Brief Summary
This video depicts a dramatised account of events during the Turkish War of Independence. It covers political intrigue, military strategy, and personal sacrifices as the characters navigate the challenges of rebuilding the nation and confronting their adversaries. Key points include:
- The struggle to rebuild infrastructure and maintain military readiness amidst widespread destruction.
- Political tensions and strategic debates within the Turkish leadership.
- Diplomatic efforts to gain international support and recognition.
- The personal sacrifices and emotional toll on individuals involved in the war.
- The planning and execution of a major military offensive.
Opening Music
The video begins with a musical overture, setting a nostalgic and reflective tone.
Rebuilding and Recovery
The scene shows the devastation caused by the enemy, with 25,000 out of 26,000 railway tracks destroyed between Polatlı and Eskişehir. Bridges, stations, and water wells are ruined, and the surrounding land is burned. The enemy is also dismantling railways near Afyon to use the materials for fortifications. Despite this, there's a determination to rebuild and repair everything. The first Turkish-made machine is ready for use.
Challenges and Alliances
With many men under arms, finding workers is difficult, but the women of Anatolia are stepping up. The return of colleagues from Malta signals a chance to regroup. Ali İhsan Paşa's acceptance of the First Army command is seen as a positive step, with confidence that he will soon control the army. There's a need to win over Rauf Bey, and an evening gathering is planned at a bağ evi.
Military Preparations
Fortifications are being extended, and support is being added to the sides. The front fortifications are ready, and work continues on the flat hilltops and korgans.
Political Intrigue and Strategic Debates
There's suspicion that the commander-in-chief is prolonging his position by feigning an offensive. Doubts are raised about the feasibility of an offensive war after 300 years of defensive strategies. A commander expresses willingness to sacrifice his pride for the sake of the nation, questioning İsmet's ability to equip the army. Despite the Sakarya miracle, the commander's opinion remains unchanged.
Assessing the Troops
Ali İhsan Paşa inspects a division and finds them poorly equipped, describing them as a "Fukara crowd" with inadequate supplies. Finding even basic footwear like çariks is a struggle. Fevzi Paşa discusses the possibility of the commander taking on the Second Army command.
Intelligence and Difficult Choices
Intelligence Director Binbaşı Baki Bey reports that an agent is willing to provide information in Mersin in exchange for payment after the war. While this could shorten the war, there are concerns about the long-term costs and being forced to sell the future due to poverty. The decision is made to reject the offer and avoid being indebted. Despite their own needs, 600 tons of grain were sent to the Soviets to avoid being under their minnet.
Diplomatic Manoeuvres
Yoldaş Aralıov is being considered as an ambassador to Ankara, where he will be assisted by İbrahim Abilov, the Azerbaijan Ambassador and a friend of Mustafa Kemal Paşa. The focus is on understanding whether Ankara's agreement with France is a move to divide the imperialist front or a sign of abandoning their friendship. There are reports of strong opposition to Mustafa Kemal, including the resignation of Defence Minister Refet Paşa. An opportunity is seen to propose a peace plan to Ankara during this period of weakness.
Political Appointments and Military Strategy
Karabekir Paşa declines the position of Defence Minister due to concerns about the impact of the French agreement on relations with the Soviets. Kazım and Fahrettin Paşas are suggested as alternatives. A plan from the front is reviewed, deemed risky but necessary. The most suitable area for a raid is identified on a map.
Secret Negotiations
The Sultan has requested that Lord Curzon be presented with a proposal: if an immediate agreement is made, the Sultan is willing to entrust the protection of Istanbul and the Çanakkale straits to England. The necessary land and administration would also be handed over, with England able to use its own soldiers or take command of the Turkish gendarmerie. This proposal is to be kept secret even from the Sultan's own government.
Diplomatic Discussions and Strategic Priorities
Ali Fuat Paşa reports that the agreement with France has caused concern in Moscow. A copy of the agreement was shared with the previous ambassador, and the Moscow agreement was shown to France. The priority is to lay down arms, focus on work, and live in peace with both the East and West, benefiting from civilisation and prosperity. The ambassador will be shown the army secretly preparing for war, with 200,000 soldiers ready to die for the nation's humane existence. If the great powers insist on understanding only the language of force, the army will be mobilised. Yusuf Kemal Bey will soon travel to London to convey their views, with the hope that the matter can be resolved without arms.
Impending Conflict
It's clear that there's no other choice but to fight for the final victory. The expectation is that the opposing side will first agree to a mütareke (armistice) and then begin peace talks, which are expected to be lengthy. During this time, it's hoped that Ankara will either succumb to their conditions or collapse.
Failed Negotiations and Looming War
Yusuf Kemal Bey was only listened to, and it's clear that the other side has prepared their own peace plan, which will be revealed soon. Preparations must be made for everything. The poverty of the nation is shared by the Gazi army. Peace conditions have been communicated, and friends in Ankara have been informed. The army, their only support, has been entrusted to their honour and insight.
Unacceptable Peace Terms
The proposed peace terms involve establishing international administrations in İzmir and the straits, and giving Edirne, Kırklareli, and Gelibolu to Greece. The withdrawal of the Greek army from Anatolia is conditional on accepting these terms. This is seen as a cruel joke, either to weaken them with false hope or to portray them as a war-mongering nation. A solution must be found.
Stalemate and Desperation
The conflict will not end without war. The pain of being completely tied to England is felt. The proposed peace terms are unlikely to satisfy the Greek nation, which has also made sacrifices. England is playing games with both sides. The financial situation is not conducive to continuing the struggle. The government has decided to resign.
Strategic Manoeuvres and Political Tensions
Ankara has responded by accepting the mütareke and peace terms but insists that the Greeks evacuate Anatolia before peace talks. This is seen as a clever countermove. If accepted, the Turks will enter peace talks with all their issues resolved, leaving them with no leverage. The only way out is to prolong the stalemate until Ankara collapses and to reject the Turkish counter-proposal.
Political Opposition and Debate
The response given means that peace has been rejected. Some argue that they are fighting for Mustafa Kemal to be commander-in-chief. Others believe that they cannot resolve the situation through war but only through politics. If they are in the majority, they will not participate in the vote.
Debate on Extending Başkomutanlık (Commander-in-Chief) Law
The government proposes extending the Başkomutanlık law for another three months. Some argue that the law is ending and there is nothing to discuss. They question whether there is a need for a new commander-in-chief and, if so, whether it should be Mustafa Kemal Paşa or someone else. They insist that these matters should be discussed openly, not in secret sessions.
Arguments for and Against Extending the Law
It's argued that when the enemy reached Sakarya, they appointed their leader with extraordinary powers and sent him to the front, which history has proven to be beneficial. However, others argue that they are in a more dangerous period than before and do not need extraordinary measures, as they have entered a period of peace. They question why the opposing side is not evacuating Anatolia and assert that they will force them to evacuate if they do not.
Call for Openness and Accountability
There's a call for the law to be discussed openly. If Mustafa Kemal Paşa is trying to usurp their rights, he will only diminish himself. If they give him their rights, they will be fools.
Arguments Against the Law's Effectiveness
It's argued that protecting the law is not their right and that it has not been beneficial militarily. They have not been able to move from their position for nine months and will not be able to.
Personal Sacrifices and Political Maneuvering
Some declare they will resign if the law is rejected. One person mentions that when they left Istanbul, their son was still in swaddling clothes, and now he is a big boy. They are excited about returning to Konya soon. It's revealed that the opposition did not participate in the vote, and the Başkomutanlık was not extended due to a lack of majority.
Reflection on Mustafa Kemal's Leadership
Mustafa Kemal gathered the nation under the flag of independence, mobilising them with their lives and possessions, and defeated an army that was a tool of imperialism. He saved everything they considered sacred. Some argue that these services should be remembered with gratitude forever.
Political Crisis and Resignations
Ankara is divided, and it's believed that the rest will follow. Fethi Bey is asked to wait until tomorrow before resigning, as his resignation would deepen the crisis. It's acknowledged that nothing can be done against the meclis (parliament). However, there's a desire to warn the Meclis one last time before the vote is repeated.
Final Warning and Impending Doom
If the Meclis cannot be convinced today, three years of blood, tears, and hope will be wasted, and they will be at the mercy of England.
Secret Meeting and Opening Remarks
A meeting is opened, and the reason for its secrecy is questioned. It's explained that a private conversation is desired. A vote is taken to keep the meeting secret, and it's accepted.
Mustafa Kemal's Address to the Assembly
Mustafa Kemal states that he was unable to attend the Başkomutanlık law extension discussions due to illness but has reviewed the minutes and votes. He reminds everyone of the day the Başkomutanlık law was accepted, when the Greek army was marching on Ankara. The Meclis established the Başkomutanlık and granted it sufficient authority to stop the enemy and save the situation.
Addressing Criticisms and Defending His Actions
Mustafa Kemal states that he is not in favour of continuing an unnecessary position. He wants to address the essence of the matter by using some of his colleagues' claims. He reminds everyone that he never asked to be made Başkomutan; rather, the entire Meclis insisted that he take on the role. He states that he worked the most for everyone to be elected and gathered here, even fighting with his closest friends and risking his life.
Defending the Secrecy of the Meeting
The secrecy of the meeting has been a topic of discussion. Mehmet Şükrü Bey stated that they should not hide the truth from the nation by speaking in secret meetings. Mustafa Kemal argues that their Meclis is both a legislative and executive body, acting as a large government. He questions where it has been seen that a government makes all its decisions in the open, especially when the topic is the Başkomutan and the state of the army.
Addressing Insults and Accusations
Hüseyin Avni Bey is quoted as saying that they will disgrace the nation with this style of movement. Mustafa Kemal expresses his sadness and shame at this statement, urging everyone to bury the incident and not let anyone hear of it. He notes that acting solely out of opposition can sometimes lead people to extreme places.
Outcome of the Vote and New Appointments
The proposal to extend the law is accepted with 177 votes against 11 rejections and 15 abstentions. Hasan Fehmi Bey is questioning the resignation of the Minister of Finance, Hasan Bey. It's suggested that he could be elected as the Minister of Economy. Alman Paşam is asked to take on the role of Minister of Finance, but he declines, stating that he knows nothing about finance.
Financial Crisis and Military Concerns
To keep the army in Anatolia, the council of ministers has decided to take half of the money from the public as a mandatory debt. People will divide their paper money in half, with one side remaining in circulation at half its value and the other side being considered a treasury bond. This is expected to raise 1.5 billion. General Papulas has resigned, and a more courageous and decisive replacement is needed, such as General Hacı Anesti.
Personal Matters and Political Intrigue
It's mentioned that the speaker's family is coming to Konya this week. It's reported that Ali İhsan Paşa has been sending officers to the divisions to promote the idea that only he can save the country. This is seen as Ali İhsan Paşa seeking effortless gain, like Enver Paşa.
Military Strategy and Leadership Changes
Ali Fuat Paşa has refused the command of the 1st Army, claiming that he is more senior than İsmet Paşa. Refet Paşa will be offered the position instead. The speaker states that he will never forgive Ali İhsan. It's acknowledged that they cannot launch an attack, as England would intervene.
Defensive Strategy and Reorganisation
If they narrow their front in Anatolia, their defence will be easier. This may require abandoning land gained through bloodshed, but it will prevent them from having to abandon Anatolia completely. The army's management needs to be improved. The commanders of Polis and Sarıyanis and the Kolordu (Corps) are being replaced.
Shifting Focus to Istanbul
The problem of Anatolia can no longer be solved in Anatolia but in Istanbul. Nurettin Paşa will be consulted to see if he will accept. The speaker is travelling to Adapazarı to pick up his mother and will meet with İsmet Paşa on the way.
Military Preparations and Strategic Challenges
Planes and lorries purchased from Italy have been dispatched. The number of tops (cannons) has been increased to 320. A date for the taarruz (offensive) is requested, but it's stated that they can only be ready by the end of August. Maintaining support in the Meclis until then will be difficult. Yakup Şevki Paşa has also raised concerns, finding Fevzi Paşa's final taarruz plan very dangerous and suggesting abandoning the taarruz. The speaker will find a way to gather the army and Kolordu commanders secretly to discuss the situation.
Inspections and Political Warnings
The speaker inspects troops working on railway repairs. He praises their readiness but warns the Albay (Colonel) in charge that if his interest in politics continues, he will find himself in geri hizmet (back service).
Assessing the Enemy and Seeking Reinforcements
The speaker notes that the "melun" (cursed) 11th Division is positioned against their group, having inflicted much cruelty on the local population. They are three times more numerous. He requests reinforcements, stating that he would be very sorry if this division escapes their grasp.
Requests and Personal Matters
Nesrin Hanımefendi is requesting to be transferred to a hospital. The speaker advises following her wishes.
Student Protests and Shifting Alliances
University students are continuing their boycott movement against sömürge Aydın (colonial intellectual) teachers who belittle the national struggle, such as Ali Kemal and Rıza Tevfik. Sadrazam (Grand Vizier) Tevfik Paşa's son, Binbaşı İsmail Hakkı Bey, also wants to cross over to Anatolia.
Internal Conflicts and Financial Demands
The speaker has been threatened, but he doesn't know who the person is. He expresses disbelief that such a "deli" (madman) could be chosen as başkomutan (commander-in-chief). Everyone is coming to him asking for money. He states that he doesn't understand ödenek fasal aktarma (budgetary transfers) and has only given out salaries.
Military Preparations and Strategic Assessments
The speaker jokes about the Kolordu (Corps) commanders requesting automobiles, saying that there are more than they need in İzmir, in the enemy's hands, and they should go and take them. He believes that Ali İhsan Paşa is intelligent and should not wait for Hazreti (His Holiness) but should use the large army he has to finish everything.
Leadership Changes and Strategic Reassessments
The speaker is pleased that they have not yet appointed someone to replace him. He states that he will work with pride and obedience under İsmet Paşa. He has toured the entire cephe (front) but has not encountered a commander named Mustafa Kemal. He has abandoned the idea of narrowing the cephe and has found the units and prepared defence positions to be very good, with a few exceptions. Intelligence indicates that the enemy has only 80,000 fighters and 200 tops, making it unlikely that they would attempt an taarruz (offensive) with such a weak army.
Diplomatic Missions and Impending Conflict
The speaker is travelling to Trakya (Thrace) tomorrow and may be able to address them from Istanbul in a few days. Athens has granted him the authority he requested. They have decided to taarruz at the end of August. He asks if they are ready, and the response is affirmative. He asks if they can travel to Europe immediately to warn the authorities one last time, hoping to avoid bloodshed.
Greek Preparations and Turkish Resolve
Athens has reported that the Greek government has decided to have Hacı Anesti march on Istanbul with the units in Thrace.
Personal Sacrifices and Family Matters
The speaker expresses a desire to see İsmet Paşa's encounter with his son, anticipating a very emotional scene. It's revealed that İsmet Paşa's son passed away a year ago, a fact that has been kept from him.
Political Manoeuvring and Power Struggles
The second group has prepared a surprising law proposal that seeks to change the procedure for selecting ministers, requiring them to be chosen from candidates nominated by the speaker. They also want to replace Fevzi Paşa with Rauf Bey as the head of the Council of Ministers. This is seen as an attempt to effectively remove the speaker from power.
Strategic Resignations and Impending Elections
If the law is accepted in the Meclis, they will each take the stage and resign. Elections are in three days. They can only reach their goal with a Council of Ministers that fully believes in them. The speaker has decided to resign from the Meclis presidency and başkomutanlık (commander-in-chief) to give the Meclis an opportunity to express its true thoughts and determine its stance.
Political Turmoil and Shifting Alliances
The government has removed teachers who were friends with them from the university, bowing to the demands of nationalist students. Mustafa Kemal's power is ending, and Ankara has been in turmoil for two days. The majority is insisting on Rauf Bey. The speaker is only concerned with the majority of the Council of Ministers. An agreement has been reached for the re-election of the old ministers, with the exception of two.
Final Preparations and Impending Conflict
As they approach their goal, opposition is increasing. The extension of the Başkomutanlık law is next, but they will not be able to create an issue this time. The proposal to discuss the extension of the Başkomutanlık Law with priority and urgency is requested.
Mustafa Kemal's Address and Strategic Resignation
Mustafa Kemal states that the law in question was created during the most critical days. The Meclis had entrusted a portion of its authority to him with this law, and he expresses his gratitude to the Yüce Meclis (Supreme Assembly) for this trust. However, the material and moral strength of the Turkish army has reached a level that no longer requires extraordinary measures. Therefore, there is no longer a need for the Meclis to use its powers.
Diplomatic Developments and Impending Conflict
The English ambassador visited the speaker today and reported that his government has regretfully rejected their proposal to hand over the administration of the straits to England. The English government found it objectionable to make separate and secret agreements with its allies. It's no longer possible to stop Ankara. The Meclis has unanimously extended Mustafa Kemal Paşa's başkomutanlık (commander-in-chief) indefinitely.
Military Preparations and Deceptive Measures
The speaker asks how they found an excuse to call the commanders to the meeting. A football match has been organised between the cephe karargahı (front headquarters) and the kolordular (corps), and they will come to watch it. The speaker will also watch it for the first time.
Football Match
The scene shows a football match taking place.
Military Strategy and the "Kurt Kapanı" (Wolf Trap) Plan
It's time for the Kolordu Komutanı (Corps Commander) friends to learn about the taarruz (offensive) plan. The essence of the plan is to collapse the enemy, who is superior in arms, with a single blow. To achieve this, the majority of their forces will be gathered, in complete secrecy, opposite the enemy's first Kolordu, south of Afyon. The main taarruz cephesi (offensive front) is between Afyon and Çiğiltepe, 40 kilometres west of Afyon. The 13-kilometre section between Tınaztepe and Kalecik Sivrisi is the yarma yarı (breakthrough gap). While the second army distracts the enemy forces opposite them, the first army will break through the enemy cephesi and descend into the Sincanlı ovası (Sincanlı plain), cutting off the enemy's retreat route to İzmir. After encircling and destroying the enemy, the remaining pieces will be easily captured and defeated.
Doubts and Concerns About the Plan
One of the commanders expresses his doubts about the plan, stating that it's impossible to move 120,000 people from one end of the cephe to the other without the enemy noticing. He argues that the element of surprise will be lost, rendering the plan meaningless. He also points out that the enemy's air force will detect any changes. He believes that they cannot break through the Afyon takvimatı (fortifications) in a day or two, as the enemy will bombard the position with 165 tops (cannons).
Alternative Strategies and Potential Risks
The commander suggests launching an taarruz from the cephe, fighting the enemy equally, and following them if they retreat. If they cannot force them to retreat, they should stop and prepare again. This way, they would not endanger their only support, the army. He believes that the enemy's İhtiyat Kolordusu (Reserve Corps) will join the battle and potentially launch an taarruz from the north of Afyon towards Konya, pushing them further south and cutting them off from Konya, leaving the Ankara direction open.
Defending the Plan and Accepting Responsibility
While acknowledging the commander's points, it's argued that this type of war will not lead to a result. They have only been able to reach a more or less equal state with the enemy after struggling for a year. They are at the end of their takat (strength), and there is no other way to achieve a definite result other than implementing this plan, despite its risks. The speaker states that the entire existence of the Turkish nation consists of its silahı (weapon), askeri (soldier), topu (cannon), tüfeği (rifle), and cephanesi (ammunition). He is not willing to risk spreading them out and endangering them. He accepts full responsibility for the decision before history and the nation.
Commitment to Obey Orders
The commanders assure the speaker that they have freely expressed their thoughts and will carry out every order given by their başkomutan (commander-in-chief) with the same enthusiasm and belief as their own thoughts and beliefs.
Personal Reflections and Diplomatic Failures
One of the commanders reflects on the misfortunes of the World War, which have made him perhaps too cautious. Despite his concerns, he will obey the orders of the başkomutan without hesitation. Fethi Bey, who has been in London for a week, has not been accepted or listened to by any English officials. Lord George's speech in the House of Commons has closed all paths to peace, leaving no choice but to fight.
Assessing Military Readiness and Political Support
The speaker asks what the commander thinks about their ability to taarruz (offensive), noting that some military friends in the Meclis consider it madness. The commander replies that if the government accepts, the army is ready for a general taarruz.
Strategic Planning and Secrecy
Fevzi and Kazım Paşas will present information, provided it remains secret. The taarruz date is not to be asked. The Council of Ministers has approved the taarruz decision. Starting on the night of August 14, the Pol (likely a typo and should be Kol) armies will be shifted to their yığınak (assembly) locations. Absolute secrecy must be observed, and no mistakes will be forgiven.
Historical Context and Financial Challenges
It's noted that the enemy had launched their march on Sakarya on the same day last year. The speaker jokes that they will see how baskın (raid) is done. The Ministry of National Defence is again requesting money. The speaker states that he has sent all the money he has to the cephe (front) down to the last kuruş (penny).
Military Objectives and Strategic Deception
The speaker states that they are chosen for this task in these difficult times. For this harekat (operation) to be successful, the first army needs to distract the two enemy Kol (likely a typo and should be Corps) armies of 100,000 men until tomorrow. It's revealed that there are two mountain passes between Toplu Sivrisi and Çiğiltepe that the enemy leaves empty at night, believing them to be impassable. The süvarik olurdu su (cavalry corps) can slip behind the enemy through these passes without waiting for the cephe (front) to be breached.
Financial Pressures and Resourcefulness
The Ministry of Finance needs 1.5 million lira, which is very difficult to obtain at this time. The speaker is told that he will find the money. He threatens to seize all 16 branches of the national government within the borders and take all the money in the safes, leaving receipts in return. He gives them an hour to think.
Music and Reflection
A musical interlude plays, providing a moment of reflection.
Strategic Deception and Personal Sacrifices
The speaker needs to move the cephe (front) to resolve the situation completely but wants to hide this from the world, especially to prevent the English from helping the Greeks. He asks for help in this deception. After he leaves Ankara, it will be announced that he gave a çay partisi (tea party) in Çankaya. A few days later, they will announce that he is hosting a büyük bir kabuk resmi (grand reception). At the hour the reception begins, someone will come and announce that he cannot attend because he is unwell.
Farewell and Departure
The speaker is told that he will be Muzaffer (Victorious) because Allah is with those who defend their vatan (homeland).
