Transportation in the First World War: Sirkeci Station
Railways in the First World War, Volume 1, Taylor & Francis Ltd, ss.284-296, 2025
- Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.4324/9781032720654-23
- Yayınevi: Taylor & Francis Ltd
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.284-296
- Boğaziçi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
When the First World War began in July 1914, the belligerent countries believed that it would not last too long. Contrary to expectations, the war lasted four years. The strength of economies and the mobility of armies were important factors in the course and outcome of the war. In this respect, road, sea, and rail links for military purposes came to the fore. In the Ottoman Empire, the needs of the army and the economy in general were not satisfactorily met due to inefficient railway facilities. The Ottoman army was totally dependent on imported war materials and artillery. And, in the first two years of the war, both foodstuffs and war materials could not be transported to Istanbul. It was not until 1916 that the Ottomans were able to receive rail imports. Those delays were considered one of the main reasons for the empire's defeat. The aim of this chapter is to shed light on the role of the railways in the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, with special reference to Sirkeci Station as part of the Rumelia Railways. The article examines the role of Sirkeci Station as a centre and transfer point for materials and equipment during the war.