Ottoman Army and the First World War

This book provides a comprehensive new operational military history of the Ottoman army during the First World War, highlighting its successes and sacrifices in diverting and mobilizing resources to support its allies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 466 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This is a comprehensive new operational military history of the Ottoman army during the First World War. Drawing from archives, official military histories, personal war narratives, and sizable Turkish secondary literature, it tells the incredible story of the Ottoman army's struggle from the Caucasus mountains to the deserts of Arabia and the bloody shores of Gallipoli. The Ottoman army, by opening new fronts, diverted and kept sizeable units of British, Russian, and French forces away from the main theatres and even sent reinforcements to Austro-Hungary and Bulgaria. Against all odds, the Ottoman army ultimately achieved some striking successes, not only on the battlefield but in their total mobilization of the empire's meager human and economic resources. However, even by the terrible standards of the First World War, these achievements came at a terrible price in casualties and, ultimately, loss of territory. Thus, instead of improving the integrity and security of the empire, the war effectively dismantled it and created situations and problems hitherto undreamed of by a besieged Ottoman leadership. In a unique account, Uyar revises our understanding of the war in the Middle East.

The Ottoman army, during the First World War, underwent a significant transformation in its operational strategy. Recognizing the limitations of its traditional tactics, the army sought to open new fronts and divert enemy forces away from the main theatres of conflict. This approach was aimed at mitigating the impact of the war on the empire's fragile economy and resources.

One of the key strategies employed by the Ottomans was the opening of new fronts in the Caucasus and the Middle East. By launching offensives in these regions, the army aimed to divert British, Russian, and French forces away from the critical battlefields in Europe. This strategy was particularly effective in the early stages of the war, as the Ottoman forces managed to inflict significant casualties on the enemy and gain valuable territory.

However, the opening of new fronts also presented the Ottoman army with significant challenges. The terrain in the Caucasus and the Middle East was rugged and difficult to navigate, making it challenging for the army to maintain its supply lines and move troops efficiently. Additionally, the enemy forces were well-prepared and equipped, making it difficult for the Ottomans to achieve decisive victories.

Despite these challenges, the Ottoman army managed to achieve some notable successes during the First World War. One of the most significant was its successful campaign in the Arabian Peninsula. The army managed to capture key ports and cities, including Medina and Taif, which provided a strategic foothold in the region and allowed the Ottomans to threaten the Suez Canal.

Another notable achievement was the Ottoman army's participation in the Gallipoli campaign. Although the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, the Ottomans managed to inflict significant casualties on the British and Australian forces and delay their advance into the Dardanelles. This success demonstrated the Ottomans' determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

However, the cost of these achievements was high. The Ottoman army suffered heavy casualties, both in terms of human lives and equipment. The war also drained the empire's resources, as the army had to mobilize its meager human and economic resources to support its operations.

In conclusion, the First World War was a transformative period for the Ottoman army. By opening new fronts and diverting enemy forces, the army managed to achieve some notable successes. However, the cost of these achievements was high, and the war ultimately dismantled the empire and created situations and problems that had hitherto been undreamed of by the Ottoman leadership.

Weight: 918g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367471774