When Istanbul was Occupied: 1915-1916 Allied Plans and Change After the Armistice of Mudros

This study examines the controversies and discussions about the administration of Istanbul, which was planned to be established following the seizure of Istanbul simultaneously when the Allied Navy started the attack against the Dardanelles in 1915. From the details of these schemes, this paper touches on the differences between the plans in 1915 and those after the Armistice of Mudros. The paper argues that the system created in Istanbul was in a very unique position compared to the regions occupied by postwar victors. The British National Archives documents, documents from the Viceroy of India Lord Hardinge papers, periodicals and existing literature will be used as sources for this study. The paper will address two time periods: The first is the draft occupation plans of 1915-1916 and the second one is the occupation management process commenced after the actual occupation took place following the Armistice of Mudros despite the absence of such a right in the provisions of the armistice