.

Now that the Ottomans are dealing with the fleet at sea and the army on land, how can they be prepared?
The third marine division knew that the North Africans could not be counted on to attack the fortress, so they had to go into battle in person, and also showed their allies what a powerful force is.

Gribolu and Chardak were surrounded by the third marine division respectively. The Ottomans rescued them again and again, but they were all repelled by the second army.

Ten days later, Chardak was breached and the Dardanelles fell entirely into Allied hands.

The ocean-going fleet rushing into the Sea of ​​Marmara was like a dragon returning to the sea, and immediately began to make waves.

They first broke through Marmara Island and completely controlled the Marmara Sea.Then it went out to the coast of Fefuzi Pasha, and cooperated with the First Army to bombard the small town indiscriminately.

Encountered on both sides, the Ottoman defense finally wavered.

Marton Traup was very brave and personally commanded the Dutch army to capture the northern hills, making the Ottomans lose their geographical advantage.

Seeing that Fefuzi Pasha could no longer defend, the Ottomans retreated all the way to Catalca.

This is the periphery of Constantinople, and the buildings of Constantinople can already be seen from a high place in the city.

Europeans were getting closer and closer to their holy city.

Because the center of gravity of the war was Constantinople, the Second Army on the southern front was progressing very smoothly.After taking the Dardanelles, there were no obstacles.

A month later, Bandirma and Bursa fell into the hands of the Allies respectively.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that it won't take long for the Allied forces to complete the siege of Constantinople.

Mehmet IV was flustered and desperately raised troops from all over to try to relieve Constantinople. For this reason, he even led an army from Ankara.

But not long after they left, bad news came from the east.

Erzincan was breached by the National Defense Forces, and the entire valley corridor was no longer safe to defend.

Perhaps before the reinforcements of the Ottoman Empire arrived in Constantinople, their rear would be completely lost.

Even worse, the Arabs have reached Aleppo, and the Persians have also reached Mosul.There is no Ottoman army in the entire southeast, allowing the enemy to attack and plunder.

"Even if we really defended Constantinople, it would be meaningless. Once the Ottomans perish, everything will be gone."

The grand vizier followed Muhammad IV on the expedition, seeing the situation was at stake, and decided to persuade the Sudan to proceed from the national interest.

"Apart from defeating the enemy, do we have any other options? We have gained a vast territory by exploiting it. Once we show our weakness, the country will fall apart."

Muhammad IV is not a war madman, he also has his own considerations.

The rise of the Ottoman Empire was brilliant, but just like the Mongols, it relied too much on war.

Although a large territory has been laid down, the rule of many areas relies on tyrannical force and extreme oppression.

It can be said that under the blooming flowers, there are many forces dissatisfied with Ottoman rule.

This time the uprisings launched by various forces in North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East are clear evidence.

And even in the core area of ​​the Ottoman Empire, the Lebanese, Syrians, Georgians, Armenians, Greeks, etc., have always had two hearts.

Mehmet IV couldn't imagine at all, once these areas were separated from the Ottoman Empire, what would be left of this country?
"At least we can keep hope, waiting for the future situation to change. Otherwise, everything we have will become the spoils of others, and our children and grandchildren will also be enslaved by others, and they will never raise their heads."

Grand Vizier's attitude is very clear, and it also represents many people.

The defeat of the Ottoman Empire is inevitable, but whether the country can survive is still up for grabs.

Although many things will be lost, as long as the Ottoman Empire is still there, there will be a chance to regain its glory in the future.

"Your Majesty, please consider Ottoman's future."

Hulala, all the civil and military officials are prostrate on the ground, but they have become a force for the palace.

Obviously, behind the back of Muhammad IV, Ottoman's top management has reached a consensus.

They intend to surrender, even if it costs them dearly.

Even at the expense of Muhammad IV, the Sultan!

In this regard, Muhammad IV was not surprised.

He is a mature politician, of course he knows that anyone can sacrifice for the benefit.

However, the situation has not reached the point where he must die, and it depends on the conditions of the allied forces.

Now that the consensus had been decided, Mehmed IV wisely chose to obey.

"Then Dawei will be fully responsible for this matter."

Muhammad IV's counterattack was very insidious and buried a hole for Grand Vizier.

No matter what conditions were negotiated between the Ottoman Empire and the allies, the grand vizier in charge of the matter could not escape being accused of traitors.

At that time, he will have a ready-made excuse to continue to control the power of the entire country.

(End of this chapter)