RUSSIA: The Battle of Sarikamish was a military conflict between the Russian and Ottoman Empires during World War I.
The war occurred in the winter of 1914-1915 in Sarikamish, now situated in north-eastern Turkey.
The conflict began when the Ottoman Empire declared war on the Russian Empire in November 1914, and the Russians responded by invading the Ottoman Empire through the Caucasus region.
The Battle of Sarikamish was a critical turning point in the conflict, which resulted in a decisive victory for the Russian Empire.
On December 22nd, 1914, the Russian army, led by Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich launched a major offensive against the Ottoman forces, which Enver Pasha led.
The Russian army pushed the Ottoman forces back and captured Sarikamish, allowing them to advance deeper into Ottoman territory.
However, the Russian victory came at a heavy cost, as the harsh winter conditions and poor planning led to significant losses on both sides.
The Battle of Sarikamish is considered one of the bloodiest and most costly conflicts of World War I, with estimates of total casualties ranging from 70,000 to 130,000.
The Russian army was able to take advantage of the cold weather, using their experience fighting in the harsh Russian winter to their advantage.
The inadequately equipped Ottoman army for the cold aided the Russian army. Many Ottoman soldiers suffered from frostbite and other cold-related injuries.
A significant portion of the Ottoman army could not survive the extreme conditions of the Allahuekber Mountains. According to historical data, around 25,000 Ottoman soldiers froze to death even before the war had started.
Despite the Russian victory, the conflict continued to rage for several months, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
The Battle of Sarikamish played a significant role in shaping the outcome of World War I. It remains a significant and tragic chapter in the history of Russia and the Ottoman Empire.
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