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Why did the Ottoman Empire enter World War I?

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This map shows the territorial expansion of the Ottoman Empire from 1300 to its greatest extent in 1683-99, highlighting different periods under rulers such as Mehmed II, Selim I, and Süleyman the Magnificent, and marking key cities, seas, and geographical boundaries in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. — Ottoman Empire Map showing the expansion of the Ottoman Empire from about 1300 to 1700. The empire reached its greatest extent between 1683 and 1699.

The Ottoman Empire entered World War I primarily as a strategic move orchestrated by the Young Turks, specifically Minister of War Enver Paşa, who viewed an alliance with Germany as the most effective way to protect the empire’s interests.12

A central motivation for this alignment was the desire for protection against the perceived threat posed by Russia, particularly regarding control of the straits. By 1914, Germany had gained significant influence over the Ottoman military through the presence of German instructors. This relationship culminated in a secret treaty signed on August 2, 1914, pledging Ottoman support to the German side if Germany were to engage in conflict with Russia.1

The decision was solidified when two German warships, the Goeben and the Breslau, arrived in the Dardanelles. Following these events, the Ottoman fleet, led by the Goeben, conducted raids on Russian ports in the Black Sea in late October 1914, which directly triggered declarations of war from Russia and the Allies in early November.1