The Impression Writings in Servet-i Finûn About Iraq an Ottoman Land

Abstract

Iraq which one of the most important centers of the Middle East, although it was under Ottoman rule for a very long time, it always remained in a position disconnected from Anatolia. Although it is a very important region for Muslims, not many people from Anatolia have been able to see these lands depending on the conditions of that day. There were important spiritual centers in the region. However, it was difficult to visit them. Media outlets tried to partially meet this need. In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, the only means of information about remote geographies where Turks and Muslims lived were printed publications such as newspapers, magazines and newsletters. One of these publications is Servet-i Finûn magazine. Servet-i Finûn, which the longest-lived magazine in the history of the Turkish press, has assigned a special reporter for its readers in this context, and conveyed Iraq lands and impressions to its readers.
 The aim of this study is to reveal how Servet-i Finûn magazine transferred important cities and some private places in Iraq territory to its readers. Within the scope of the study, the issues of Servet-i Finûn magazine published between the years 1896-1901 were examined and related articles were determined and evaluated. According to the findings obtained from the study, the journal informed its readers about the region by publishing travel-impression articles (32 pieces) about the city, place, some important developments and important personalities in Iraq during the said period.