An Evaluation on the Role of Turkish Troops in Eastern Europe and the Balkans in the First World War
An Evaluation on the Role of Turkish Troops in Eastern Europe and the Balkans in the First World War

Summary/Abstract: The First World War assumed a new dimension with the Ottoman Empire’s involvement. The war fronts expanded to include the Caucasus, the Suez Canal, the Persian Gulf and the Turkish Straits; however, conflicts continued in Europe until November 1914 when the Ottoman Empire joined the war. Previous experiences of the Tripoli and Balkan wars revealed that Ottoman Empire’s isolation brought about significant losses. After the “July Crisis”, amid the war ravaging in Europe, Ottoman administrators held negotiations between the blocs resulting in an alliance agreement with Germany. This agreement positioned the Ottoman Empire as one of the Central Powers. During the initial years of the war, the Ottoman Empire battled to repel attacks against itself and relieve the burden on its allies in Europe. Turkish troops, who demonstrated their capabilities through victories at Çanakkale and Kutü’l-Amare, were dispatched to Galicia, Romania, and Macedonia in accordance with Enver Pasha’s belief that the outcome of the First World War would be determined in Europe. These units fought in battles, received recognition from their fellow soldiers, and experienced casualties. This study presents the activities of Turkish troops using available information and documents and evaluates the situations encountered during this process from a range of positive and negative perspectives.

• Details
• Contents