Ottoman Twilight in the Arab Lands: Turkish Testimonies and Memories of the Great War

The Great War is still seen as a European war, with the Middle Eastern theater being a sideshow written from a Western perspective. This book fills an important gap in the literature by providing annotated translations from five Ottoman memoirs of actors who witnessed the last few years of Turkish presence in the Arab lands, providing historical background to many of the crises in the Middle East today.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 300 pages
\n Publication date: 30 April 2019
\n Publisher: Academic Studies Press
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The Great War, often perceived as a predominantly European conflict, has relegated the Middle Eastern theater to a marginal role, often portrayed from a Western perspective. This book fills a significant void in the literature by presenting annotated translations from five Ottoman memoirs, previously unavailable in English, that offer firsthand accounts from individuals who witnessed the final years of Turkish presence in the Arab lands. By providing a historical backdrop to numerous ongoing crises in the Middle East, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, the tumultuous emergence of Syria and Lebanon, the disputes over sacred Islamic sites in the Hejaz, and the mutual prejudices between Arabs and Turks, this work sheds light on the complex and multifaceted dynamics that have shaped the region's history.

The Ottoman Empire's presence in the Arab lands spanned several centuries, marked by periods of dominance and influence. However, with the onset of World War I, the empire's fortunes began to decline. The Arab Revolt, which erupted in 1916, challenged Ottoman rule and led to the establishment of several Arab states in the region.

One of the key individuals who played a role in the last years of Turkish presence in the Arab lands was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic. Atatürk's policies of secularism, nationalism, and modernization significantly impacted the region, and his vision for a unified and independent Arab world resonated with many Arabs.

The memoirs presented in this book offer a unique perspective on the events of the time. They provide insights into the lives of ordinary people, both Muslims and Christians, who lived under Ottoman rule and witnessed the changes that occurred during the war and the aftermath. The memoirs also shed light on the complex relationships between the Ottoman Empire and the Arab world, including the rivalries, alliances, and conflicts that shaped the region's history.

One of the most significant themes in the memoirs is the Arab-Israeli conflict. The authors describe the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire, the emergence of Zionism, and the subsequent conflict between Arabs and Jews. They provide a firsthand account of the events that led to the creation of Israel and the displacement of millions of Arabs, and the ongoing struggles for land and identity in the region.

Another important theme is the emergence of Syria and Lebanon as independent states. The memoirs describe the political and social upheaval that occurred in these countries during the war and the subsequent struggles for power and stability. They also highlight the role that foreign powers, such as France and Britain, played in shaping the region's political landscape and the conflicts that emerged as a result.

The memoirs also shed light on the struggle over the holy places of Islam in the Hejaz, a region that includes the cities of Mecca and Medina. The authors describe the religious and political tensions that have existed in this region for centuries and the role that the Ottoman Empire played in managing these tensions. They also highlight the challenges that the Arab Revolt and the establishment of independent states posed to the Ottoman Empire's control over the holy places.

In addition to providing a historical perspective, the memoirs also offer insights into the mutual prejudices of Arabs and Turks about each other. The authors describe the cultural and social differences between the two groups and the challenges that they faced in living together and cooperating. They also highlight the efforts that were made to bridge these differences and promote understanding and cooperation.

Overall, this book fills an important gap in the literature by presenting annotated translations from five Ottoman memoirs that offer a firsthand account of the last few years of Turkish presence in the Arab lands. It provides a valuable historical background to many of the crises in the Middle East today and sheds light on the complex and multifaceted dynamics that have shaped the region's history. The memoirs offer a unique perspective on the events of the time and provide a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in the Middle East and its history.

\n Weight: 424g\n
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781618119582\n \n