Abstract
A Captivated Ottoman Officer in Russia: Hafız Şaban and His Captivity Diaries
Abstract
During the World War I, England transferred its captives to such lands as Egypt, India and Cyprus, while Russia to central territories of the country, particularly Siberia. Data on the transfers from the fronts to the camps and what happened at the camps can be obtained from the reports of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent (Hilâl-i Ahmer) committees, plus the returning captives’ statements to the official bodies, and their memories.
Another source of information about their captivity is what they wrote during the captivity. Among these are primarily newspapers and magazines that they published and spread among themselves. Besides, diaries also proved to be valuable sources to gain insight into their experiences. Actually, it is very difficult for a captive to keep a diary. Deputy Officer Hafız Şaban Efendi is one of those who managed to do so. The primary focus of the present study is his diary which he kept during his captivity in Russia, and this is what makes this diary unique and special.
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Keywords
Keywords: The Firs World War, Caucasian front, Russia, Hafız Şaban Efendi.