Of Rajahs and Hornbills: A timeline of Brooke Sarawak

[Avrorrange]

To this I say: Never underestimate the power of human stupidity. IOTL, the Sultan of Sulu did manage to strike a deal... with a syndicate headed by a British trader and the Austro-Hungarian Consul to Hong Kong. In exchange for a lease (or cede) for North Borneo, the sultanate would be paid back around 5000 Dollars per year. The Consul was even granted the title "Raja of Gaya and Sandakan", though that didn't win him any favors from Vienna.

The good and bad news ITTL is that while events regarding the Sulu Affair have changed, the underlying forces that guide them still somewhat the same as OTL. There are many interested colonial lobbyists in many countries that would actually go try and negotiate with a polity as dubious as Sulu. There are also many companies that would do the same thing, irrespective of their home government's stance on slavery and piracy. The only reason why the trading companies haven't made a deal with Jolo yet is because they know how farcical their deals would be to the royal court; they just wanted a place to sell their goods (though with dubious bankrolling by the officials at Singapore) , especially the armaments smugglers and merchants.

Of course, there are also companies and governments that don't know very much about Sulu and it's credibility. In other words, Jolo might be on it's way out, but not before courting any nation, company, and third-party officers and diplomats they could find.



It might happen. With more international attention (in a way) to the southern Philippines, Manila might try to colonize and "pacify" Mindanao earlier than OTL to prevent another Affair like the one happening at Sulu. However, that might cause enough international attention of it's own; Walls are porous in Southeast Asia, and especially in the compounds of diplomats in the various capitals...



Well, I admit I am a bit rusty on Philippine history. Hmm... considering the significance of the Cavite Mutiny, I'll flip a coin and say it did happen with some variances from OTL. In fact, I wonder if the added pressure from watching over Luzon, dealing with Sulu, and greater interest in Mindanao would cause some unexpected changes in the colonial government. A harsher crackdown leading to more intellectuals fleeing the country? A repression on the Moros that would backfire if any foreign aid/protection/officials hear about it?

Filipino specialists, I need your help on this one!

Exactly.A power will try to annex Sulu or partition it with Spain just in real life.To fight an expensive war to protect the survival of a farcical,backwater entity like Sulu on the other hand would be out of any government's mind regardless of what deals the companies made. It's not the first time the metropolitan said "f#$k you" to the interest of minor merchants.They most certainly would not spend blood and treasure to protect the interests of a few minor companies against a European power(as pathetic Spain is,it's still a European power,not a third rate 'primitive' Asian country).

 

[The Forty-Eighth Rōnin]

If I remember, the reason Sulu struck a deal with the BNBC is to get money to buy arms for their campaign against the Spaniards.

On another note, do you know that in 17th century, the Sultanate of Maguindanao struck a deal with the Dutch to repel the Spanish invasion of their lands? Maguindanao also assisted the Dutch in their raids in Manila and Visayas.

If I were the Dutch, it might be a good move to rekindle that alliance.

 

[Herr Frage]

If I were the Dutch, it might be a good move to rekindle that alliance.

Why? What is to be gained making war on Spain now? They can likely get half of Sulu Borneo just by letting the Spanish take it. Its not like Spain will be a threat when they take Sulu.

Besides better Spain than rival Britain or a new meddler like italy or Germany.

 

[Al-numbers]

Robert Whitlam, The Farthest Colonies: New Guinea (Queensland Bowen Press; 1989)


In 1869, stating that the island of New Guinea would become a colonial hotspot would be akin to stating that Great Britain would suddenly give half of its Royal Navy to the Russiaan Tsar: impossibe. Yet, in just five years the large island would be the center of not just one, but three different colonial powers all vying for influence.

It has happened before. During the Age of Exploration, the eastern islands of the East Indies were a contested territory between the empires of Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands with each trying to dislodge the other from the lucrative trans-oceanic Spice Trade. Throughout the centuries, all three Powers tried to establish bases on the coasts of New Guinea to watch over their eastern possessions, only to abandon them out of rising costs, inhospitable conditions and the apparent lack of valuable resources on land. By the late 1850's only the Dutch remained and even then their power was mostly localized to the easternmost coasts of the Birds Head Peninsula.

Then came 1869. While it was inevitable that the rest of Europe would somewhat venture into colonialism, no one expected the year to become as dramatic as it did. When the Kingdom of Italy embarked on a diplomatic expedition to the east, it triggered alarm bells throughout Europe and the polities of Southeast Asia, and even more so when a squadron of ships decided to establish an island colony on the northernmost part of what is now Emmanuel Bay. Biak Island was originally envisioned as a prestige port and trading hub; a place where Italian companies can set up their business activities under the protection of the Regia Marina.

The reaction of the neighbours was anything but friendly. Following the expedition, a series of territorial and economic treaties were signed between the nations of Great Britain, the Netherlands and the adventurer-state of Sarawak over a period of two years, dividing Maritime Southeast Asia between the three polities. However, there was no clause in any of those agreements stating as to how east the Dutch East Indies should be, and it was one clause the Italian companies and the colonial backers recognized.

Perhaps it is fitting then that the following decade is now widely considered as the beginning of the Age of New Imperialism; a period that involves second-tier European Powers joining in on the colonial spree. However, numerous factors coupled with the geographic distance of their far-off holdings often meant that many European nations handled colonial matters in disjointed ways. For instance, the Aceh War and the Sulu Affair dominated regional discourse in the East Indies while islands like New Guinea became "the flyover regions" and were almost side-lined in international affairs.

Almost. With British and Dutch interests concentrated in Borneo and Sumatra there was significantly less oversight on New Guinea itself, and the Italian trading companies swallowed all the opportunity. After further observations, Biak was deemed unsuitable for settlement and so its neighbouring islands were colonized with the first administrative centre finally being established at neighbouring Japen Island by the Trinacria Compagnia on October 21, 1871 (it would later be relocated to the main island in 1883). Numerous Italian companies began scouting the region for valuable resources with surveyors mapping out the coastline of Emmanuel Bay while prospectors assessed the coastal landscape for the profitability of timber harvests and the discovery of ore seams. Missionaries also began making their own presence and by 1873 the first Italian church on New Guinea was officially consecrated.

The historical St. Peter's Catholic Church at Japen Island, built into its current form by Italian workers over the decades.​

However, it was also by this year that the Italian companies realized they had more than just one disgruntled neighbour.

To the east of New Guinea lies (what is now) the Bismarck Archipelago, a region that was already dominated by German trading companies. In fact, one of the biggest companies in the region at the time was J.C. Godeffroy & Sohn, a German enterprise that had economic interests all over the South Pacific, as well as ferrying German settlers to and fro across the ocean to the Americas, the Pacific islands, and Australia. In 1873 the companies decided to expand their reach to the western Bismarck Islands and the north coast of eastern New Guinea, and it was there that both sides met each other in bewilderment.

It wasn't long before sparks emerged. Both the Italian and German companies contested over their right to trade on the island, particularly on the establishment of trading posts and ports. Then there were the natives; the Italians were new to the concept of trading with the island's native inhabitants whilst the Germans had decades of experience with the Pacific Melanesians and Polynesians, resulting in power and influence flowing to the latter. By the mid-1870s the clergy got involved as well over the establishment of churches and Christian missions along the northern coast.

However, due to the sheer remoteness of the region such activities were only known about in the capitals of Batavia, Kuching and Singapore several weeks after they initially started, and by then the problems would have already blown over, only to crop up again at a later date. Now this was not to say that the main Powers of "Sundaland" – Malaya, Borneo, Java and Sumatra – didn’t care about New Guinea; on the contrary, the Dutch East Indies was particularly concerned with the expansion of foreign power at the extreme end of their archipelagic domain. However, the 1870's saw Batavia being endlessly bogged by battles, wars, uprisings, and incursions as the Dutch tried to become the premiere master of the numerous archipelagos. Due to this, the Dutch officials had to concede with temporary triage. Even with neighbouring collaboration, there were simply more important areas to influence, conquer, control, and consolidate than New Guinea.

By the end of the 1870's the island was the center of a new colonial power struggle, one that revolves around merchants, companies and the shadowy interests that back them. Contemporary observers from the region joked that the situation could not get anymore stranger, and yet in a few years’ time, it did…

____________________

Footnotes:

1) Emmanuel Bay = OTL Cendrawasih Bay. The Italians renamed it in honor of their monarch, King Victor Emmanuel II.

2) J.C. Godeffroy & Sohn was an actual company that did have commercial interests in the South Pacific, though it was one of several German companies also operating at the region.

 

[Herr Frage]

And then, the Austro-Hungarians showed up.

 

[Namayan]

Well, I admit I am a bit rusty on Philippine history. Hmm... considering the significance of the Cavite Mutiny, I'll flip a coin and say it did happen with some variances from OTL. In fact, I wonder if the added pressure from watching over Luzon, dealing with Sulu, and greater interest in Mindanao would cause some unexpected changes in the colonial government. A harsher crackdown leading to more intellectuals fleeing the country? A repression on the Moros that would backfire if any foreign aid/protection/officials hear about it?

Filipino specialists, I need your help on this one!

Cavite Mutiny in OTL was already harsh. The colonial government killed those who had nothing to do with the mutiny, exiled those who they think was part of it, and executed soldiers who did participate.

The colonial government was dealing with Spanish citizens, regardless if they are pure blood Spanish are partial, but was unfortunate enough not to be born in Iberian peninsula.

This assuming the Cavite mutiny failed like OTL. Had it succeeded, Philippines would be independent by the 1870s.

With regards to the Moros, the Moros were dirt poor and had nothing to offer to the west to justify any trade loss with Spain or its remaining colonies or possible war with Spain.

 

[Germania09]

And then, the Austro-Hungarians showed up.

We can only hope

 

[SenatorChickpea]

Good God. Catholics and Germans squabbling over land less than a hundred miles from Queensland? The colony's going to have a fit.
They'll probably try to annex New Guinea on behalf of Britain again as per OTL, though obviously with no more success. Still, that'll be a healthy blow to colonial pride and a spur to the federation minded.

 

[Nassirisimo]

And I've finally caught up!

I have to say, I really like the way that a kind of scramble for South East Asia appears to be unfolding. The Germans most definitely seem to have the upper hand in New Guinea at the moment, and if the Dutch continue to have their resources stretched for some time (which I'm guessing is rather likely), the Germans may well win out. I have a feeling that the Italians may have a few tricks up their sleeves yet though. Their ties with Aceh may prove profitable in the long run too.

Great stuff sketchdoodle!

 

[Herr Frage]

And I've finally caught up!

I have to say, I really like the way that a kind of scramble for South East Asia appears to be unfolding. The Germans most definitely seem to have the upper hand in New Guinea at the moment, and if the Dutch continue to have their resources stretched for some time (which I'm guessing is rather likely), the Germans may well win out. I have a feeling that the Italians may have a few tricks up their sleeves yet though. Their ties with Aceh may prove profitable in the long run too.

Great stuff sketchdoodle!

Don't forget about the gentlemen to the South having a fit at these 'foreign hordes' poised to invade their northern coast.

And let's not forget back on Borneo, Brunei while down is not yet out.

 

[Al-numbers]

On another note, do you know that in 17th century, the Sultanate of Maguindanao struck a deal with the Dutch to repel the Spanish invasion of their lands? Maguindanao also assisted the Dutch in their raids in Manila and Visayas.

If I were the Dutch, it might be a good move to rekindle that alliance.

Why? What is to be gained making war on Spain now? They can likely get half of Sulu Borneo just by letting the Spanish take it. Its not like Spain will be a threat when they take Sulu.

Besides better Spain than rival Britain or a new meddler like italy or Germany.

I did not know that bit about the Dutch and Maguindanao. Huh.

Considering the Affair blowing on next door, Maguinadanao might have an idea or two about making a deal with the Dutch or British. However, as many times as there have been shown, acts of diplomacy don't remain secret for long in the East Indies. Besides, if the Spanish knew they might make an open move against the sultanate that might surprise the latter, costing them everything. Maguindanao is in a hard position, but it might wait for a year or two before making any moves.

As for the why's? It not what is gained that interests (or worries) Batavia and Singapore, it's what can be lost. The longer the Affair goes on the greater the chances are of losing trade and/or something unexpected happening, whether it be on Sulu, Maguindanao, or any other sultanate. Already Italy and Germany are casting their nets out East, how much longer before Austria, or the United States, or (god really forbid) Russia?* . Given the train of thought, it's tempting to cut the issue short by secretly supporting Maguindanao or making both it and Sulu Dutch or British, but that would open a whole other can of worms. For now supporting Sulu is the policy of the day, but everyone's wondering... all the same.

Today, it might be all farcical. Back then, that was a possibility, at least in the administrators' minds.

*Actually, even Russia got involved by the late 1800's IOTL, wanting a coaling station at what is now Phuket Island. It took British intervention in Bangkok to resolve the issue (or rather, issues). Ahh, local history...

With regards to the Moros, the Moros were dirt poor and had nothing to offer to the west to justify any trade loss with Spain or its remaining colonies or possible war with Spain.

Yep, kinda matches what I've read as well. Doesn't stop some of the Moros from trying to make themselves an issue, whether intentionally or not.

And then, the Austro-Hungarians showed up.

We can only hope

May the Habsburg flag fly from Vienna to Mount Carstensz!!

I actually have a few ideas on just how different will Austro-Hungarian colonial policy would be. A direct colony is out of the question, but that doesn't stop Von Overbeck from making his own deals IOTL, right? ITTL Overbeck might not be the A-H consul to Hong Kong at this period, but considering his way of doing things we might see him or an ATL-brother of him in the near future. The East Indies is large, and there's still a lot an adventurer can do.

Good God. Catholics and Germans squabbling over land less than a hundred miles from Queensland? The colony's going to have a fit.
They'll probably try to annex New Guinea on behalf of Britain again as per OTL, though obviously with no more success. Still, that'll be a healthy blow to colonial pride and a spur to the federation minded.

So far, both Rome and Berlin are not directly annexing their companies' holdings in the East (yet), so Queensland can still breathe easy. Then again, that much of squabbling between the companies of those two nations might jitter them enough to do something stupid, perhaps even forcing Brisbane to pull an annexation earlier than IOTL.

And I've finally caught up!

I have to say, I really like the way that a kind of scramble for South East Asia appears to be unfolding. The Germans most definitely seem to have the upper hand in New Guinea at the moment, and if the Dutch continue to have their resources stretched for some time (which I'm guessing is rather likely), the Germans may well win out. I have a feeling that the Italians may have a few tricks up their sleeves yet though. Their ties with Aceh may prove profitable in the long run too.

Great stuff sketchdoodle!

Thanks!

The only thing I'll say about New Guinea and it's issues for now is: Things might go fourth-ways in the near-future.

And let's not forget back on Borneo, Brunei while down is not yet out.

Oh man, I'm torn between giving Brunei a break or making it go through the full emotional conga line of PAIN. I already have Brunei's future up to it's final colonial takeover set in stone, but I still wanna try and see if I could change a few things for the better. The sultanate truly deserves a much better fate both IOTL and ITTL.

Alright. Everything's set in stone. As much as I dislike to do war updates, let's move on to 1877!! Updates... when I can finish figuring out how to write it.

 

[xt828]

So far, both Rome and Berlin are not directly annexing their companies' holdings in the East (yet), so Queensland can still breathe easy. Then again, that much of squabbling between the companies of those two nations might jitter them enough to do something stupid, perhaps even forcing Brisbane to pull an annexation earlier than IOTL.

The distinction wasn't really as clear-cut as that - the companies were seen as extensions of the foreign relations of the home nation. While Britain hasn't fought against Germany or Italy yet, they'd both still be seen as very threatening and the way that they're squabbling with each other while establishing settlements in Australia/Queensland's back yard would, I think, have set the wheel in motion already.

 

[Germania09]

May the Habsburg flag fly from Vienna to Mount Carstensz!!

I actually have a few ideas on just how different will Austro-Hungarian colonial policy would be. A direct colony is out of the question, but that doesn't stop Von Overbeck from making his own deals IOTL, right? ITTL Overbeck might not be the A-H consul to Hong Kong at this period, but considering his way of doing things we might see him or an ATL-brother of him in the near future. The East Indies is large, and there's still a lot an adventurer can do.

Oh man an A-H presence of New Guinea Now I have the mental image of Teleki planting the Austro-Hungarian flag at the summit of Mount Carstensz (or perhaps this fine fellow... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_von_Payer)
Yeah I was thinking along the same lines sketchdoodle the Empire can only have so much of a presence and with the Italians controlling Dalmatia, maritime access will not be reliable during any future war with them. Not to say that the next round will go the same as the last war, hell the Croatians residents of Dalmatia will probably even welcome the soldiers of Austria-Hungary as liberators.

But considering their loss regaining prestige will be important for national policy so maybe Overbeck or TTL analogue will have more success appealing for funding and support. I'll definitely be interested to see how you do this, keep up the good work. Also is there any chance for a map?

 

[lukedalton]

Oh man an A-H presence of New Guinea Now I have the mental image of Teleki planting the Austro-Hungarian flag at the summit of Mount Carstensz (or perhaps this fine fellow... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_von_Payer)
Yeah I was thinking along the same lines sketchdoodle the Empire can only have so much of a presence and with the Italians controlling Dalmatia, maritime access will not be reliable during any future war with them. Not to say that the next round will go the same as the last war, hell the Croatians residents of Dalmatia will probably even welcome the soldiers of Austria-Hungary as liberators.

While the behaviour of the Dalmatian Slavs can be easily the one predicted, remain the fact that not only the Navy need to be rebuilt but now the only good base are in Istria and Regia Marina in case of trouble can easily close the Adriatic creating a serious problem to any Hapsburg colonial effort.

Said that the clear defeat in the '66 war can be a bless in disguise, not only can force the A-H military to consider the necessity of an increased budget of the navy but can the humiliation can bring the Magyar to be more hardline in their request to Vienna, forcing the Emperor and co. to really face the problem instead of letting rot for decades without a real solution.
Sure it will be hard in the immediate and blood and treasure will be spent to face the Magyars and modernize the country, still A-H can found itself much stronger than OTL after this ordeal.

 

[Al-numbers]

The distinction wasn't really as clear-cut as that - the companies were seen as extensions of the foreign relations of the home nation. While Britain hasn't fought against Germany or Italy yet, they'd both still be seen as very threatening and the way that they're squabbling with each other while establishing settlements in Australia/Queensland's back yard would, I think, have set the wheel in motion already.

Fair point, and I just figured out that even though Germany and Britain are somewhat allies in the Sulu Affair, that would still be not enough to convince Australia about the goings-on at New Guinea. It's more harder to be a friend of someone if that person's shifty relatives are setting up shop right next door. I'll flip a coin and say Australia or Queensland might go for an annexation in or around 1880, with some dialogue about with Singapore and London in the preceding years.

Besides, with that date I can finally put this into action. If there's anything that will spook the Aussies ITTL to action, it's that.

Oh man an A-H presence of New Guinea Now I have the mental image of Teleki planting the Austro-Hungarian flag at the summit of Mount Carstensz (or perhaps this fine fellow... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_von_Payer)
Yeah I was thinking along the same lines sketchdoodle the Empire can only have so much of a presence and with the Italians controlling Dalmatia, maritime access will not be reliable during any future war with them. Not to say that the next round will go the same as the last war, hell the Croatians residents of Dalmatia will probably even welcome the soldiers of Austria-Hungary as liberators.

But considering their loss regaining prestige will be important for national policy so maybe Overbeck or TTL analogue will have more success appealing for funding and support. I'll definitely be interested to see how you do this, keep up the good work. Also is there any chance for a map?

While the behaviour of the Dalmatian Slavs can be easily the one predicted, remain the fact that not only the Navy need to be rebuilt but now the only good base are in Istria and Regia Marina in case of trouble can easily close the Adriatic creating a serious problem to any Hapsburg colonial effort.

Hmm... considering the remoteness of the region, I'd doubt anyone would try ascending Carstensz up to the top until at least 1900. Then again, the greater attraction of the region by Europeans ITTL might result in an earlier expedition by at least someone, though I can see a lot of failed expeditions along the way. Maybe there will be an A-H mountaineer attempting to summit the mountain iITTL as part of an A-H/Germany expedition group, or it'll fall to the Dutch as OTL.

As for prestige, Austria-Hungary might concentrate their efforts close to home before embarking on company expeditions, especially with Dalmatia falling to the Italians ITTL, as Luke said. One move from Rome and say goodbye to overseas prestige, though I'd doubt the Dalmatians would listen to orders from the Peninsula. The Ottomans would be on the line as the Sick Man of Europe, though that would be soon be shot to pieces in the coming updates. Plus, the Hungarians might not like it if there are more non-Magyars added to the Empire.

As for a map, I'll think I'll make one in the 1880's. A lot can happen in just three years, and there are going to be huge changes once the dust has settled in the East Indies.

Said that the clear defeat in the '66 war can be a bless in disguise, not only can force the A-H military to consider the necessity of an increased budget of the navy but can the humiliation can bring the Magyar to be more hardline in their request to Vienna, forcing the Emperor and co. to really face the problem instead of letting rot for decades without a real solution.
Sure it will be hard in the immediate and blood and treasure will be spent to face the Magyars and modernize the country, still A-H can found itself much stronger than OTL after this ordeal.

That might happen, though I wonder just how much could be done at the time. I'm not familiar with A-H politics, but I can see the Hungarians becoming more hardline during the Ausgleich, as well as more attention to modernization and the military. I can also see Magyarization becoming a more overbearing policy ITTL, and that might sour the pot for the empire's minorities in Hungary. This coupled with greater modernization would make the Kingdom of Hungary the perfect breeding ground for radical ideas and nationalism. Here's hoping Franz Joseph and co. would be able to handle the powder keg.

Ooooh... and that just gives me an idea. Both the Ottomans, the Russians and the Austrians would want to modernize faster ITTL due to ITTL reasons. Empires need resources. Empires need communication. And I just know one of the most important materials to facilitate all that.

Sarawak and the Brookes might be dragged into all of this after all.

 

[Al-numbers]

Had to go to Bangkok. Have a quick interlude as an apology

Johor Bahru, Johor Sultanate, 3rd April 1877

The Voice of Johor​

​

RUSSIA DECLARES WAR ON THE OTTOMAN STATE

KOSTANTINIYYE - In an expected move, the government of Russia under King (Tsar) Alexander has declared a state of war against the Ottoman State. The Grand Vizier to the Caliph at Istanbul (Kostantiniyye) has announced that troops have already being called to fight against the oncoming invasion...


* * * * *​

"...So, it is happening."

"Yes, Tuanku."

Abu Bakar stared at the surrounding walls, lost in thought. The main entrance hall of the royal palace seemed like the unlikeliest place in the world to discuss a coming international conflict. An important figure shall be arriving soon – a prince in fact – and the monarch had paid no expense to make his abode as presentable as possible: the palace guards stood exactly as they've always been in new royal finery, the attendants are coming round to their jobs around the complex, and Abu Bakar himself was inspecting his attire a few minutes back for any overlooked defects that might show later in the day.

Then again, a lifetime of diplomacy and the observance of his father had taught the man that no place is truly exempt from the discourse of power and politics – save for perhaps the lavatory and the bedchamber.

"Well, I suppose I should say good luck to Abdul Hamid. I wish I could say that he and his armies could win, but from what we've heard in the Balkans..."

"I am hopeful." Jaafar answered, standing beside him. "Despite what the Europeans say, Serbia was pulling back towards their capital up until the armistice, and the Ottoman army was very successful in putting down the revolts around Rumelia-"

"It is not what the Ottomans will do that worries me, Jaafar." Abu Bakar interrupted. "Well, some of their actions do worry me. But mainly I am concerned on how will the outside world will view the coming fight. We already have enough of those Europeans from Singapore calling the Turks "raiders" and "rapists" when they were fighting the Serbians. Who knows what they will say when Russia will be their enemy."

"Tuanku, you put too much faith in hearsay and gossip. Let the British and the Dutch talk on in what they think. We have seen the Ottomans and their strength first hand, remember? And I don't think the Europeans would keep on their views once the Uthmaniyah gain the upper hand."

True, but haven't seen the power of the Russian army just yet. Allah forgive me, but I would not want our caliph to fight with something as large as that.

Trying to think of a new subject, Abu Bakar looked down on his western-style attire. The tropical heat made the London-brought clothes extremely stifling, but it was a price of decorum he was willing to pay. The monarch was not ignorant of his local reputation, or just how much the traditional nobles and imams saw him as: a lover and fanatic of all things European.

There is a reason for that. The Uthmaniyah are powerless over here in the East. Continuing ourselves according to Islam and our adat will not help us against Britain or Europe. The northern states are already being put under foreign rule. The British won't say it, but it's there for all to see. We need to look West if it means saving ourselves, and if that means changing ourselves, then so be it.

​

Turning to his friend and fellow statesman, he wondered if he could say what he thought in fewer words. "Humour me, Jaafar. What do you think will happen if the Ottomans win?"

The pause that followed was unexpectedly profound. "Well, I would think that they might help us to better ourselves against the world. They do have a navy, and they have vast resources that can be used."

The Maharajah quickly saw what his friend meant. He also saw the flaws. "But what if the British or the Dutch refuse them entry to the East, or to help us? What about the Christians who live in the empire? What shall happen to them?

"Well, so far no one is stopping any of the Turkish ships currently passing the Straits. Besides, I am sure your Majesty knows there is more to commerce than just open exchange."

"Indeed." There was no need for Jaafar to elaborate on that. Abu Bakar and the court had quietly turned the other way when the British and German traders requested guns for the archipelagic Sulu Sultanate. Never mind that the guns were originally confiscated from the Chinese Kangchu and their turf wars; so long as money flowed in and the secrets kept tight, no one would be any wiser, save perhaps Manila.

"As for the Christians though... don’t we have the same situation with the Kangchu and the Chinese settlers? We have drafted the Kanun Kangchu after all. I am sure Abdul Hamid has far greater men and resources to deal with the Christians, but it is not wrong to impart wisdom that we have already learned."

Abu Bakar jokingly quipped. "I wonder how that could be transferred. Another visit to Kostantiniyye, do you think?"

"Why not?" His friend replied. "Who knows? if the Ottomans do win this war, we might gain from being the first untroubled state to come to them during the peace. Maybe we could attain something from the situation, as will our neighbours. With what is currently happening, I can see Aceh, Brunei and Sulu requesting for aid soon enough. If we go early, we might be able to get ahead of everyone else, in a sense."

"A new spice market?"

"Or more," Jaafar now turned to his monarch and old friend. "The world is coming to Johor, Tuanku. British, Dutch, Germans, French... I heard the Japanese are rising rapidly so we might see them in our shores soon. If I may say so, If I have to choose my allies, I would like to do so once I've seen every option."

At that very moment, an announcer walked through the doorway. "Daulat Tuanku! the carriage is past the gates! Our visitor has arrived!"

"Well then." Abu Bakar looked at his friend. "Let us greet him then, shall we?"

____________________

Footnotes:

1.) You will be surprised at how much international discourse traveled in those days. The Sarawak Gazette even reported on the Franco-Prussian War when it happened in 1870.

2a.) To any Arabic readers, it's alright if you can't read the excerpt. The Malay language back then was written down in the old Jawi script, a modified form of Arabic used for both court and vernacular use. Before the twentieth century, almost all the kingdoms and sultanates of the region used a variant of Jawi for communication, and Johor was no different. Even Sarawak allowed the use of the script, though they used Romanized Malay and English for government discourse.

2b.) If there are any fluent Jawi readers, please note that I am not the best at conjugating words and sentences using the script! If I made any mistakes, I didn't do it on purpose.

 

[Ridwan Asher]

I didn't know the word "mengisytiharkan" exists before this update

 

[Archangel]

Keep it up, sketchdoodle!

 

[Nassirisimo]

I'll be very excited to see what happens in this version of the Russo-Turkish war for obvious reasons. The knock on effects that it could have either way are interesting, as well the impact it will have on the Muslims of the Malay Archipelago.

 

[Al-numbers]

I didn't know the word "mengisytiharkan" exists before this update

Considering my thoughts of you being from the region, I am shocked.

I'll be very excited to see what happens in this version of the Russo-Turkish war for obvious reasons. The knock on effects that it could have either way are interesting, as well the impact it will have on the Muslims of the Malay Archipelago.

It's going to be a watershed moment, that's for sure. The Russo-Turkish War was one of the reasons why Europe became such a tangle of alliances and conflicts, and an altered war could change a lot in that respect, whether or not the Ottomans win or lose.

For South East Asia, it's going to be a fight everyone's watching. An Ottoman win would increase hopes for a financial or political intervention, which the region's sultanates desperately need. We might see several kingdoms sending emissaries to the capital pleading for help soon enough, though Abu Bakar might trump them all by visiting Abdul Hamid himself for economic and political links. The man might love Europe, but there's no harm in a bit of redundancy. Abu Bakar will find though that he's not the only one in the Johorean court taking a trip to Kostantiniyye...

Keep it up, sketchdoodle!

Thanks!

In other news, I'm still vacillating between writing a war update or not, since I'm really poor at wars and like to focus on other things instead. On the other hand, I have no idea what to write about that could be related to the Russo-Turkish War, so a war update might be inevitable anyhow. I guess I could put in some interrelated excerpts throughout the Muslim world as the war progresses and set the peace conference after that. I might need some thinking about it though...