Espionage Activities and Safety Perception in the Ottoman State at the Beginning of World War I (1914-1915)

Ottoman State in the early 20th century, in the axis of internal and external political developments has faced serious security problems. Towards the First World War the Ottoman administrators and bureaucrats were able to understand the seriousness of espionage activities and to take measures to prevent these activities in line with the daily developments. During World War I, the measures taken aganist especially citizens of an enemy state, including foreigners and non- Muslim even Muslim citizens to evaluate in this respect would be a more accurate approach. When World War I, martial law practices hardens in all of the warring states under the influence of extraordinary circumstances. From the moment they enter the war, the Ottoman administrators faced with multiple threats, which directly affect the perception of security as a secret cases will prevent espionage activities in the light of concrete evidence and criminal cases. In this article from World War I until the Arab Revolt perception of security issues of the events will be examined based on experienced cases of espionage in the Ottoman State. The Arab Revolt is not included within the scope of this article. The Prime Ministrial Ottoman Archives to be used as the main source of this study will also be supported with relevant existing research work