Turkish Armed Forces from Early History to Modern Times

The origins of the Turkish armed forces go back to the 3rd century B.C. Historically important they became when in 1453 they conquered Constantinople, made an end to the Byzantine Empire and founded the Ottoman Empire which dominated the Middle East, North Africa and great parts of the Balkans until middle of the 19th century. Then its decline began and at the end the Ottoman Empire was the "Sick Man" on the Bosporus. World War I brought an end and in 1923 the Republic was founded by Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk). From then on the army was the guard of the Republic against external and internal forces. This study describes the details of these developments with focus on the development of the Turkish military. The author was an officer by profession and spent many years as NATO-staff in Turkey. CONTENT INTRODUCTION Early History until the Fall of Constantinople The janissaries, cavalry, artillery and the conquest of Constantinople The Army in the Ottoman Empire Further rise and fall until 1826 The army in the 19th century The military coup of 1909 and the Young Turks The Ottoman Army in World War I With the Ottoman army to the Republic From the Creation of the Republic to the Present Day The army under Atatürk and Inönü Domestic operations of the army 1950-2007 Military operation abroad and the fight against PKK The cocup attempt of 2016 and the further development of the army Bibliography Index of Names