Representation of the non-Muslim Ottomans in modern Turkish drama (1874-1912)

Abstract

This thesis studies the forms of representation of the non-Muslim Ottomans in modern Turkish drama (1874-1912). Representations of the non-Muslims in Karagöz plays are primarily examined to show the reflection of the break led by the nationalism movement which hit the 19th century and the reform process starting with the Tanzimat period on non-Muslim representations in plays more clearly. This study analyzes the reasons why non-Muslims’ representations were limited in the works of playwrights who tried to bring in a “national” character to literature in general and drama in particular although non-Muslims were the pioneers of the Western theatre in the Ottoman Empire. It discusses the forms of “representation” and “perception” of the non-Muslims in accordance with the economic and political changes in the Ottoman Empire focusing on the copyright plays which include non- Muslim characters. It is argued that the sense of “we” and “they” originated from the nationalistseparatist activities which grew stronger in the 19th century in the Ottoman Empire and the economic balances which turned to the non-Muslims’ benefit determines the representation of the non-Muslim characters. It is maintained that an idea of “we” is dominant in the plays written in that period as non-Muslim elements which sometimes mark the religious identity and sometimes the ethnic identity are not included at all or conditionally included.