Attacks of the Greek Navy on the Dardanelles during the Balkan Wars and Counter Measures taken by the Ottoman Empire

The Greek Navy blockaded the Dardanelles at the very onset of the Balkan Wars in order to facilitate the invasion of the Aegean Islands and to prevent the Ottoman Navy to send supplies to its army in the Balkans. Another purpose of this move was to secure the shipment of supplies conducted both by itself and its allies. However, as the War progressed, the Ottoman Navy could not respond effectively and the Bulgarian Army advanced to Gallipoli, which made the Dardanelles a attack target for the Greek Navy. Thereupon, the Ottoman Empire continuously reinforced its position in the Dardanelles, both by sea and land. Since the Dardanelles was of great importance strategically, the Ottoman Empire paid special attention to it and sent its Navy to the region. However, the Greek Navy was superior compared to the Ottoman Empire at the time, which hindered all these defensive measures. Despite this fact, the Greek Navy could not operate at full capacity in the Dardanelles because of its limited power and the measures taken by the Ottoman Empire by sea and land. The Greek Navy was only able to blockade the Dardanelles.