State and Administrative Management of the Military Inspection Area in Vardar Macedonia during World War I

Authors:

Pages: 213-229
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/HBTY7976

Abstract:

The main goal that Bulgaria pursued by taking the side of the Central Powers in the European conflict in 1915, was the same as during the recent Balkan Wars: achieving national unification. The Macedonian Military Inspection Area was established on 8 December 1915 with headquarters in Skopje. It was located in the operating area between 8 December 1915 and 29 September 1918. It included nine administrative districts: Skopje, Kumanovo, Tetovo, Štip, Tikveš, Bitola, Ohrid, Prizren and Pristina with a total area of 33 513 km2 and a population of 1 256 000 people. Macedonian military inspection areas were designed to serve as typical military occupation facilities. These areas existed for two main purposes: to maintain order and security in the conquered lands, and to unite the activities of military and civilian authorities. The undefined status of the newly occupied lands, as well as the introduction of a civilian administration directly under the auspices of the Council of Ministers, gave rise to many disputes between military and civilian authorities. The Hague Convention of 1907 had not been ratified by several countries, including Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and the Ottoman Empire, so it was not mandatory for those that took part in the Balkan Wars and World War I. In 1914, all military courts were ordered to be renamed field courts. Their jurisdiction was determined in respect of crimes committed by military men and civilians, as well as of applicable legislation, and their areas were determined in relation to the judgement of civilians.

Keywords:

Macedonian Military Inspection Area, World War I, military courts

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