Kapitel 54: Chapter 51: Revitalizing Medical Practices for Global Leadership
As the morning sun bathed the garden's flower-lined paths in golden light, Osman and Mehri Banu sat side by side at the breakfast table. The Sultan's gaze occasionally wandered to Mehri Banu's face, his mind drifting between sweet dreams and vague worries. Mehri Banu, in contrast, was perfectly at ease. She picked a fresh pomegranate seed and placed it in her mouth as she began to speak.
"Osman," she said, her delicate voice blending with the chirping of the morning birds. "If Allah grants us a son, the future of the empire will be built on firmer ground, won't it?"
Osman raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Isn't it a bit early to think about that, Mehri? We haven't even set up the cradle yet."
Mehri Banu chuckled softly, though her eyes held a certain seriousness. "It's not early," she replied. "You know that a male heir is always important for the dynasty. It ensures not only your protection but also the safety of the empire."
Osman's smile faded slightly. His tone was softer yet firm. "I believe it doesn't matter if our child is a boy or a girl. As long as they are wise, brave, and just, that's what counts."
Mehri Banu reached for Osman's hand and leaned closer. "Osman, I know how generous your heart is. But we also know the hardships this dynasty has endured. A male heir means fewer disputes over the throne, less bloodshed. If we have a daughter, we'll raise her with the same love. But... if we have a son, he can walk in your footsteps."
Osman couldn't deny the truth in Mehri Banu's words. Yet the thought of dwelling too much on the matter unsettled him. Taking a deep breath, he replied, "If we have a son, I'll raise him to be strong in both mind and heart. But if we have a daughter… she can become a mother who brings justice to the world, a leader in her own right."
Just then, a dove perched on a tree at the far end of the garden caught their attention. Mehri Banu's eyes lingered on the bird, and a soft smile spread across her lips. "May our child have a free spirit, like these doves," she murmured. "But my prayers will still be for a son."
Osman chuckled lightly. "I'd never underestimate the power of your prayers, Mehri. But no matter who they are, our child will bring beauty to this world. Because they will have a mother like you…"
Mehri Banu interrupted his words with a gentle kiss on his cheek. "And a father like you," she added.
That day, Osman couldn't shake Mehri Banu's words from his mind. He knew how significant a male heir was for the future of the empire. But the idealist within him believed that the world could not rest solely on the shoulders of men. As he wandered among the garden's flowers, he carried Mehri Banu's prayers in his heart and added his own: for a healthy and just child, regardless of gender.
Later that morning, Osman summoned the palace physician, Akşemseddin Efendi, to discuss a matter weighing on his mind. Akşemseddin, an elderly yet wise doctor, had served the palace for many years, tending to princes and sultans and mastering the treatment of various ailments. Though Osman greatly respected the physician's knowledge, he knew the current state of Ottoman medicine was falling behind.
"Akşemseddin Efendi," Osman began, "can you guess why I've summoned you here?"
The doctor smiled gently. "Your Majesty, it's difficult to predict the thoughts of a Sultan as sharp as you. However, I've heard whispers about your interest in the new medical advancements coming from Europe."
Osman took a deep breath. "It's more than interest; it's a necessity. The studies being conducted in Europe have placed their understanding of medicine ahead of ours. They examine the causes of illnesses by dissecting corpses and use new tools in surgeries. Yet we remain confined to the teachings of Avicenna and Al-Razi. Tell me, is this sufficient for the health of our people?"
Akşemseddin hesitated for a moment before bowing his head slightly. "Your Majesty, there is truth in your words. While Avicenna's wisdom is unmatched, the world is changing. However, our traditions are strong. Dissecting bodies is frowned upon in our lands. How would we justify such practices?"
"Traditions are indeed important," Osman replied, "but when it comes to the health of my people, nothing should stand in the way. That's why I will bring physicians from Europe. We'll equip our darüşşifas with their knowledge. You will work alongside them to create a bridge, ensuring that our people advance in the field of medicine."
Akşemseddin sighed deeply before nodding slightly. "This requires great courage, Your Majesty. But it is a wise step. Yet, I have one concern: how will we ensure our people and physicians accept this new knowledge?"
Osman smiled, his voice resolute. "We won't rush. First, we'll reform the madrasas, placing greater emphasis on practical education. In time, the benefits of this knowledge will become evident to our people. Seeing is believing, Akşemseddin."
The physician pondered for a moment, his gaze dropping to the floor. Then, lifting his head slightly, he spoke. "The will lies with you, Your Majesty. If we are to rekindle the torch of medicine in these lands, we need a determined Sultan like you."
Osman rose from his seat, his eyes burning with determination. "I am resolute, Akşemseddin. If I fail to act for the health of my people, I don't deserve to sit on this throne. Begin preparations immediately. I will issue orders to invite the finest European physicians here. You will plan how to integrate their knowledge into our practices. The Ottoman Empire must once again lead, not follow, in medicine."
As Akşemseddin left the chamber, deeply impressed by Osman's resolve, the Sultan returned to the medical texts from Europe spread across his desk. He couldn't help but wonder how these reforms would reshape his people's future. Yet, in his heart, he knew: this was the path to a stronger, healthier empire.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein