Part 8/12:
Ottoman troops, some numbering around 150,000, were ill-equipped for winter warfare—lacking proper clothing and provisions—leading to exhaustion, frostbite, and death even before engaging in battles. In contrast, Russian forces, well-supplied and supported by Armenian and Greek volunteers, prepared for the ongoing fighting, which involved a complex web of mountain passes and improvised routes difficult for artillery to traverse.
The Russian Tsar personally visited the Caucasus front on December 20, seeking support from Armenian clergy and promising a brighter future for Armenians. This move heightened tensions with the Ottoman Empire, which feared an Armenian uprising and possible betrayal, leading to increased persecution and plans for brutal campaigns against Armenian populations.