Bergmann Offensive

The Bergmann Offensive (Turkish: Bergmann Atağı; Russian: Берхманнский прорыв; in Russian literature Russian: Кёприкейская операция, "Koprukoy operation") was the first engagement of the Caucasus Campaign. General Georgy Berhmann, who was the commander of the I Caucasian Army Corps took the initiative against the Ottoman Empire.

On 15 November, he crossed border into enemy territory into the general direction of Koprukoy. On his right flank was a brigade under General Istomin that moved from Oltu in the direction of İd. On his left flank a Cossack division under Baratov moved into the Alashkert valley towards Yuzveran, after it crossed the Arax river.

In response the Ottoman 3rd Army went on a general counter-offensive. Contact was established on the 6th. As a result Russian forces found themselves being threatened by an enveloping movement on both sides. Only quick arrival of Russian reinforcements saved the situation. The fighting finally died away on the 29th of November.

Russian losses were up to 40% and their morale was shaken. Meanwhile, Turkish morale was high. The success during this first engagement encouraged the Enver to his plan at Sarikamish.

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