Mahmud I vs Oba Orhogbua

Mahmud I ordered the execution of Patrona Halil and his followers, ending the revolt that had overthrown Ahmed III. He restored order by executing the rebel leaders and placating the Janissaries, stabilizing the empire after the Tulip Era crisis.

Mahmud I's empire fought a war with Russia and Austria. The Ottoman army successfully defended Ochakov against Russian attacks in 1737, but the war ended with the Treaty of Ni

Mahmud I signed the Treaty of Belgrade with the Habsburgs, ending the Austro-Russian-Turkish War (1735-1739). The treaty returned Belgrade and northern Serbia to the Ottomans, a rare territorial gain in the 18th century.

Mahmud I attempted to reform the Janissary corps by introducing new training and equipment, including modern firearms. However, the reforms were limited due to Janissary resistance, and the corps remained a conservative force.

After the Treaty of Belgrade, Mahmud I's reign entered a period of peace. He focused on rebuilding the economy and infrastructure, repairing mosques and fortifications. This stability allowed the empire to recover from the Tulip Era's excesses.

Oba Orhogbua armed his soldiers with Portuguese muskets during campaigns against the Igbo and Ijo peoples. This marked the first systematic use of firearms by a Benin ruler, giving his army a technological advantage.

Orhogbua led a military expedition that conquered the coastal settlement of Eko (modern-day Lagos), establishing Benin's control over the lagoon area. He installed a military governor and used the port for trade with Europeans.

Orhogbua built a fleet of war canoes armed with small cannons, creating a naval force to patrol the Niger Delta. This navy protected Benin's trade routes and enabled amphibious attacks on coastal communities.