Maritime Strategies During the Reign of Abdulhamid II

Maritime Strategies During the Reign of Abdulhamid II

The nineteenth century was an era of extraordinary transformation in military technology. New types of battleships, equipped with steel armor and breech-loading artillery, provided maritime powers with a significant advantage in controlling the seas. However, this superiority was temporarily challenged by the invention of the torpedo. In many respects, the torpedo played a crucial role in reshaping naval defense doctrines and influencing the reorganization of naval forces around the world.

For the Ottoman decision-making establishment, two major events marked a turning point in naval strategy: the Russo–Turkish War of 1877–1878 (known in Ottoman history as the 93 War), during which torpedoes were used for the first time in history, and the subsequent Greco–Turkish War of 1897. These conflicts helped define the framework of fundamental changes in Ottoman naval policy and defense planning.

This study explores the maritime strategies developed during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II, examining how technological innovations, geopolitical challenges, and military experiences influenced the restructuring of the Ottoman Navy and the empire’s broader defense strategy.

Author: Evren Mercan

Publisher: Dergah Publications

ISBN: 978-975-995-915-9

Binding: Paperback

Language: Turkish

Dimensions: 16.5 × 23.5 cm

Page Count: 267 pages