CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2024
| Author | Karakus, Necmiye |
|---|---|
| Title | Voices Against Bondage: The Tanzimat Writers' Reflections on Slavery and Abolitionism (1830s-1870s) |
| Summary | The Tanzimat period, catalyzed by the Gülhane Decree of 1839, ushered in a transformative era of modernization and reform in the Ottoman Empire, significantly impacting its literature. This thesis investigates how Tanzimat writers, including Ahmet Midhat Efendi, Namık Kemal, Samipaşazade Sezai, and Nabızade Nazım, engaged with the abolitionist discourse and Western perceptions of slavery. Through close analysis of their literary works, this research uncovers a dual strategy employed by these writers. Internally, they imbued themes of captivity and slavery with romantic and melancholic tones, implicitly critiquing the institution and advocating for humane treatment. Externally, particularly exemplified by Ahmet Midhat Efendi, they portrayed Ottoman society in a positive light to Western audiences. This study also identifies recurring patterns in their literary responses and examines their moral stances toward slavery. By integrating close reading and critical analysis of Tanzimat novels with the intellectual and legal history of the period, this research deepens our understanding of cultural exchange and ideological transformation during this pivotal era, demonstrating the intersection of reform discussions and creative expression. |
| Supervisor | Wilson, Brett; Al-Bagdadi, Nadia. |
| Department | History MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2024/karakus_necmiye.pdf |
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