551 OTTOMAN ARMIES: 1820-1914

Describes and illustrates the armies of the embattled Ottoman Turkish Empire involved in 19th-century wars during the Empire's long spiral of decline. Using rare photos and illustrations from Turkish, Balkan and other sources, details the history of the multi-ethnic Ottoman armies periodic attempts to modernize which enabled them to win some victories at a tactical level. Includes descriptions of the organization, uniforms, and equipment.

Due to misgovernment and economic failure, unrest finally boiled over in 1908-09, reducing the sultan's court to a largely ceremonial role, and installing a military government by the 'Young Turks' led by the general Enver Pasha. The Ottoman Empire fought no fewer than 10 wars of regional insurgencies and foreign expansions against the Empire in south-eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.