First Army (Turkey)

First Army (Turkey). The First Army is one of the four field armies of the Turkish Land Forces and is the principal formation responsible for the defense of Thrace and the strategic approaches to Istanbul. Headquartered at the historic Selimiye Barracks in Üsküdar, its operational area encompasses northwestern Turkey, bordering Greece and Bulgaria. Throughout its history, it has played pivotal roles in conflicts from the Turkish War of Independence to modern security operations.

History

The First Army was originally established in 1921 during the Turkish War of Independence under the command of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who later became the first president of the Republic of Turkey. It was instrumental in the final stages of the war, particularly in the preparations for the Great Offensive that culminated in the decisive Battle of Dumlupınar. Following the war and the establishment of the republic, the army was reorganized and its headquarters was permanently stationed in Istanbul, a city of immense strategic importance straddling Europe and Asia. During the Cold War, the First Army was a key NATO formation on the alliance's southern flank, facing the Warsaw Pact forces of Bulgaria and the Soviet Union. It was actively involved in the Cyprus Operation in 1974, deploying forces to the island. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it has also contributed to domestic security operations during the Southeastern Anatolia conflict.

Structure

The First Army's order of battle comprises several corps-level formations, which integrate a mix of mechanized, armored, and infantry units. Its primary subordinate commands include the 2nd Corps, headquartered in Gelibolu, the 3rd Corps in NATO's Şişli district, and the 5th Corps in Çorlu. These corps control numerous brigades, such as the 65th Mechanized Infantry Brigade and the 66th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, equipped with modern main battle tanks like the Leopard 2 and M60 Patton. The army also commands the Aegean Army in İzmir, which is responsible for the Aegean Sea coast. Key support elements include artillery regiments, army aviation units, and engineering brigades, all coordinated from its headquarters at Selimiye Barracks.

Commanders

The First Army has been led by many distinguished officers who later rose to the highest ranks in the Turkish Armed Forces. Its first commander was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, followed by prominent figures like Fevzi Çakmak, the Republic's first Chief of the General Staff, and İsmet İnönü, who later succeeded Atatürk as president. In the modern era, notable commanders include General Nurettin Ersin, who commanded during the Cyprus Operation, and General Hilmi Özkök, who later served as Chief of the General Staff. The position is traditionally held by a full general and is considered one of the most prestigious postings within the Turkish Land Forces.

Operations and engagements

The First Army's operational history spans major conventional warfare and counter-insurgency. Its first major engagement was during the Turkish War of Independence, where it played a crucial role in the final offensive against Greek Army forces. During the Cyprus Operation in 1974, elements of the First Army, under the overall command of the Turkish Armed Forces, conducted amphibious and airborne assaults on the island, leading to the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Throughout the 1990s, it provided strategic reserve and logistical support for operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the Southeastern Anatolia conflict. In peacetime, it conducts major joint exercises with other NATO allies, such as U.S. forces, and remains on high alert in its Thrace sector.

See also

* Turkish Land Forces * Second Army (Turkey) * Third Army (Turkey) * Aegean Army * Cyprus Operation * Selimiye Barracks

Category:Field armies of Turkey Category:Military units and formations established in 1921