Mehmed Esad (Bülkat) Pasha: One of the Late Ottoman Commanders (1862-1952)

Mehmed Esad Pasha is a valuable commander who has made outstanding achievements in the battles and defenses of the Ottoman Empire in recent years. Esad Pasha, who played an important role both in the Balkan Wars and in the First World War, also made important contributions to the staff who carried out the National Struggle and founded the Republic, both as trainers and commanders. Although its name is not mentioned in the literature, it has been the subject of this study as one of the most valuable commanders of Turkish History. Born in Ioannina on October 18, 1862, Esad Pasha grew up in both the Ottoman and German military systems and learned German and French at a very good level. During the Ottoman-Greek War, Esad Pasha served in the Yanya Corps and showed great resistance as the Commander of the Yanya Corps in the Balkan Wars. On January 6, 1913, Esad Pasha was appointed as the Commander of the Third Corps in Tekirdağ. During the First World War, in the capacity of the Third Corps and Northern Group Commander at he Çanakkale Front, he fought to prevent the Allied states from passing through the strait and collided with Cevat Pasha and Mustafa Kemal Bey. Esad Pasha, who has appointed as the First Army Commander in November 1915, went to Germany during the war and made some investigations. In October 1917, the German Emperor Kayzer II. Wilhelm's visits to Istanbul and Çanakkale served as an advisor to him. Esad Pasha was appointed as the Commander of the Fifth Army in February 1918 and as the Commander of the Third Army in Batum in June 1918. He eventually became the General Inspector of the Second Army and retired on October 19, 1919. After his retirement, he served as the Minister of Navy for a short period of 15 days. The precious Turkish commander, who devoted his life to military service, education and state, was an example of the commanders around him and his successors as well as his struggles and superior achievements. Esad Pasha, who always received the respect and appreciations of his people with his knowledge, determination and kindness, passed away on November 1, 1952. In the thesis, the military and administrative life of Mehmed Esad (Bülkat) Pasha, who is one of the most valuable commanders of Turkish Military History, is tried to be discussed.