Anton Denikin vs Hulusi Akar

After Kornilov's death, Denikin took command of the Volunteer Army in southern Russia. He led the White forces in a series of campaigns against the Bolsheviks, achieving significant victories and capturing large territories in Ukraine and southern Russia.

Denikin issued the Moscow Directive, ordering his forces to advance on Moscow. The offensive initially succeeded but was eventually halted by the Red Army. The failure of the Moscow campaign marked the turning point in the Russian Civil War, leading to the White Army's retreat.

After a series of defeats by the Red Army, Denikin's forces retreated to Crimea. Denikin resigned as commander-in-chief and was replaced by General Pyotr Wrangel. Denikin then went into exile, ending his role in the Russian Civil War.

Denikin lived in exile in France and later the United States. He wrote several books on the Russian Civil War and Russian history, including 'The Russian Turmoil' and 'The White Army'. He refused to collaborate with the Nazis during World War II.

Akar was appointed Chief of the Turkish General Staff on August 18, 2015, succeeding Necdet Ozel. He became the top military commander, overseeing the Turkish Armed Forces during a period of increased counterterrorism operations and cross-border interventions.

During the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, Akar was taken hostage by coup plotters at the General Staff headquarters. He was rescued after the coup failed. His capture and subsequent loyalty to the government solidified civilian control over the military.

As Chief of Staff, Akar oversaw Operation Olive Branch, the Turkish military incursion into Afrin, Syria, targeting Kurdish YPG forces. The operation resulted in Turkish control of Afrin and was part of Turkey's broader strategy in the Syrian conflict.

Akar was appointed Minister of National Defense on July 10, 2018, after the transition to the presidential system. He became the first civilian defense minister in decades, overseeing military policy and procurement, including the S-400 missile deal with Russia.