The Fall of the Ottomans: The Great War in the Middle East, 1914-1920

The Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller, Winner of the British Army Military Book of the Year 2016, and Simon Sebag Montefiore's The Final Destruction of the Ottoman Empire is a must-read for anyone interested in the First World War. It describes the Ottoman Empire's four-century reign as one of Europe's most powerful states and its decision to join the First World War on the side of the Central Powers. The book details the British, French, and Russian plan to invade Gallipoli and Mesopotamia, ultimately defeating the Ottomans and clearing the way for the making of a new Middle East.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller
Winner of the British Army Military Book of the Year 2016

Simon Sebag Montefiore's The Final Destruction of the Ottoman Empire is a captivating and essential account of one of the great epics of the First World War. For centuries, the Ottoman Empire stood as a powerful force in Europe and the Middle East, ruling over vast territories and exerting influence worldwide. However, by 1914, the empire had been severely weakened, encircled by rival powers eager to bring it to an end.

The decision by the Ottomans to join the Central Powers in the First World War marked a turning point in the conflict. The British, French, and Russians, determined to finish off the Ottomans, hatched an ambitious and unprecedented invasion of Gallipoli. The invasion aimed to seize the Dardanelles Strait, which would provide a direct route to the Ottoman Empire's heartland and potentially end the war by weakening the empire's military capabilities.

The Gallipoli campaign was a grueling and costly affair. The Allied forces faced fierce resistance from the Ottomans, who fought back with great skill and determination. The battles on the Gallipoli Peninsula were some of the bloodiest of the war, with thousands of soldiers on both sides losing their lives. Despite the Ottomans' impressive fighting spirit, they were ultimately defeated.

The defeat of the Ottomans at Gallipoli had far-reaching consequences. It marked the end of the empire's rule in the Middle East and paved the way for the creation of a new Middle East. The Allied powers, particularly the British and French, emerged as dominant forces in the region, shaping the political and economic landscape for decades to come.

Eugene Rogan's remarkable book recreates one of the most important but poorly understood fronts of the First World War. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Rogan brings to life the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of the soldiers who fought on the Gallipoli Peninsula. He also provides a comprehensive account of the political and strategic considerations that led to the invasion and its aftermath.

The Final Destruction of the Ottoman Empire is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the First World War, the Middle East, or the power dynamics of the 20th century. Simon Sebag Montefiore's masterful storytelling and Eugene Rogan's expert analysis make this book an essential addition to any library.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141999074