The conceptual and doctrinal evolution on irregular warfare in Türkiye: 1919-1952

Abstract

This study investigates the evolution of concepts and doctrine on irregular warfare in Türkiye from 1919 to 1952, focusing on two primary research inquiries. It explores the conceptual approach towards irregular warfare and delves into the treatment of the subject and the development of doctrine. Using a qualitative research methodology, discourse and content analysis have been employed, drawing from various primary and secondary sources. The analysis reveals that concepts such as small war (harb-i sagir), banditry (eşkıyalık), committee (komita) and gang (çete) were acknowledged during the late Ottoman Empire, with early written examples contributing to doctrine development in the 1930s. It also accentuates inherent terminological differences to imply the actors of insurgents and government forces, although irregular warfare can be employed by both. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.