Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 278 The Undercurrents of the Eastern Mediterranean

Crete, located in the Aegean Sea, guards several waterways connecting the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, making it an important strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean region.

The long and narrow island of Crete serves as a gateway to the Aegean Sea, connecting it to several waterways of the Mediterranean. The Aegean Sea is a crucial passage for shipping between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The island possesses resources such as talc, lignite, gypsum, and small amounts of copper and iron ore. Consequently, mining is a thriving industry, one of the island's few sources of wealth.

In 1821, the Greek War of Independence broke out, and mainland Greece seceded from the Ottoman Empire, but Crete remained under Ottoman control. The specific political power was controlled by several important families on the island, and as the situation changed, the island was no longer peaceful.

The Mitsotakis family had lived on Crete for over 700 years, settling there since the Eastern Roman Empire. Under Ottoman rule, they were incorporated into the Orthodox Millite order. Ottoman governors also needed to cooperate with the family to implement policies.

Looking at the gift in front of him, the head of the family, Leo Mitsotakis, still greeted Sadig, who was sitting opposite him, in a friendly manner.

"Thank you for the gift, Mr. Sadiq. I didn't expect your country to be so interested in Crete."

Sadiq laughed heartily, “Not at all. Our country has always adhered to the concept of peace and friendship in our exchanges. Shah is very interested in the history of the island, which is why he sent me to discuss the specifics with you.”

Mitsotakis became interested in the specifics. "What does your country wish to discuss?"

Sadiq produced a document and handed it to the other party. He added, "I know you are dissatisfied with the Ottomans, and many people on the island want to join Greece. But have you considered a third path between the Ottomans and Greece?"

Mitsotakis realized what was happening, "You mean..."

The other party nodded. "Exactly. Your prestige on the island is unmatched. Why don't you declare independence yourself?"

Mitsotakis immediately stood up and rebuked Sadig. "Does Your Excellency intend for me to do such a thing? Everyone on the island is Greek, and we miss our homeland every moment."

That's true; Greek nationalism has become the most important ideology in the Aegean Sea. Achieving a unified Greece is the mission of all Greeks, and no one can stop them.

Sadiq shook his head and said, "That's true, but haven't you considered that if Athens were to settle accounts, you might not be able to keep your property?"

The other party was speechless, but upon reflection, he was also furious. Weren't all the prominent families on Crete like this, using bribery of Ottoman officials to gain benefits?

Is this a threat?

"No, I'm just stating the facts. If you think the spirit of unity is more valuable than your property, then pretend I didn't say anything and I'll leave immediately."

As Sadiq prepared to leave, Leo stopped him. This was a real blow to his pride. Crete's economy relied heavily on mineral and agricultural exports, both controlled by local families. Seven families controlled 78% of the arable land and 86% of the mineral resources, profiting immensely from these resources and their collusion with Ottoman officials, using inside information. Meanwhile, Greece was currently severely punishing those who aided the Ottomans, and the Ottomans were purging Greeks who had defected. Crete, being overseas, had not yet been affected.

Sadig's words stirred up terrifying thoughts within him. His property could not be taken away; it had to be protected.

"However, Crete does have ideas about independence. It's just that the people still prefer to unite with Greece."

This is indeed the trend, and if there were opinion polls, Crete would join Greece with over 80% support. But polls can be manipulated; they can never truly represent public opinion, especially Western opinion polls.

"You don't need to worry about that. I believe the people on the island support independence. They think it's better to rely on ourselves."

Sadiq could say that because everything was ready, and all that was left was for him to kick it off. Forty percent of Crete's population were Muslim, and after the war between Iran and the Ottomans, there was a rapid conversion from Sunni to Shia.

Furthermore, Sadiq also investigated several Orthodox families, selecting those most likely to choose independence for cooperation. He was confident they would be tempted if the offer was substantial enough.

There's no other way; the Eastern Mediterranean is also a major area where Iran exerts influence. We were so close to reaching the coast, we had to make preparations in advance.

Iran has established a consulate in Cyprus and is guiding the local population to convert to Shia Islam. Most of the goods produced locally are exported to the Ottoman Empire and Iran. Local Shia Muslims have also begun forming private armies to maintain order. Feeling powerless, the Greek residents are leaving, while the Shia population is increasing significantly.

The Ottomans took a very hard line against Cyprus, repeatedly landing on the island and carrying out massacres.

Besides Cyprus and Crete, the Twelve Islands, with Rhodes as its main base, are also a key target for Iran's efforts. In these areas with large Orthodox Christian populations, Iran has been using a mild approach to encourage them to leave and settle in the Balkans.

Iran is less lenient towards the Ottoman Christians in the remaining Middle Eastern territories, especially the Maronites, who are a major destabilizing factor and must be eradicated completely.

In Beirut, their stronghold, attacks against the Maronites increased, even surpassing the number of attacks against Jews. The local governor, who was also in a semi-independent state, began to secretly obey Tehran's orders to expel the Maronites.

Mitsotakis didn't have time to think much; more than the pride of a unified Greece, he wanted to protect his property. So he agreed.

Not only his family, but four other prominent local families also decided to push for Crete's independence under a financial offensive. They decided to establish the Cretan National Congress, with funding and weapons provided by Iran, with the ultimate goal of promoting Crete's independence.

Sadiq's lobbying mission in the Eastern Mediterranean was largely successful. He promoted Bulgarian independence in Bulgaria; persuaded the two principalities in Bucharest to unite; and led Crete toward independence. These efforts lasted one year and four months, costing over 360 million riyals in resources and funds. Results should be seen soon.

(End of this chapter)