Part 6/13:
Beyond ideological priorities, numerous logistical obstacles made an invasion of Turkey and the Caucasus via this route highly problematic:
Geographical and Terrain Challenges: Turkey’s landscape is mountainous, hilly, and less suited for large-scale mechanized warfare compared to the flat and open Russian steppe. Supplying German forces would have been more difficult, especially given the limited fuel supplies.
Strong Resistance and Potential Allied Support: Turkey was not only militarily capable of resisting an invasion but also geographically positioned to be aided by the Allies. The British, with a substantial force in Iraq, could have extended support, while the Soviets could have intervened, given Turkey's strategic importance to Soviet naval access via the Black Sea.