Tirana is the core city of Albania, but it is a very young city that was founded by a Turkish general in the early 17th century. In order to attract immigrants, he built mosques, bakeries and baths. With the development of transportation and the increase of caravans, Tirana gradually became the core city of Albania.

In the face of such a city, of course, the Ottoman military did not want to give it to Italy, although the city was only more than 20 kilometers away from Durrës, but still sent two divisions of troops to defend Tirana.

One might ask, why did the Ottoman army send only such a small number of troops, and didn't the Macedonian Second Army have more than 80,000 men?

At first glance, you can see that you don't have much understanding of military affairs, and you must know that the two armies are facing each other, especially in modern times, and supply lines are very important. The location and topography of Albania determined that the Ottoman army could never engage Italy in the plains. The reason is simple, the supply lines of the Ottoman army were longer than those of Italy.

Moreover, the supply lines of the Ottoman army, because the sea power was on the Italian side, could only be taken by land, and the supply had to be transported over the 1,000 to 2,000 meters of the Dinara Mountains, and the cost of transporting supplies for the Ottoman army alone was ten times more expensive than that of Italy. After all, Italy can transport supplies by sea, which is comparable to the Ottoman transportation line that needs to cross mountains and mountains.

Although the Ottomans had war warehouses in Skopje, Thessaloniki and other places, which stored a large number of guns and ammunition, these materials were originally prepared for war with the surrounding small countries, which could be compared to the Italian war.

Now the Ottoman Empire transported large quantities of military supplies from Istanbul to the Macedonian region. Supplies were also transported from Macedonia to wherever they were needed. This supply line, which stretches for nearly 1,000 kilometers, is a headache for many people. So for the Ottoman Empire, the choice of battlefield was very important.

And Marshal Nuri Pasha, the war-fighting minister of war, also knew this, so he set a battle plan to rely on the favorable terrain of the Dinara Mountains to consume the Italian army, and when the time was ripe, the Ottomans were counterattacking and attacking.

I have to admit that this plan fits very well with the reality of the Ottoman army. However, it will also lead to a strategic abandonment of the Albanian coast.

And considering that it would be detrimental to the Ottoman Empire to give up like this, it became the only option to let go after limited resistance.

This is also the reason why the 21st Division of Major General Ataturk, after seeing the fierce offensive of the Italian army, chose to retreat. Of course, this retreat is not a cost. When the 21st Division retreated, except for the guns in its hands and a few light guns, all other equipment was lost in Durrës.

In addition, the 21st Division was more than 8,000 people at the time of the breakthrough, and now there are only more than 6,000 left? Although some of them can be returned later? But it would be nice to have two or three hundred people at most.

You must know that when the 21st Division was stationed in Durrës, there were 13,000 men? Plus recruits from local signs? At its peak, it reached 18,000 people, which is a huge loss.

Of course, the casualties of the attacking Italian army were not small? According to his estimates, it should be more than three thousand. Don't think it's too little, you know that the Italian army still has warships to help? Crush them in firepower.

This is also why the Ottoman army? The reason for putting only one division in Durrës.

In addition, it should be said that at present the strength of the Macedonian Second Army has exceeded more than 80,000 troops, and after receiving reinforcements from Central Thrace from the 24th and 33rd divisions, the total strength of this group army has exceeded 100,000 in one fell swoop.

But when it comes to the 21st Division? Now the remaining officers and men of the division are under the leadership of Major General Atatürk? We have just arrived at Wola, a key town in the Burze Mountains.

And the town was garrisoned by the 1st Brigade of the 16th Division, after receiving them. Barracks and food were immediately arranged for them to feed and rest for their allies who had fought with Italy.

As for Major General Atatürk, there is no need to worry about it, because he has a better place.

After swallowing the last bite of bread in his hand, Atatürk thanked the commander of the 1st Brigade of the 16th Division who accompanied him. "Colonel Abuliz? On behalf of the 21st Division, I would like to express my gratitude to you for your help. ”

In the breakthrough all the way, the officers and men of the 21st Division did not rest at all halfway? Running all the way from Durrës to here, naturally tired and hungry? Therefore, being able to get food and rest time at this time is very important for the 21st Division.

In the face of the thanks of Major General Ataturk? How could Colonel Abuliz accept it? I saw him wave his hand and say. "Is this just a trifle? I have great admiration for the 21st Division that resisted on the front line. ”

Saying this, Colonel Abuliz was about to say something else, when he heard a sharp knock at the door.

"Come in, what's the matter?"

Faced with this knock on the door, Colonel Abuliz was a little unhappy. Didn't you see that he was entertaining Major General Ataturk, he didn't have any eyesight.

It's just that the words of the young officer who came in made him immediately correct his attitude. "Lieutenant General Javad Pasha, let Major General Ataturk rush to Tirana, where he is waiting for His Excellency."

Lieutenant General Javad Pasha, as the officer called him, was the commander of the Macedonian Second Army, their superior.

"Lieutenant General Javad Pasha has arrived in Tirana?"

This was not only said from the mouth of Colonel Abuliz, but even Atatürk opened his mouth to ask. The reason why the two of them asked was because the news was sudden, and it was necessary to know that the headquarters of the Second Army was in the small town of Badr, located in the Dinara Mountains, and from there it was nearly sixty kilometers away from Tirana.

"Yes, I heard the herald say that he just arrived in Tirana last night."

In the face of the two commanders' unanimous questions, although the officer felt a little strange, he still answered truthfully.

After listening to the officer's words, Colonel Abuliz said with a smile. "Unexpectedly, as soon as Lieutenant General Javad Pasha arrived in Tirana, he would think of seeing you."

Of course, he did not expect that more than an hour ago, he sent someone to inform Tirana that the news that the 21st Division had retreated, which would lead to Lieutenant General Javad Pasha personally summoning the person concerned.

Facing Colonel Abuliz's words, Atatürk also said helplessly. "I didn't expect that either."

But in any case, the lieutenant general summoned him, and Atatürk had to rush over.

"I'll have people prepare horses, and you can ride this on the road faster."

"Thank you."

Everyone is a soldier, and it's wartime, so everything is simple.

So after just a few words, Atatürk followed the arriving heralds, mounted his prepared horses, and set out on the road to Tirana.

As for the officers and men of the 21st Division who remained here, there is no need to worry about this, because the officer system in the division is complete, and he does not have to worry about it.