From the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Türkiye, the Infantry Shooting School and applied shooting training of the Turkish Infantry

The transformation of the Ottoman army brought about the modernization process that followed the example of the West since the 18th century. During this process, the restructuring efforts of the army necessitated the use of modern methods in the training of the Ottoman infantry. The increased contribution of the rifled infantry in combat also increased the importance of firearms training. Drills were carried out regularly and frequently in order for the Ottoman infantry to use their modern firearms correctly and effectively. Training activities were carried out based on the principles of order and instruction since the reign of Mahmud II, and they continued according to the French methods until the Prussian School of Thought was adopted during the reign of Abdulhamid II. During the reign of Abdulhamid II, when the German influence was instrumental throughout the army, infantry training methods were updated according to methods adapted from Germany. Infantry rifles were replaced with German Mauser rifles during this period, and combat trainings for the Ottoman Army were carried out fully in-line with the German methods. Infantry training gained a significant theoretical infrastructure during the reign of Abdulhamid II, and with the opening of the Infantry Shooting School during the Second Constitutional Era, it received the support of practical training opportunities. This study examines the establishment and functioning of the Infantry Shooting School and its transfer from the Ottoman Empire over to the Republic of Türkiye.