Major Aziz Bey: Ottoman Insights and Observations During the South African War (1899–1902)

Yıl 2024, Cilt: 1 Sayı: 1, 14 - 31

Esma Karadağ

Öz

In 1900, Major (Binbaşı) Aziz Bey, an Ottoman military attaché, embarked on a significant journey to South Africa to observe the British army’s operations during the South African War (1899–1902). His assignment provided a unique perspective on a conflict pivotal to colonial history. Stationed alongside Field Marshal Lord Roberts, Aziz Bey’s observations were preserved through contemporary war correspondents. In 1901, Britain gave him a medal in appreciation of his observations and achievements. Aziz Bey's experiences, including his admiration and critique of the Boers' combat tactics, accentuate the personal and logistical challenges faced by foreign military observers and reflect the broader geopolitical interests of the Ottoman Empire. This article explores Major Aziz Bey’s role and contributions as an observer, shedding light on the intersection of Ottoman and British perspectives during a crucial period in imperial dynamics. Through historical accounts and personal correspondence, the article uncovers the Ottoman Empire’s stance and strategic interests in the South African War, contributing to a deeper understanding of its African policy.

Anahtar Kelimeler

South African War of 1899–1902, Second Boer War, Anglo-Boer War, Major Aziz Bey, Ottoman-British Relations

Binbaşı Aziz Bey: Güney Afrika Savaşı Sırasında Osmanlı Anlayış ve Gözlemleri (1899-1902)

Öz

1900 yılında Osmanlı askeri ataşesi Binbaşı Aziz Bey, Güney Afrika Savaşı (1899-1902) sırasında İngiliz ordusunun operasyonlarını gözlemlemek üzere Güney Afrika'ya önemli bir yolculuğa çıktı. Görevi, sömürge tarihi için çok önemli olan bir çatışmaya benzersiz bir bakış açısı sağladı. Mareşal Lord Roberts'ın yanında görev yapan Aziz Bey'in gözlemleri, doğrudan kaydedilmese de, çağdaş savaş muhabirleri aracılığıyla korunmuştur. Gözlemleri ve katkıları nedeniyle 1901 yılında İngiltere tarafından madalya ile ödüllendirildi. Aziz Bey'in Boerlerin savaş taktiklerine yönelik hayranlığı ve eleştirileri de dahil olmak üzere deneyimleri, yabancı askeri gözlemcilerin karşılaştığı kişisel ve lojistik zorlukların altını çizmekte ve Osmanlı İmparatorluğu'nun daha geniş jeopolitik çıkarlarını yansıtmaktadır. Bu makale Binbaşı Aziz Bey'in bir gözlemci olarak rolünü ve katkılarını inceleyerek, imparatorluk dinamikleri açısından kritik bir dönemde Osmanlı ve İngiliz perspektiflerinin kesişimine ışık tutmaktadır. Makale, tarihsel anlatılar ve kişisel yazışmalar aracılığıyla Osmanlı İmparatorluğu'nun Güney Afrika Savaşı'ndaki duruşunu ve stratejik çıkarlarını ortaya çıkararak Afrika politikasının daha iyi anlaşılmasına katkıda bulunuyor.

Anahtar Kelimeler

1899-1902 Güney Afrika Savaşı, Anglo-Boer Savaşı, Binbaşı Aziz Bey, Osmanlı-İngiliz ilişkileri

Kaynakça

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