[ARABIA / YEMEN] Yemen'de Türkler (Tarihimizin ibret levhasi): Resimlerle Yemen. [i.e. Turks in Yemen: Yemen in pictures]

ZEKI EHILOGLU, Kardes Matbaasi, Istanbul, 1952.

Original illustrated wrappers. Demy 8vo. (21 x 14 cm). In Turkish. [12], 244 p., 88 b/w plates, and maps. Some markings on the first map in red pencil, with slight creasing on the spine and rear cover. Otherwise a very good copy.

Scarce first edition of this first-hand account and detailed description of Yemen, written by Ehiloglu, who served as the Judicial Adviser in the 7th Corps in Yemen during eight years between the pre-First World War and the Armistice of Mudros. 

This richly illustrated book includes the b/w photos of inhabitants, architectural buildings, topography, artisans, and the army of Yemen. Three photos show Ehiloglu in disguise in a local dress of the region. Two maps of the region are included.

The book includes the descriptions in an eye-witnessed and first-hand account of why he came to Yemen and the route through the Suez Canal, his mission in Yemen, the geography and history of the region, the places he stayed, the important events he witnessed, the Jews, the food and culinary culture of the region, the legal system, the Yemen Revolt led by Imam Yahya (Yahya Muhammad Hamid ed-Din) and meeting with him, the social structure of the Aden, Al Hudaydah, and Sana'a regions, and his return to his home when his mission was over.

The Ottoman Seventh Army was established in 1877 for service in Arabia and Yemen. By 1908 it consisted of the 13th and 14th infantry divisions, one cavalry regiment, and one artillery regiment and they were involved in combatting insurgent tribesmen in Yemen. The Seventh Army was destroyed by British aerial bombardment during its retreat from Nablus on 21 September 1918. (Wikipedia).

OCLC 22176001, 977320840.