The Azerbaijan operation of Islamic Army of caucasus in the Ottoman and west press (March-1918-August 1918)

The revolution, which had taken place in Russia in the WWI changed the flow and balance of the war in Kafkasya(Caucasus), as well. In an era when especially the needs and expectations related to economy increased, the wealth, which Baku had increased its importance, too. In such an era, the operation performed by the Ottoman Empire towards this region, led to rising of different reactions and conflict of interests. It was given emphasis on the historical background of the circumstances resulting in the rise of an all out war in the twentieth century and the state of Caucasus following Caucasian front and Bolshevik Revolution was made clear for both the states based on the Ottoman- Russian relationships. Being an ally of the Ottoman Empire in the war; Germany, being in the Allied Powers England, Soviet Russia, and Soviet of Baku, which protected its benefits in Baku had set different political goals on Baku. On this basis of these complicated relationships, having gained its independence, republic of Azerbaijan was aiming to get Baku within its borders, which it saw as its capital. To achieve this goal, it needed military support and then it asked help from the Ottoman Empire, which was the closest one in terms of race and religion. Republic of Azerbaijan's request for help caused a new dispute, as well. Some people from public of Azerbaijan had agreed on the assumption that the Ottoman Empire's military help was intending for accretion. It was even stated that the Ottoman Empire had designed a satellite state, No:t a self-contained one while shaping the region. The point supposed to be explained in this study is to discuss the effects of these debates in public opinion by taking into consideration flow of the events. It is aimed that the evaluation of the press products of the states', which had sealed Baku's fate will contribute to this discussion. The Ottoman Empire, continuing its military operation in Caucasus with an army called Caucasian Islam Army, was supported by its own press; however, that support, because of the operation's confidentiality, showed up as Caucasus mission of the Ottoman Empire, Not directly under this name. The Ottoman press making news on what happened in Caucasus, always emphasized the racial and religious ties between themselves and their Azerbaijani Turkish brothers. In addition to the Ottoman press, the other point of the study mainly focused on is press products, which are broadcast in English and make news for England's interests. Having conflicts with the Ottoman Empire in the region, beside to the Bolshevist, England's approaches towards the events and its goals were of vital importance. Baku was an oil-rich city and those resources were very important for England not to leave them to the central powers. For this reason, it was intended to form public opinion & support about England's mission of Caucasus. That atmosphere in Caucasus and relationship between the states were an indicator of how the next century would look like. Background of the relationships, their results, and the perception they made in public opinion are dealt and evaluated throughout the whole study. Key Words: The Ottoman Empire, Islamic Army of Caucasus, Press, England, and Baku.