French Colonial Troops, 1815-1914

During the 19th century, facing increasing military pressure from European colonial powers, several Muslim countries in Africa and Asia were compelled to progressively modernize their armies to counter foreign threats. By the outbreak of World War I in 1914, a number of “westernized” Muslim armies had emerged globally.

The most significant of these was the Ottoman Army, which underwent gradual reform after the Napoleonic Wars. Turkish troops played a crucial role in pivotal 19th-centu…