SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis explores certain under-researched aspects of the socio-cultural development of late Ottoman Turkish and early republican women from the 1860s until 1950. By concentrating on females, the research aims to produce a more inclusive picture of how society developed in this period. In order to attempt this, the research focuses on four main topics which are presented in the following format: an introduction, four chapters, conclusions, appendix and a bibliography. The introduction sets the research within a historical framework and states its broad aims. Chapter One looks at various attempts to broaden female State education, culminating in a study of the Koy Enstituleri (Village Institutes). Chapter Two consists of several profiles of female Turkish journalists, active from the late 19th century onwards, who had benefited from improved State education. Chapter Three is a survey of the Ottoman women's press from 1869 onwards and a case study of inci magazine, published between 1919 and 1923. Chapter Four consists of a case study of Sabiha Sertel, a left-wing journalist who was active in Turkey from 1919 until 1950. The conclusion looks at the aims of the thesis and evaluates the material included in the four main subject areas. An appraisal of the educational reforms for women also includes a comparison with appropriate educational developments in England. The conclusion assesses both the value of journalism as an additional career path for educated Turkish women and their importance as role models. The Ottoman women's press is appraised to gauge how far it reflected the social, economic and cultural development of not only women, but society in general. The importance of the writing of Sabiha Sertel to the history of Turkish journalism is assessed and, finally, suggestions are made as to where further research could add to the material included in this thesis.