A Turkish perspective on the First World War
How the Ottoman Empire fought on land, at sea and in the air across three continents — and how a new nation emerged from the remnants of an empire.
The story of the men and women who fought, worked and endured — told from the Turkish side.
During the First World War the Ottoman Army fought on fronts from the Caucasus to the Arabian Peninsula. Its soldiers were driven not only by allegiance to the Sultan, but by a determination to protect their homeland.
Men and women of every age and background contributed, across ethnic lines. This website tells their story and preserves their experiences as part of the country’s legacy.
Explore the chapters
01
Prelude
The Ottoman Empire on the eve of war, from the Balkan Wars to the summer of 1914.
02
Alliance
The German–Ottoman alliance and the path to entering the war.
03
Campaigns
Eight fronts across three continents, from the Caucasus to North Africa.
04
Army
Organisation, units and soldiers of the Ottoman Army.
05
Navy
The Ottoman fleet, its warships and its operations.
06
Aviation
The Ottoman air service, its aircraft and its pilots.
07
Who’s Who
Profiles of Ottoman and German commanders and key figures.
08
Economy
Financing and supplying a war fought on many fronts.
09
Home Front
Civilian life, women’s work and society at war.
10
Aftermath
Armistice, occupation and the road to the War of Independence.
11
Prisoners of War
Ottoman soldiers in captivity and prisoners in Ottoman hands.
12
Documents
Key texts, from the 1912 peace with Italy to the Treaty of Lausanne.
13
Places of Memory
Battlefields, memorials and museums, visited today.
Fighting on three continents
From the snows of the Caucasus to the deserts of North Africa, follow the Ottoman Army campaign by campaign.
All campaigns →Recently added and updated
What’s New
- 17 Oct 2026NewHubert von Rebeur-PaschwitzWho’s WhoSouchon’s successor as commander of the Ottoman fleet, 1917–1918.
- 17 Oct 2026UpdatedWho’s Who profilesWho’s WhoAll Ottoman and German commanders revised, with new photo galleries.
- 17 Oct 2026UpdatedDocumentsDocumentsTen key texts, from the 1912 peace with Italy to the Treaty of Lausanne, with new introductions.
- 17 Oct 2026UpdatedOttoman AircraftAviationEvery aircraft maker’s page renewed, with specifications and at-a-glance tables.
Get in touch
Corrections, questions, documents and photographs from family archives are always welcome.