In the early 20th century, Tsarist Russia began occupying Ottoman lands.

During this occupation process, the Russian army advanced as far as the province of Van, which is within the borders of today’s Turkey, and took control of the region, especially in 1915.

However, with the revolution and change of government in Russia, the soldiers withdrew and the regions they occupied were evacuated.

Those taken prisoner in the shadow of the war

Thousands of people were taken prisoner during the Russian army’s withdrawal.

Among these prisoners were Bahattin Bakır and Abdulbaki Bakır from the Başkale district of Van.

Bahattin Bakır was assigned as the special barber of the Russian General Staff during his years of captivity.

This duty not only provided him with the opportunity to survive, but also the opportunity to establish one-on-one contact with high-ranking Russian officers of the period.

The question asked by the Russian Commander: Is This Story About the Kurds True?

Bahattin Bakır’s grandson, Rıdvan Bakır, told Şoperêç an interesting memory from his grandfather.