Why did the Ottoman Empire ally with Germany in World War I?

The Ottoman Empire joined the Central Powers alliance led by Germany in World War I due to a combination of factors. One of the primary reasons was the Ottoman Empire's declining power and influence, particularly in the face of growing nationalism among its constituent peoples. This weakened the empire's hold on its territories, and it sought to regain some of its lost influence by allying with Germany.

Another factor was the Ottoman Empire's need for military support, particularly in the face of Russian expansionism in the region. The Ottoman Empire hoped that Germany could provide the necessary military aid to fend off Russian advances and protect its territorial integrity.

Additionally, there were ideological and political factors at play. The Ottoman Empire saw itself as the leader of the Islamic world and hoped that an alliance with Germany would help it defend and promote Islam against Western imperialism.