German Marshall von Sanders was born in Stolp (Polland), on 17 Febrary 1855. In 1874, he began his military career in Essen. In 1911 was promoted to general rank.

In the beginning of the 20th Century, the Ottoman military leaders were seeking for the survival of the empire. Liman had first been sent to Istanbul in 1913 as head of the German military mission for the restoration of the army. He was soon appointed inspector general of the Turkish army and was heavily involved in its reorganisation. As the Great War had began he became commander of the Turkish First Army. Due to the agreement had been made with Germany, Liman was given marshal rank.

It was in March 1915 that he became commander of Turkish Fifth Army, which was responsible for the Gallipoli Peninsula. With this designation, he handed all the regions responsibility but he failed to estimate Anglo-French landing points. He continued to command Turkish forces for nine months.

Liman returned to prominence early in 1918 as the head of an army group, which was responsible for preventing British General Allenby's advance through Palestine and Syria. However, Liman was unable to prevent the collapse of the front. He was able not do no more than withdrew his forces to Alleppo. From then on Mustafa Kemal replaced him.

Because of this failure, Liman was arrested in Istanbul for a while. Later, he was appointed for the departure of the German soldiers.

Following Mondros Armistice (30 October 1918), Liman left Turkey. He wrote two books about Turkey. He had died in 1929.

His Works: Five Years in Turkey, Armed Nation.