Military power in Ottoman Anatolia: The IVth Army Organisation (1863-1911)

The change, transformation and technological developments in the military field brought about the arrangements in the army organisation with the modernisation process in the Ottoman Empire. In particular, the introduction of compulsory military service in the XIXth century, when the concept of "homeland" emerged, paved the way fort he establishment of units ready for total mobilisation in the ideal of "army-nation" in order to preserve the country's territories. In order to continuously increase military units and systematically integrate them into the machinery, organisational reforms were carried out, and efforts were made to improve the mobility of combat an auxiliary forces in the administration, deployment and coordination of the army. In addition to protecting the existing borders and maintaining internal security, although there were problems in establishing a professional army from the soldiers who were prepared to be mobilised, expert personnel and technology were transferred and great importance was attached to meeting the other needs of the soldiers. This study examines the organisation of the army between 1863 and 1911, which was established as the Anatolian Army in 1843 with the creation of regional armies in the process of modernisation in the Ottoman military organisation, and which was renamed as the IVth Army in 1863 and the IIIrd Army Inspectorate in 1911. Deployed on the borders of Russia and Iran at the zero point of gateway to Anatolia, the IVth Army was used effectively not only against external threats, but also to ensure public order against separatist nationalist movements and various internal elements. As an active centre in almost all developments in the region, the IVth Army is a strategic organisation that plays a dynamic role in representing the central authority. During this process, continuous efforts were made to increase the number of soldiers in the IVth Army, which was shaped by developments in the military field and the impact of current socio-political events, to train them, to equip them with the most modern weapons and equipment, to make changes and transformations in its organisation, and to position them at strategic points. In order to ensure the smooth functioning of logistics support such as communication, transportation and health care, which are essential fort he success of the activities carried out by the units affiliated with the army, efforts have been made to secure financial resources and find solutions to the problems encountered.