Palestine: The Ottoman Campaigns of 1914-1918

The campaigns fought by the Ottomans against the British in Palestine during the Great War are often neglected, but they are fascinating from a military history perspective and critically important for understanding the modern Middle East. Edward Erickson's book covers the four-year struggle from the Ottoman perspective, using Turkish official histories and military archives to recount the course of the campaigns, including the initial attack, the struggle for Gaza, the Arab Revolt, and the British offensives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The campaigns fought by the Ottomans against the British in Palestine often go unnoticed in accounts of the Great War, yet they hold immense significance in the realm of military history and have far-reaching consequences for the modern Middle East. In his authoritative and captivating account, Edward Erickson delves into the four-year struggle for control of Palestine between 1914 and 1918, shedding light on the battles fought for Suez, Sinai, Gaza, Jordan, and Syria. Through the lens of the Ottoman perspective, Erickson offers a fresh and innovative approach to understanding this lesser-known facet of the global conflict. Drawing upon Turkish official histories and military archives, he meticulously recounts the entire course of the campaigns, from the initial German-led Ottoman attack on Sinai and the Suez Canal to the subsequent battles for Gaza and the outbreak of the Arab Revolt. The reader is taken on a journey through the struggles, triumphs, and defeats of the Ottoman forces, as they faced formidable British offensives, including the pivotal battle for Jerusalem. Erickson also highlights the Ottoman defeat at Megiddo and the subsequent rapid British advance, which ultimately led to the capture of Damascus and Aleppo in 1918. This comprehensive account provides a valuable insight into the complex dynamics of the Great War and its impact on the region, highlighting the role played by the Ottomans in shaping the course of history. By examining these campaigns from the Ottoman perspective, Erickson offers a fresh perspective that challenges traditional narratives and sheds light on the complex interplay of power and politics that defined the era.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399019774