112 - OSMANLI TARİHİ - TRABLUSGARP SAVAŞI |MEHMETREŞAD|

Summary

This script delves into the political and military upheavals of the late Ottoman Empire, focusing on the struggles during Sultan Mehmet Reşat's reign. Key events include the intense uprisings in regions like Yemen, Syria, and especially Albania, alongside the Italian invasion of Tripolitania. The Ottomans struggled to defend their territories, facing international pressures and internal divisions. Despite heroic resistance from figures like Enver Bey and Mustafa Kemal (later Atatürk), the empire eventually had to negotiate a peace treaty with Italy. This moment marked the beginning of the empire's decline, culminating in the loss of Tripolitania and the Balkans.

Takeaways

• 😀 The early years of Sultan Mehmet Reşat's reign were marked by significant unrest, including rebellions in Yemen, Syria, and especially Albania.
• 😀 The Italian government began its covert and overt activities to seize Tripolitania (modern-day Libya), leading to tense diplomatic negotiations and alliances with European powers.
• 😀 Before the declaration of the Second Constitutional Era, Albanians had previously staged uprisings, but their scale and ambition grew significantly by 1913.
• 😀 The Albanian resistance received attention from England, which used its diplomatic influence to support Albanian independence from the Ottoman Empire.
• 😀 Sultan Abdulhamid II had managed to keep Albania under Ottoman control with specific measures, but the Balkans became increasingly unstable after the declaration of the Second Constitutional Era.
• 😀 Italy had long been interested in expanding its colonial holdings, initially focusing on Tunisia and later Egypt. By the early 1900s, it set its sights on Libya, but the Ottoman Empire struggled to effectively defend it.
• 😀 In 1909, Italy signed a pact with Russia supporting its claims in Libya, while France, focusing on Morocco, indirectly supported Italy's ambitions in the region.
• 😀 Despite warnings from Ottoman officials, the government initially dismissed the threat of an Italian invasion of Libya, believing it was a diplomatic bluff. However, the situation soon escalated.
• 😀 On 28 September 1911, Italy sent a final, firm demand to the Ottoman Empire, effectively marking the beginning of the Italo-Turkish War. The Ottomans, unable to respond effectively, were pushed to defend their remaining territories.
• 😀 Despite initial Italian successes in occupying coastal areas of Tripolitania, the Ottomans organized a guerrilla resistance led by prominent figures like Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk), Enver Bey, and Fethi Bey, gaining significant international recognition for their efforts.
• 😀 The Italo-Turkish War eventually led to the signing of the Treaty of Ouchy (1912), with Italy officially gaining control over Tripolitania and the Dodecanese Islands, while the Ottomans were forced to retreat amid growing instability in the Balkans.

Q & A

What was the main issue during the early years of Sultan Mehmed V Reşad's reign?

The main issue was the series of rebellions, particularly in Yemen, Syria, and most notably Albania, which posed a significant challenge to the Ottoman Empire during the early years of Sultan Mehmed V Reşad's reign.

What was the impact of the declaration of the Second Constitutional Era on Albania?

The declaration of the Second Constitutional Era in 1908 did not stop the Albanian uprisings. These uprisings intensified, and although they were suppressed militarily, they were a clear indication of the desire for independence among Albanians.

How did Britain involve itself in the Albanian uprisings?

Britain took an active interest in the Albanian uprisings, supporting Albanian independence efforts through diplomatic means, including using their ambassador in Istanbul to call for Albanian independence.

What role did Italy play in the early 20th century in relation to Ottoman territories?

Italy aimed to expand its influence by seeking control over Ottoman territories such as Tunisia, Egypt, and eventually Libya (Tripolitania). Italy’s ambitions in Libya led to the invasion of Tripoli and Cyrenaica in 1911.

What was the reaction of the Ottoman Empire to Italy's threat of invasion in Tripolitania?

The Ottoman Empire initially downplayed Italy's threat, with government officials underestimating the seriousness of the situation. Despite warnings from the German diplomats, the Ottoman government did not act swiftly to counter Italy's growing military presence.

How did the Ottoman Empire attempt to address the Italian invasion of Tripolitania?

The Ottoman Empire attempted diplomacy and called on European powers like Britain and Germany for assistance, but received no significant support. As a result, Italy declared war on the Ottoman Empire, beginning the Italo-Turkish War.

What was the significance of Mustafa Kemal and Enver Bey’s involvement in the defense of Tripolitania?

Mustafa Kemal and Enver Bey played a crucial role in organizing and leading local forces in the defense of Tripolitania. Their leadership in guerrilla tactics and the mobilization of volunteers helped to significantly delay Italian advances.

How did the international community respond to the Turkish resistance in Tripolitania?

The international community, especially in Western media, praised the Turkish resistance. Reports from American journalists highlighted the bravery of the Ottoman defenders, and the Italian advance was slowed by Turkish guerilla warfare.

What were the terms of the Uşak Agreement signed in 1912?

The Uşak Agreement, signed on October 15, 1912, ended the Italo-Turkish War. Italy gained control over Tripolitania and Cyrenaica, but the Ottoman Empire retained religious authority over the region. The 12 islands near the Greek coast were also ceded to Italy.

How did the Balkan Wars influence the Ottoman Empire’s handling of the Italo-Turkish War?

The outbreak of the Balkan Wars in 1912 shifted Ottoman priorities. With increasing pressure on multiple fronts, the Ottoman Empire sought peace with Italy, which led to the Uşak Agreement, even though many Turkish officers, including Mustafa Kemal and Enver Bey, were displeased with the concessions.