Turkish Navy faced balance of power with Greece in 1914. Two British dreadnoughts were ordered but never delivered. Germany's entry into war in November 1914 triggered by British requisition
Ottoman navy emerged after Constantinople's fall in 1453. Fleet reached peak in 1571 against Christian powers. Navy dominated Eastern Mediterranean until 19th century. By 1870, navy controlled Black Sea and Indian Ocean
Born in 1881 to Abkhazian family in Istanbul to high-ranking admiral father. Graduated from Heybeliada Naval School in 1899 and joined Ottoman Navy. Achieved fame as Hamidiye's captain during Balkan Wars. Served as Chief of Naval Staff during World War I