Women's Education and Social Transformation in the Ottoman Press: The Example of the Second Constitutional Era

Abstract

This study explores the discourse on women's education and social transformation in the Ottoman press during the Second Constitutional Period, focusing on how women's roles were conceptualized and debated in the context of national modernization efforts. Utilizing qualitative content analysis of periodicals from 1908 to 1918, the research examines the narratives presented in women's magazines and broader journalistic outputs that addressed the themes of education, social participation, and gender norms. The findings highlight the press's dual role as both a reflector and a shaper of public opinion and policy concerning women's roles in society. Notably, the period saw an increased advocacy for women's rights, education, and participation in the public sphere, reflecting a significant shift towards feminist ideologies within the Ottoman intellectual community. The study concludes that the Second Constitutional Period was crucial in redefining women's societal roles, with the press playing a key role in promoting educational reforms and advocating for gender equality. This period set the stage for future advancements in women's rights in Turkey, making it a foundational era for the subsequent feminist movements in the Turkish Republic. Keywords: Ottoman Empire, Second Constitutional Period, women's education, social transformation, feminist movements, Ottoman press