The Ottoman Press, 1908-1923
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This thesis examines the Ottoman press, in particular the Turkish language press in Istanbul, between the declaration of the second constitutional period in 1908 and the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923. After contextualizing the Ottoman press by looking at its history leading up to the 1908 revolution, the socioLeconomic, linguistic, geographic and ideological dimensions of the postL revolution press are examined by analysing the 1908 press boom, a period of increased press activity. Subsequently, three mechanisms to control the press (law, censorship and finance) are discussed in detail. The new 1909 press law and its application indicate a liberal policy towards the press. However, changes made to the 1909 press law, starting in 1912, gradually established strict government control after 1913. PreLprint censorship is discussed and Allied censorship in occupied Istanbul between 1919 and 1922 is used to illustrate how censorship could be used to control the content of the press. The thesis also examines the role of capital as a method of control for both government and nonL government actors in a pressLindustry where high competition and low profits made survival difficult. In conclusion, the thesis considers the social and political impact of the press and argues that it could play a decisive role in the course of political events.