The Russian Occupation of Erzurum in the First World War: The Repercussions of the Occupation in Russia and in the World According to the Russian Press and Literature

Abstract

One of the important fronts that the Ottoman Empire fought during the First World War was undoubtedly the Caucasus front. Compared to the other fronts, the Ottoman and Tsarist Russia were especially concerned about this front because it was the initial point for attacks targeting Central Anatolia. Erzurum became a Russion target after the 1828-1829 Ottoman-Russian War. Also, during the First World War, Russian’s main aim in the Caucasus front was to occupy Erzurum. The most important reason why the Russians attacked Erzurum was that Erzurum was the headquarters of the Third Ottoman Army and also was the logistical supply center not only for Eastern Anatolia, but also for the Caucasus and the Iraq region, providing support for Turkish military operations. There are several studies about the occupation of Erzurum. Still, the question of how the Russian press and literature of the period handled the occupation of an important fortress such as Erzurum and the resonation of this occupation in Russia and in the world, have been neglected. This study examines the point of view of the Russian press and literature on the occupation of Erzurum and the reflections of this occupation in Russia and in the world.