When the 93 War resulted in the defeat of the Ottoman Empire, Batumi was given to Russia as war compensation, and Sarıkamış, Kars, Ardahan and Artvin were left to Russia with the Berlin Treaty. Enver Pasha, who was the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the period in 1914, presented the "Sarıkamış Operation" plans to his staff on 19 December, in order to reclaim this homeland. The Ottoman and German staff members accepted the plan.

 

The 3rd Army that will carry out this operation; It consisted of the 9th, 10th, 11th Corps and the 2nd Cavalry Division. The Russians at the front were 100,000, and the 3rd Army was 120,000. Although the Turkish army was outnumbered, the Russians had a definite advantage in terms of heavy weapons, artillery and equipment. The plan implemented by the Turkish Army in the Battle of Sarıkamış, which took place between December 22, 1914 and January 15, 1915, envisaged the detection of the enemy from the front with one corps, and the destruction of major enemy forces with the capture of Sarıkamış, 30-35 km behind the enemy front, surrounded by two corps from the northern flank.

 

Under the conditions of that day, this operation, which was carried out with foot and horse units, which was completely snow-covered, on a very high mountainous and roadless terrain, was very risky. Especially, the 10th Corps units lost a lot of casualties, both in terms of quantity and available weapons, due to severe difficulties and winter conditions while crossing the Allahuekber Mountains. As a matter of fact, most of the Turkish forces froze to death. A force of 300 people who could enter Sarıkamış was thrown back by the Russians.

 

The Turkish soldier, who fought heroically under very difficult conditions, resisted until the end of the war, showed endless efforts to protect his homeland and achieve success. The Sarıkamış Operation is a proof of what the Turkish nation can do for the sake of its homeland and sacred assets.

 

This monument was erected in memory of our martyrs in Sarıkamış.