Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 88 Diplomatic Strategy
Pezeshkian quickly approached Amir; the change of Grand Vizier had not affected his position as Foreign Minister. Although Armenian, Pezeshkian was a Shia Muslim, which was one reason why he held a position within the government.

"My lord!" Pezeshkyan greeted Amir.

"Oh, you've come. Please have a seat."

Pezeshkian sat down, and Amir handed him the European data he had gathered. "You're in charge of diplomacy. If Iran wants to become strong, it needs to maintain good relations with these countries, but it can't improve relations with all of them, otherwise they'll think we're like dogs."

Pezeshkian also knew that he couldn't flatter all European countries; he only needed to maintain good relations with the most important ones. Therefore, Britain, France, Prussia, Austria, and Russia were the countries that Iran valued most.

"Currently, Russia poses the greatest threat, and our strategy of cooperating with Britain to counter Russia is correct. France has a close relationship with the Ottomans, and if a war breaks out with the Ottomans in the future, we just need to keep them neutral."

As far as I know, Prussia and Austria are currently troubled by domestic issues, but whether they will change course after this turmoil ends remains to be seen. Our country doesn't border Europe like the Ottoman Empire, but Russia's aggressive nature remains a sword of Damocles hanging over Iran.

Ultimately, it all comes down to Russia. Everyone knows Russia will continue its invasions, which is why it has invested the most military resources in the Azerbaijan region.

"We are aware of Russia's ambitions, but the gap in national strength between our country and theirs is significant. Although we have begun to catch up, if war were to break out, a swift victory would be essential. Expanding trade is one way to strengthen our national power. Do you think we can also develop relations with other countries?"

When Amir asked this question, Pezeshkian thought about it carefully and then said, "The best option for Iran now is to put pressure on countries like Khiva and Bukhara, as well as the tribes in Nejd. These places will not provoke a big reaction from other countries until our strength increases."

It seems the Foreign Secretary has no new ideas. Amir said to him, "Thank you for your suggestion. I will consider it carefully. Please also pay attention to the dynamics between Britain and Russia, as their changes are directly related to the life and death of Iran."

Pezeshkian nodded and then left the Grand Vizier's residence. Amir knew that Iran needed to prepare for Russia's ambitions.

Since the last exercise, Moltke has initiated military reforms across the country. According to the previous plan, two corps totaling 35,000 men would be reorganized within a year. This would require 4.5 million rials annually, and previous loans could sustain this for three years. After three years, a large portion of the fiscal revenue would need to be diverted to these reforms. This would place a considerable strain on the national treasury.

Therefore, increasing revenue is an important task for the government during this period. Amir wants to obtain more tariffs and raw materials by expanding foreign trade, so as to reduce the cost of domestic industrial products and become more competitive.

Meanwhile, education reforms are also underway in Iran. Most religious seminaries have been demolished, and church schools have been forced to convert into secular institutions. However, due to a shortage of teachers, only a few of these schools can remain open.

To alleviate the teacher shortage, the government established a teacher training college. The first batch of students numbered 60, and upon completion of the course and passing the examinations, they could become teachers.

To remain in secular schools, most graduates of the original theological seminaries switched to teaching history and languages. Others taught subjects like medicine and mathematics. Following the experience of some European countries, a national ministry of education, culture, and science was established to oversee education nationwide. While religious remnants remained, schools emphasized the power and dignity of the king over Allah. Ancient Iranian texts such as the Shahs and Kings were printed and distributed in large quantities, and the Persian language began to spread. There were no ethnic minorities, only Iranians living in different regions.

Every region in the country needs money. The Ministry of Education will allocate 70 riyals next year to promote education, and this amount will increase in the future. Transportation and telegraph also require significant investment. The only constant theme here is: money is needed.

Now we can understand the dilemma Amir faces: building a new economic system is imperative. At the same time, the old fundraising system is no longer effective; a new financial system is needed to obtain more funds.

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Iranian trading companies have “purchased” large tracts of fertile land from farmers in Somalia, all located in the lower reaches of the Shabelle River, where they can be directly irrigated.

Lawrence suggested that farmers plant cotton and sugarcane instead of grain, with the grain being transported from within Iran, which would also increase Iran's income.

Lawrence used sweet talk to induce local chiefs to sign a "friendly trade treaty." Due to the recent plague and famine, as well as the frequent internal strife, the Somali region had suffered varying degrees of damage.

Since ancient times, most of Somalia's inhabitants have been nomadic herders, raising goats, sheep, and camels; some herders in wetter areas also raise cattle. Agriculture is mainly concentrated in the Shabelle and Juba River valleys, coexisting with livestock farming. Crops cultivated include sorghum, maize, millet, sugarcane, cotton, bananas, and other tropical fruits and vegetables. Coastal residents primarily rely on fishing for their livelihood.

The company colonized Somalia primarily through three means. First, it seized strategic locations and established bases; second, it seized fertile land and established plantations; and third, it sought out various mineral resources and established mines. Mogadishu became Iran's forward base for its expansion into Somalia and even East Africa, and the company also established an effective monopoly mechanism, profiting by monopolizing local specialties.

At this time, the company already had 15 ships traveling between Iran and Somalia, in addition to ships from other countries that would stop in Mogadishu to rest and replenish supplies.

More than a decade ago, Britain, France, and other countries began colonizing the Somali region. In 1839, Britain forcibly occupied Aden, and in 1840, it further forced the rulers of Tadjoura and Zela to sign treaties ceding territory. According to the treaty signed between Britain and the Sultan of Tadjoura, Britain purchased Musa Island, under the Sultan's jurisdiction, for only 10 sacks of rice. However, due to the European revolutions, the colonization process there stalled.

Moreover, Lawrence and the Omani Empire's envoy had recently discussed and reached an agreement that they could trade in the north, but in exchange, they would have to pay a sum of money.

With Oman's permission, the company can continue to send more personnel. Before long, this place will become an Iranian colony, if the government so desires.

(End of this chapter)