System crisis and theater in the Ottoman Empire: representation of the late Ottoman system crisis in theatrical plays

Abstract

In this paper, the term “artistic truth” is a starting point for studying the past through two works of literature; two theater plays written in late nineteenth century in order to get a multifaceted picture of the time. In this analytical reading, the Habermasian perspective of “system crisis” provides us a useful basis from which to give meaning to world presented in these plays. First, I will start with a summary of general theories on the phenomena of “system crisis,” from liberal thinkers of late eighteenth century to German sociologist and philosopher Jürgen Habermas, who produces his own ap-proach from a synthesis of the theories of Karl Marx and Talcott Parson. Consequently, I will create a new approach to the nineteenth century Otto-man history from his perspective. Second, I will conceptualize the interrelation between history and litera-ture and draw the borderlines of my approach for the study of historical, literary texts. Aer that, I will present a general view of nineteenth century theater and play-writing activities. Lastly, I will focus on two interesting theatrical plays. In the fourth chap-ter, I will analyze Şemsettin Sami’s Gave () and to put forth his political vision and advice to save the empire from a systemic crisis. In the fih chap-ter, I will take Hagop Baronian’s e Honorable Baggers () into consider-ation to disclose the playwright’s view about the destructive effects of the Ottoman system crisis on the Armenian community living in Istanbul.