MIDDLE EAST HISTORY POLITICS CULTURE XI-XII Middle East | Page 136

I argue that the Secret Organization ( Teşkilât-ı Mahsusa ) of Ottoman
Empire was both the structural and staff base for many small secret
intelligence organizations which were in action during the following years
after 1918.
In this paper, the focus is on the main activities of “Karakol”, its
structural and staff nuances, other features and charachteristics. I discuss the
importance of this organization in the Turkish War of Independence, its
relation with Mustafa Kemal and other leaders.
This period is very important for understanding the security system of
Turkey not only in the first half of 20 th century, but following decades as well
entering a long period of transformations and changes. The experience of
“Karakol” and other secret organizations became crucial for the work of
Turkish Intelligence during the early decades of Republican era.
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