Left on the photo the “Red” Army barrack built 1837/38, during Turkish rule when the governor and commander in Bitola was Ahmet Pasha. Architect of the building was Stojan Vezenkov. The construction began in 1837 and all the citizens of Bitola were involved. This huge facility, which could accommodate eight battalions army, was completed in six months. Shortly after the completion of Red barracks, began the construction of “White” barrack (not shown on this image) for the accommodation of the Turkish cavalry and artillery. It was completed in 1844.
Both buildings “Red” and “White” were heavily bombarded during the First World War and due to the high level of destruction, and the high price for reconstruction, were demolished after the war.
In the central position of the image is the Turkish Military Academy build in 1845. From 1895 – 1899 in this building studied Mustafa Kemal the father of modern Turkey. Mustafa Kemal had an important role in the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War. On March 18, 1915, the English and French fleets tried to pass the Dardanelles Strait, and after having heavy losses, it was decided to land troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula. On April 25, 1915, the forces that landed at Anburnu (Cape of Bees) were stopped at Conkbayin (Chunuk Bair) by the 19th Division, commanded by Mustafa Kemal. "I do not order you to attack, I do order you to die!" were his words to his soldiers, and as a result of this success, Mustafa Kemal was promoted to Colonel. After this battle the glory of Mustafa Kemal was in constant rise, and later he became “Ataturk” – the father of Turkey.
This building still exists today, and within is located the Bitola museum, with special part dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
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