THE STARTING OF IMAM YAHYA REBELLION IN YEMEN AND THE FIRST MILITARY OPERATION

Abstract

The developments that happened in Yemen during the fourty eigth years between 1870 – 1918 left deep scars in the memory of the nation. The main reason of this is the rebellions resulting in loss of many lives. After the operation starting in 1870, the setting up the 7th Army as a new one was a major development. As a result of not being able to recruit soldiers from the Yemeni people, meeting the requirement of this army from the other regions caused serious problems. The biggest of the rebellions was the one started by Imam Yahya towards the end of 1904. As the rebellion spreads many nizamiye (regular) and redif (reserve) battalation were deployed from the other locations to the region. Concerning the rebellions the first reinforcement sent to Yemen were the 3 Nizamiye battalions deployed from Hicaz Devision due to its proximity. Despite the decision to deploy the 3 Redif battalations from the Asir region to Yemen was approved, it could not be executed because of the Redif mutiny. 3 Nizamiye battalations coming from Yenbu under the command of Mirliva Arif Hikmet Paşa (Major General Arif Hikmet Pasha) lended the Hudeyde port. Gathering the scattered Yemeni soldiers Arif Hikmet Pasha achieved a successful military operation lasting 6 days from Menaha to the besieged San’a