The Entry Process To The First World War, Eastern (Caucasus) Front: Köprüköy And Azap Battles

In this study, the Köprüköy and Azap battles, which were accepted as the initial battles of the Eastern (Caucasus) Operation, which had the largest geographic feature in the First World War, were examined. Two warships, which were ordered to England and paid in cash, were not given to the Ottoman State by the attempts of the British Navy Minister Winston Churcill upon the understanding that the World War would come. This event was the most important event that diverted the Ottoman Empire from the Trilateral Entente and brought it closer to Germany. The Ottoman Empire reported that Britain bought the battleships Goeben and Breslau cruisers from Germany. Thus, these two ships, considered one of the most modern ships of the era, were included in the inventory of the Ottoman Navy. On 29 October 1914, the Ottoman Navy power, which included the battleship Goeben and cruiser Breslau, bombarded Sivastapol, Odesa, Novarosiski and Kofe naval bases at the disposal of the German Admiral Suşon. With this initiative, the Ottoman Empire and Russia actually entered the war. Enver Pasha had been warned by such famous commanders like Kazim Karabekir Pasha, Liman Von Sanders Pasha, 3. Commander Hasan Izzet Pasha not to enter this war early and not to make a winter operation to the Eastern (Caucasus) front. However, Enver Pasha did not consider these important recommendations. Köprüköy and Azap battles, against Russian forces lasted for fifteen days. Partial successes were achieved in these battles, but the enemy was not absolute defeated.

Keywords

History, First World War, Enver Pasha, Hasan Izzet Pasha, Eastern Front, Köprüköy Battles, Battles of Azap.