As for demanding these regions [he explained,] it is based on the fact that they are well-wooded regions, and verily the nation that possesses no timbered land will find excessive difficulty in maintaining her fleet. All this is self-evident. As you know, England is a poorly wooded country, and when it sought to obtain timber from Austria, the latter country rejected the request. Indeed, Egypt is in the same position. In confirmation of my suggestion is the instruction I previously received from you in which you said, "My son, give as much care to the matter of timber as you would to crippling the army of Constantinople."

Builds on: "Egypt's southern Anatolian districts supplied timber for the fleet and factories."

Khaled Fahmy, All the Pasha_s Men_ Mehmed…, loc. 215