Albania, Macedonia and the Ottoman Empire dominated the Balkan Peninsula. But, all the Balkan States longed to possess this beautiful land. Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, Karadag united, on 8^th October 1912 and they declared war against the Ottoman Empire which is already engaged in the Tripoli War. The Ottoman government discharged some parts of her the army as, she did not see any danger in Roumelia. She divided her forces as the East and the West Armies. The Ottoman military units had damaged by the Bulgarian, Greek and Serb attacks. The western Thrace was evacuated except Yanya and Iskodra. Although the Ottomans gained success in some areas, on 29^th October of 1912 they retreated through Catalca border. Greeks invaded Salonica, in November 8, 1912. The Bulgarian attacks targeting to occupy Istanbul were repulsed. In November 28, 1912 Albania, saw the war as a chance for declaring the independence.

While the Balkan States were fighting against each other, with the comfort of their victories, London Peace Conference was summoned with the mediation of the strong European states, on 17^th February of 1912. With the conflicts about Balkan States’ benefits the conference lasted for long than expected. On 26^th March of 1912, Bulgaria occupied Edirne, Yanya was lost, on 6^th March, and Iskudra had fallen, on 23^rd May. The First Balkan War had ended with the London Agreement, signed, on 30^th May 1913.

According to this agreement the line of Midye-Enez became the Ottoman-Bulgarian border. Thrace and Edirne were left to Bulgaria, southern Macedonia, Salonica and Crete were given to Greece, northern and central Macedonia was taken by Serbia, and Silistre was left to Romania. Moreover, the independence of Albania was accepted.

Bulgaria was dissatisfied with the lands she occupied, and on 29^th June 1913; she attacked Greece and Serbia. Thus, the second Balkan War began. Greek, Romanian and Serb armies had defeated Bulgarian forces. And the Ottoman State utilised this chance. Bolayir Army Corps, led by Mustafa Kemal occupied Kesan, on 15^th July 1913, Enes and Ipsala on 17^th July, Uzunkopru in the 18^th July, Karagac and Dimetoka in the 21^st July and they entered Edirne. Bulgaria demanded peace. Istanbul Agreement was signed, on 29^th September 1913. Edirne was given back to the Ottoman State. The River Meric became the Turkish-Bulgarian borderline and Dimetoka was remained as an Ottoman land.

©Copyright 1999 FORSNeT  (All Rights Reserved)