Uyar, Mesut/Erickson, Edward J. A Military History of the Ottomans

From Osman to Atatürk

The Ottoman army had a significant influence on the history of the modern world and, in particular, on the history of the Middle East and Europe. This study, written by a Turkish and an American scholar, is a revision and correction of Western accounts, as it is based on Turkish interpretations of events rather than European ones. As the world's dominant military power from 1300 to the mid-18th century, the Ottoman army was a leader in military institutions, organisational structures, technology and tactics. Even after its decline, it remained a formidable power to be reckoned with in the balance of power until 1918. Since its nomadic beginnings, it underwent military revolutions and several transformations that enabled it to compete on equal terms with the best armies of its time. This study traces the growth of the Ottoman army as a professional institution from the perspective of the Ottomans themselves, using previously unexplored Ottoman sources. In addition, the influence of important commanders and the role of politics, insofar as they affected the army, are examined. The study concludes with the Ottoman legacy and its impact on the republic and the modern Turkish army. This is a survey study that combines an introductory overview of the subject with new and original information at a reference level. Uyar and Erickson divide their account into different periods, beginning with a brief overview of the founding of the Ottoman Empire and the military systems that shaped its early military structures.