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Serai, old Turkish Headquarters, Basra, Iraq, WW1
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Serai, old Turkish Headquarters, Basra, Iraq, WW1
Serai, old Turkish Headquarters, Basra, Iraq, during the First World War.
circa 1916
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23074492
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Basra Headquarters Iraq Iraqi Quarters Serai
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This evocative photograph captures the Serai, or old Turkish Headquarters, in Basra, Iraq during the First World War, circa 1916. The Serai, a grand and imposing building, once served as the administrative hub for the Ottoman Empire's rule in the region. With the onset of the Great War, the building became a focal point of the conflict in the Middle East. British forces, under the command of General Townshend, had invaded Basra in November 1914, aiming to secure the strategic city and its vital oil fields. The Turkish garrison put up fierce resistance, and the Serai became a fortified stronghold. The British, determined to take control, laid siege to the city, leading to a brutal and protracted battle. The photograph shows the Serai in a state of destruction, with the remnants of the Turkish flag still flying proudly from the top of the building. The once grand edifice now bears the scars of war, with holes puncturing its walls and debris scattered around its base. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of war on historic buildings and the people who inhabited them. The First World War marked a turning point in the history of Iraq, with the Ottoman Empire's rule coming to an end and the British establishing their dominance in the region. The Serai, a symbol of the Ottoman past, stood as a testament to the turbulent history of Basra and the Middle East.
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