Roxelana & Suleyman

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

The winter of late 1520 was extremely bitter in Istanbul. Temperatures fell far below freezing; howling winds blew down the Bosphorus and a thick blanket of snow covered the city. The weight of ice on the great dome of Aya Sofya threatened to collapse the structure. Indeed, Suleyman was so concerned for the security of the ancient monolith that he ordered Ibrahim to personally supervise the construction of temporary buttresses to carry the weight. A score of engineers scurried over the dome, hacking at the blocks of accumulating ice and snow with picks and axes, pushing it to the streets and courts below.

But with the warming weather of springtime, the snows began to melt and the city blossomed with the vibrant hues of chrysanthemums and tulips.

And just as the city blossomed, so did Haseki.

Suleyman lay on the divan, affectionately rubbing the growing belly of his beloved. He placed his ear to the taut skin and beamed as he strained to hear the sounds of the burgeoning life. Haseki ran her fingers through his lengthening hair.

“Will you return to Istanbul from your northern crusade in time for the birth?”

“I will do my best, my love,” he whispered, still intent on listening for the beat of the child’s heart.

Hyacinth entered the sitting room. Signing with his hands he said, “Shadow of God on Earth, the Chief White Eunuch has informed me that Ibrahim Pasha must speak with you urgently.”

Suleyman nodded and then, standing, pulled the curtain around the divan on which Haseki reclined. Ibrahim entered the chamber, dropping to his knees in respect. Suleyman lifted his friend to his feet, then placed his index finger to his lips and pointed at the drawn curtain. Ibrahim signaled his understanding.

“My lord, the Christians of the city are rioting with the rumors of our intended invasion of Belgrade. They have noted the readiness of the Agiamoglans and Janissaries and are in fear for their own safety. There is danger of losing Istanbul to insurrection if we pull the forces out on this crusade.”

Suleyman sunk into a divan overlooking his private courtyard. His brow furrowed, deep in thought as Ibrahim continued.

“I suggest that the palace immediately issue an ultimatum. All Christian churches should be transformed into mosques, and those Christians who refuse to convert to Islam should be executed. Their severed heads would be very fine adorning the main gates of Topkapi Palace.”

Haseki gasped and Ibrahim turned toward the drawn curtain in indignation.

“No, my dear friend,” Suleyman finally spoke. “Istanbul may be the holiest of cities for Muslims, but it has also long been a holy city for Christians. Was it not originally named after the most-chaste Mother of Jesus, our lady Mary, the eternal virgin? Though our religions have been bestowed to us by different prophets, they are inextricably interwoven. In the sanctum of Topkapi’s Pavilion of the Holy Mantle we not only secure relics of the Prophet Mohammed, but also the Purple Cloak, Spear and Sponge from the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. There enclosed is the table from the last supper and the doors from Noah’s Ark. No, we must not s*******r our brothers. The words of our prophets are intrinsically the same and lead to the same intended goal of Eternal Life with our creator—be He named God or Allah, He is without doubt the same omnipotent force.”

Ibrahim fell to his knees. “We have to subvert this insurrection, my lord.”

There was movement at the divan curtains and Suleyman looked to the silhouette, heavy with child, which shimmered behind the undulations of flowing cloth.

“My lord, Suleyman,” Haseki whispered.

Ibrahim could not conceal his horror—that this woman should dare speak. The glimmer of a smile curved Suleyman’s lips.

“My lord,” offered Haseki once more. “Let the Christians and the Jews ponder their fate for the remainder of this moon. Let them gather at our gate and sweat as if on their own journey to the cross. And on the day that they are so sure they will all be crucified, gather their priests and Patriarchs and announce:

“As far as was known, Constantinople was taken through force by the great Ottoman Forces of Mehmet the Conqueror; but the fact that the churches were untouched at that time must mean that the city and its religions surrendered by capitulation. Our great City of Istanbul, as the center of the Universe, must embrace all religions and let them prosper—for it is the holiest of all holy cities.

“This proclamation will be followed by laws under your seal which guarantee their freedom to live in peace, and to practice their faiths unhindered. They will know truly that both our Gods are one, and that you are the Shadow of that God on Earth.”

The silhouette sat back down on the divan, visibly shaking behind the gossamer.

Ibrahim made no attempt to disguise his horror.

Reclining further into the divan, the Sultan contemplated his love’s words as he peered out the window into his court. A small yellow bird was jumping across the pavement. Suleyman chuckled loudly as he stood, and lifted Ibrahim from the floor.

“You are gallant in battle and the running of my household, my dearest friend, but the words we have just heard have sprung as if from the loins of the lady Mary herself. Let those words be so, and from that day forward I shall be known as The Lawgiver. All our friends within the walls of Istanbul shall live in peace.”

Ibrahim bowed and left the room.