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by Enver Pasha (Author), Abdullah Bey (Translator)
This book presents for the first time an English translation of the letters of Enver Pasha, one of the Ottoman Empire's most iconic and controversial figures, compiled into the form of a diary written in Libya during the Turco-Italian War (1911-1912).
From vivid accounts of battle preparations and political intrigue in Istanbul to intimate reflections beneath the Cyrenaican night sky, Enver's writing reveals the mind of a man torn between duty, ambition, and love. His words trace the emotional and ideological journey of an Ottoman officer determined to rally the Muslim world against Italian encroachment - even as he contends with uncertainty and isolation. Alongside these firsthand journal entries are the deeply personal letters he sent to his wife during the war, offering a rare glimpse into his private thoughts, fears, and ideals amidst the desert campaign. Translated with fidelity to the original tone and historical context, this collection sheds light on a pivotal yet often misunderstood episode in Ottoman history. It is a must-read for those interested in Libyan or Ottoman history, or for those simply interested in the man himself.
