Historical Events tagged with "middle east"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Treaty of Sèvres Divides the Ottoman Empire

August 10th, 1920 104 years ago

Representatives of the Ottoman sultan Mehmed VI signed the Treaty of Sèvres, which aimed to partition the Ottoman Empire among the Allied Powers. This agreement followed World War I and was part of the peace settlement. The treaty was signed in Sèvres, France, and marked a significant reduction of the Ottoman territories and influence after their defeat.

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Politics & Government

San Remo Conference Allocates Middle East Mandates

April 25th, 1920 104 years ago

At the San Remo Conference, major Allied Powers finalized the allocation of mandates in the Middle East under the League of Nations. This meeting aimed to establish administrative control over former Ottoman territories, particularly focusing on regions like Palestine, Syria, and Iraq. Key decisions were made regarding governance, reflecting the geopolitical landscape following World War I. Ensuring peace and stability in these territories formed the basis of subsequent international relations in the region.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Violence Erupts During Nebi Musa Pilgrimage

April 4th, 1920 104 years ago

The Nebi Musa riots began in April, marked by violent clashes between Palestinian Arabs and Jewish communities in Jerusalem. Triggered by national tensions following World War I, the riots were exacerbated by competing claims to land and rights in the region. Protesters, motivated by rising nationalism and unrest over British policies, witnessed escalating confrontations, leading to numerous casualties. The unrest was a reflection of the broader political context, where both communities sought to assert their identity and claims amidst an increasingly volatile situation.

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Military & Warfare

Egyptian Expeditionary Force Takes Damascus

October 1st, 1918 106 years ago

The Egyptian Expeditionary Force captured Damascus from the Ottoman Empire in a significant event during World War I. Under the command of General Edmund Allenby, the force advanced through the region following a successful offensive against Turkish forces. This military action was part of a larger campaign to secure territories in the Middle East and was essential in undermining Ottoman control. The capture of this historic city was marked by the strategic maneuvering of both British and Arab forces.

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Military & Warfare

Climax of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign

September 25th, 1918 106 years ago

The Battle of Megiddo was a decisive offensive by the British Army in their Sinai and Palestine campaign, led by General Edmund Allenby. It concluded with a major victory against the Ottoman Empire, showcasing strategic mobility and effective coordination among British and allied forces. This battle marked a pivotal moment in World War I, as it set the stage for the collapse of Ottoman control in the region. The assault focused on breaking through the enemy lines and advancing toward significant targets, leading to the retreat of Ottoman troops.

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Military & Warfare

Allenby Captures Jerusalem from Ottomans

December 9th, 1917 107 years ago

Field Marshal Edmund Allenby led British forces in a decisive campaign that culminated in the capture of Jerusalem from the Ottoman Empire. This historic military achievement occurred after a series of battles in the region, showcasing effective coordination and strategic planning among Allied troops. Allenby's approach emphasized mobility and surprise, leading to the successful occupation of a city of significant religious and historical importance.

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Politics & Government

Sykes-Picot Agreement Revealed by Manchester Guardian

November 26th, 1917 107 years ago

The Manchester Guardian, a British newspaper, published a secret agreement between the United Kingdom and France regarding the partitioning of the Ottoman Empire. The document, known as the Sykes-Picot Agreement, outlined plans for the division of territories in the Middle East after World War I. This release indicated significant geopolitical intentions and arrangements while also highlighting the complexities of post-war diplomacy. The publication came amid ongoing World War I hostilities, capturing public and governmental attention and raising questions about colonial ambitions and national sovereignty.

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Politics & Government

Balfour Declaration Published in The Times

November 9th, 1917 107 years ago

The Balfour Declaration, a statement of British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, was published in The Times newspaper. Authored by Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour, the declaration expressed the British government's intent to establish a national home for the Jewish people. This announcement came amidst World War I, as Britain aimed to gain support from Jewish communities globally. The publication garnered widespread attention and had significant political implications for the future of Palestine and Jewish nationalism.

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Military & Warfare

British Forces Capture Gaza from Ottomans

November 7th, 1917 107 years ago

The Third Battle of Gaza culminated with British forces successfully seizing the city of Gaza from the Ottoman Empire. This strategic victory followed prolonged military operations that began in March, with British forces aiming to break through the Ottoman defenses after previous failed attempts. The capture of Gaza played a crucial role in the wider campaign throughout the Sinai Peninsula and Palestine, ultimately contributing to the weakening of Ottoman control in the region.

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