Hussein Rauf Bey's Ittihad Islamic Army and the occupation of Kermanshah in the First World War

Part of the issue of Iran's occupation during World War I unfolded in Kermanshah, where clashes among Germany, the Ottoman Empire, Russia, and Britain took place. At a critical juncture when Britain threatened the regions of Basra and Baghdad in Iraq, the Ottoman government, by halting the mission of the expeditionary group to Afghanistan and establishing the Islamic Union Army, contemplated capturing Kermanshah through a Jihad strategy.Thus, the purpose of the current research is not to delve into the group sent to Afghanistan and its disintegration, but to examine the shifts in Ottoman objectives for this group, the actions of the Islamic Union Army, and their consequences and outcomes.

Method and Research Design:

 The current research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach based on archival documents and library resources.

Anwar Pasha, the Ottoman Minister of War, and Hussein Raufbeyg, the commander of the Islamic Union Army, contrary to the Ottoman ambassador's stance in Tehran and the German government, an Ottoman ally in World War I, occupied Kermanshah. This event marked a significant repercussion in terms of discord within the Ottoman front and dealt a blow to the Jihad strategy of this last Islamic empire. Ultimately, due to these repercussions, alongside the opposition from the Iranian government and the extensive resistance of the people of Kermanshah under the leadership of the Sanjabi tribe, the occupation of Kermanshah, which commenced on 26 Jumada al-Awwal 1333 AH/11 April 1915 AD, concluded on 14 Dhu al-Qaidah 1333/23 September 1915.