As the title suggests, the goal is to turn the horrible situation that the Byzantine Empire found itself in post-1204 into a great success story, where they become one of the worlds Great Powers by 1800. Think it doesn't sound
that hard? Well wait until I show you your goal!
By 1800, you must make a
plausible scenario/timeline in which the Empire achieves this state roughly by 1800. I'll allow you till maybe 1825 if you absolutely require the extra time, but no farther. You'll get bonus points if the Empire also becomes a colonial power.
Ground rules are: The Empire must remain Orthodox Christian, the POD
must be after 1204, and Greek culture must remain the politically dominant culture within the Empire, even though it'd likely be the minority in terms of population. You can have any dynasty in power you want, from Laskarids to Palaiologids to Komnenos. Whatever, so long as it is plausible.
Aside from the Byzantine Empire itself, I'd like to know what the effects this monster of a Byzawank would have on the rest of the world.
Yes, I realize the extraordinary difficulty of this challenge, and I know that it is likely impossible to think up a plausible scenario for it to reach this point. But I've been surprised by the historical knowledge and intelligence of some of the members here, and I'm hoping that I'll be proven wrong and pleasantly surprised.
Good luck to anyone who wishes to take me up on this tough, tough challenge!
