OTTOMAN IMPERIAL ARMY: Uniforms Handbook 1914-1918

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The Ottoman Imperial Army in 1914 was in its 88th year. It had come into existence following the destruction of the Janissary, after their revolt in 1826, known in modern Turkish history as 'The Auspicious Incident'. Following these events, a modern army named the Asakir-i Mansure-i Muhammediye (meaning 'Victorious Soldiers of Muhammad' in Ottoman Turkish), was established.

By 1914, the Imperial Army faced a number of challenges in readying for the oncoming war.
Historically, it had been in a weakened state, following years of being starved of key resources, during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, as he was fearful of a military coup. Following his overthrow in the constitution revolution of 1908-09, the Imperial Army suffered further setbacks, in major defeats in North Africa (1911-12, against Italy) and the Balkans (1912-13). Nevertheless, the Imperial Army continued to develop its uniforms and insignia over these difficult years, keeping pace with major fashion changes in other world militaries.

This volume is intended as a colour guide for the uniforms and insignia of the principle frontline troops of the Imperial Army over the WW1 period.