THE ENTENTE STATES' AMBITIONS IN CILICIA DURING FIRST WORLD WAR

One of not enough studied themes of WWI is the Ententes ambitions and projects about Cilicia during the war. Cilicia is situated on the north-eastern coast of the Mediterranean. It was under Ottoman rule and was included in Adana and Aleppo provinces in the eve of War. It occupied a strategically important position; it was on the way of Berlin-Bagdad railroad, it was rich in minerals and fertile fields. Cilicia was settled with Christian majority. This rich and strategically important region was attracted Great Powers. The Allies discussed the projects to land expedition troops in Cilicia and attack Turks from that side several times. During World War I Russia, Great Britain, France and Italy were in diplomatic struggle for that region. At last Russia and Britain recognized the French influence in Cilicia during the negotiations in 1914-1916. But in late 1916, Italy informed the desire to rule Cilicia. This issue has become a cause for acute diplomatic discussions. The Allies finally convinced Italy, and in 1917 was signed St. Jean de Maurienne Agreement. Italy refused Cilicia, and in return it was promised large areas in the south and west of Asia Minor.