Bulgarian Conscripts in the Turkish Army

territoriale · Post by **territoriale** » 06 Jun 2007 12:43

I was recently going through British Intelligence Summary files for Salonika (1917/18) at the National Archives. I was surprised to come across reports that Bulgarian conscripts - presumably moslims - had been sent to serve in the Turkish Army. There were more than one of these reports, spanning 1917 and 1918, so I assume the enrolments were not for the 177th Regiment.

Have any other forum members come across other reports or records of Bulgarian nationals being sent to serve in the Turkish Army?

If so, does anyone know of the likely numbers involved and where they were engaged?Was there any formal/legal agreement between the two central powers over this arrangement?

Thanks,
Martin

Peter H · Post by **Peter H** » 06 Jun 2007 13:25

Hi

Bulgarian Muslims soldiers are mentioned here:

http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=119942

Regards
Peter

territoriale · Post by **territoriale** » 07 Jun 2007 09:03

Peter,

Thanks for the link.

The reports I saw suggested they were transferred Bulgarian conscripts rather than volunteers.

Martin

Tosun Saral · Post by **Tosun Saral** » 07 Jun 2007 09:14

There were no Bulgarian Conscripts in the Turkish Army at Sinai Front during WW1. They were Turkish muslims left behind in Bulgaria after 1877-78 war and Balkan War.

Nikolay · Post by **Nikolay** » 09 Jun 2007 16:58

Tosun Saral wrote:There were no Bulgarian Conscripts in the Turkish Army at Sinai Front during WW1. They were Turkish muslims left behind in Bulgaria after 1877-78 war and Balkan War.

These were ethnic Turks who were at the same time Bulgarian nationals. I believe that the previous posters made that clear...