Subject
World War, 1914-1918 -- Turkey Books
Best books
Gaston Gaillard
The Turks and Europe
"The Turks and Europe" by Gaston Gaillard is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work primarily discusses the interactions, conflicts, and influences between the Turkish peoples and Europe throughout history, focusing on the Ottoman Empire’s rise and decline. It delves into ethnographic, political, and cultural aspects that shaped the relationship between Turks and various European nations. At the start of the book, the author introduces the historical context of the Turks, outlining the distribution of Turkish peoples across Asia and Eastern Europe. He emphasizes the significant migrations of Turks into Europe, particularly during the Middle Ages, and examines how these movements influenced the demographic and cultural landscape of the regions they settled in. Gaillard also touches on the historical relationships between different ethnic groups, the impact of invasions, and the complex web of alliances and conflicts that have characterized the interactions between Turks and Europeans over centuries. Overall, the opening sets the tone for a detailed exploration of the Turkish question as it pertains to European history.
Henry Morgenthau
Ambassador Morgenthau's Story
"Ambassador Morgenthau's Story" by Henry Morgenthau is a memoir published in 1918. The former U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire recounts his experiences from 1913 to 1916, documenting German-Ottoman relations during World War I. The book serves as a primary source on the Armenian genocide, revealing his conversations with Ottoman leaders who dismissed early reports of atrocities. Unable to secure official U.S. intervention, Morgenthau drew international attention to the unfolding genocide and organized private relief efforts.
Henry Morgenthau
Secrets of the Bosphorus
"Secrets of the Bosphorus" by Henry Morgenthau is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the author's experiences as the American ambassador to the Ottoman Empire during a critical period, from 1913 to 1916. It offers insights into the political machinations and intrigues surrounding the German influence in Turkey and the broader geopolitical context leading up to World War I. Morgenthau's narrative provides both personal observations and a broader analysis of the tumultuous events unfolding in the region, focusing on key figures such as German Ambassador Baron Wangenheim and Turkish leaders Talaat and Enver. The opening of the book sets the stage for an exploration of the complex and often treacherous political landscape in Turkey as Germany sought to solidify its power in the region. Morgenthau reflects on his early impressions of the characters who played pivotal roles in the unfolding drama, particularly emphasizing Wangenheim's ambitions and the chaotic state of the Ottoman government. He describes the Young Turks, whose initial promises of democracy had devolved into a regime marked by violence and oppression. As tensions rise and the specter of war looms, the author hints at the dire consequences of these historical events, foreshadowing the tragic fate of various ethnic groups, especially the Armenians, in the years to come.
Harry Stürmer
Two war years in Constantinople : $b sketches of German and Young Turkish ethics and politics
"Two War Years in Constantinople: Sketches of German and Young Turkish Ethics" by Dr. Harry Stuermer is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a personal narrative and critical reflection of the author's experiences as a correspondent in Turkey during World War I, revealing insights into the ethical and political climate of the period. The author examines the atrocities committed against the Armenians and the intricate relationship between Germany and the Young Turkish government, as well as how these influenced the war’s unfolding. At the start of the narrative, Dr. Stuermer shares his initial feelings about the war and its impact on Germany and Turkey, as he arrives in Constantinople with a mixture of goodwill toward the Turks and concerns regarding their government. He describes his experiences on the frontlines in the Dardanelles and grapples with conflicting feelings about whom to support—his fellow Germans or the Turks fighting for their existence. As he continues to witness the unfolding horrors of the Armenian persecutions, his perspective shifts dramatically, leading him to criticize both the Turkish regime and the German government's complicity in the brutalities of war. This opening sets the stage for a nuanced exploration of moral dilemmas, political realities, and the personal journey of a man caught between ideologies during one of history's darkest periods.
E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
Deutschland Über Allah
"Deutschland Über Allah" by E. F. Benson is a political pamphlet written during the early 20th century, specifically around the time of World War I. The book examines Germany's diplomatic and military strategies in the Ottoman Empire, illustrating how Germany effectively manipulated the geopolitical landscape for its own advantage. It delves into the intersection of military power and psychological warfare, particularly focusing on Germany's treatment of Turkey as it sought to bolster its own influence. In this thought-provoking work, Benson outlines the intricate steps taken by Germany to establish dominance over Turkey, effectively turning it into a quasi-colony. He highlights the role of German diplomacy, which was marked by significant investment in military training, economic control, and cultural indoctrination within Turkey. The narrative reveals how Germany supported the rise of the Young Turks while simultaneously furthering its own Pan-Germanic agenda, culminating in a problematic relationship exemplified by events such as the Armenian massacres. Benson's analysis serves as a critical examination of the catastrophic consequences that arise when a powerful nation seeks to exploit another, providing a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked imperialism and the commodification of geopolitics.
Arnold Toynbee
Turkey: a Past and a Future
"Turkey: A Past and a Future" by A.J. Toynbee is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The text explores the complex historical, cultural, and ethnic landscape of Turkey, particularly in the context of its transformation during and after World War I. It delves into the various peoples and civilizations that have shaped Turkey's past, as well as the Ottoman Empire's multifaceted nature, revealing both its historical significance and its contemporary challenges. The opening of the work sets the stage by illustrating Turkey's rich tapestry of landscapes and cities while acknowledging the diverse range of ethnic groups that reside within its borders. Toynbee describes the geographic variety of the region, from the deserts of Mesopotamia to the highlands of Armenia, and discusses the cities that have served as cultural and commercial hubs through the ages, such as Constantinople and Aleppo. He emphasizes the tensions arising from the empire's ethnic diversity and the effects of war and government policies on this intricate societal fabric. Overall, the opening portrays a nation marked by its complexities and contradictions, establishing a foundation for understanding Turkey's past and future.
E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
Crescent and Iron Cross
"Crescent and Iron Cross" by E. F. Benson is a political and historical analysis written during the early 20th century. The book delves into the complex and tumultuous relationship between Turkey and its subject peoples, particularly focusing on the atrocities committed against Armenians during the late Ottoman Empire. It draws upon various historical sources and contemporary accounts to illuminate the events and ideologies that shaped this dark period. At the start of "Crescent and Iron Cross," the author outlines his examination of the Ottoman Empire's historical context, establishing a framework for understanding the systematic oppression that took place against non-Turkish populations. In the opening chapter, Benson critiques the notion of Turkey as a "sick man" and instead asserts that it embodies a "sickness" that preys upon the vitality of its subject races. He examines the historical lineage of Turkish domination and emphasizes the Ottoman policy shift under leaders like Abdul Hamid and the Young Turks, highlighting the devastating Armenian massacres as a tragic consequence of their rule. Benson’s compelling narrative sets the stage for a thorough exploration of how these events unfurled during the early 20th century, underscoring the urgent need for historical reckoning and accountability.
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