A Contribution to Ottoman Press History: Publication Aims of the Newspapers (1831-1876)

A Contribution to Ottoman Press History: Publication Aims of the Newspapers (1831-1876) This study examines publication aims of the newspapers starting from first Turkish newspaper Takvim-i Vekayi to 1876 when the constitutional monarchy has been declared. During the first thirty years of Turkish press history only two newspapers, one official and one semi-official have been published. Their publication aims and press policy differentiate from those private capital newspapers. Official newspaper Takvim-i Vekayi aims to manufacture and inform public opinion, while semi-official newspaper Ceride-i Havadis owned by a British citizen named William Churchill, aims to educate public. First private newspapers started to be published in 1860, most of them were owned by New Ottomans. New Ottomans, who try to establish constitutional monarchy, used newspaper as a tool for this aim in order to get public support. Newspapers owners, who draw attention to connection between newspapers and civilization, used plain language in order to be easily understood. This opinion was expressed on the first issues. On the other hand, especially New Ottomans, always highlighted their aim to serve motherland and public among others. Ottoman government tried to silence newspapers due to their harsh criticism by establishing new juristic regulations. New Ottomans had to flee abroad and continue their work in London due to pressure, closing, and exile coming from Ottoman Government. Despite all these hardship New Ottomans won this struggle, which they carried through the medium of the press. In place of dethroned Sultan Abdulaziz, first Murad V, and then Abdulhamid II ascended the throne and all these developments brought a noticeable easement for the press. The establishment of constitutional monarchy in 1876 was a clear victory for this long struggle which carried through the medium of the press.

Keywords

Newspaper, press, Takvim-i Vekayi, Ceride-i Havadis, Young Turks, Muhbir, Hurriyete, Namik Kemal