The Battle of Sarıkamış was a decisive Turkish victory that resulted in Armenian territorial losses and the annexation of Kars by Turkey.
Key Facts
- Date
- September 29, 1920
- Estimated Armenian Deaths
- 1000 soldiers
- Turkish Commander
- Kâzım Karabekir
- Territory Annexed
- Kars and surrounding provinces
- Conflict
- Turkish-Armenian War (1920)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Armistice of Mudros, Turkish nationalist forces under the Grand National Assembly launched an eastward invasion of Armenia. Mustafa Kemal directed Kâzım Karabekir to lead the Eastern Front, aiming to reclaim territories and push Armenian forces away from the Sarıkamış front.
On September 29, 1920, Turkish forces engaged Armenian troops at Sarıkamış. The battle resulted in a decisive Turkish victory, with approximately 1,000 Armenian soldiers killed and the remainder either slain or exiled. No prisoner exchange took place.
As a result of the battle, Turkey annexed Kars and other provinces formerly contested with Armenia. Armenian military resistance in the region collapsed, significantly weakening the First Republic of Armenia and reshaping the territorial boundaries of the South Caucasus.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Kâzım Karabekir, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (overall direction).
Side B
1 belligerent