A New Epoch Dawns!

[Matt]

Dateline: Valletta

The international wires carried the following announcement from the Sublime Porte:

Istanbul. Massive crowds have taken to the streets in Istanbul and major urban areas all the way to Athens and Sophia. In a bizarre paradox gilt crosses and images of the Padishah Khan, side by side, are being paraded through the streets. Church bells are heard ringing throughout the Balkans. This turn of events has been brought about by a new proclamation of the Sultan, who immediately after the decree was published delivered a rare personal appearance outside the Hagia Sophia.
"Today is the dawning of a new epoch of the world. In council with the magnates of our realm and other religious officials we have decided to change the course of the war and perhaps history. German aggression must be stopped, but their lies and betrayals have shown us a better side to human nature. Beginning with the Christian Holiday of Christmas we have decided to allow the dual expression of religion throughout our realm and for High Holy Day Christian services to be performed in the Hagia Sophia. Additionally, we decree the formation of a Christian quarter in Jerusalem to welcome back, as guests and pilgrims, our allies the Franks."

In a separate decree related more to the war, but immediately following the acceptance of the Orthodox faith, the Turks have welcomed all Russian soldiers and exiles into their ranks. In a move to change the balance of the war the Turks are forming a Russian Legion under the leadership of none other than the Grand Duke. The decree recognizes the Russian nobility in all liberated lands with certain autonomous rights and privileges. Throughout the Balkans and the Crimea Russian units en masse are reportedly coming over to the Turkish cause. What impact this will ultimately have on the war remains to be seen.