Abstract
THE CONSTRUCTION OF NATIONALIST WOMANHOOD IN THE MONTHLY WOMEN'S MAGAZINE AYŞE
In the Ottoman Empire, press and publishing activities began to develop in the early 19th century, gaining significant momentum, particularly during the Tanzimat Period, with the proliferation of magazines and newspapers. In this context, the emergence of women's periodicals also constitutes a part of the Ottoman modernization process. First published in 1869, Terakki-i Muhadderat stands as a significant milestone as the first magazine dedicated to women. Publications such as Hanımlara Mahsus Gazete and Kadınlar Dünyası aimed to increase women's participation in social life and advocate for their rights. In these magazines, women assumed active roles not only as readers but also as writers and editors. This development enhanced the social role of women, making them more visible in literary, social, and political spheres. This trend, which emerged in the late Ottoman period, became more pronounced during the Republican era, leading to increased activities by women in literature, the press, and civil society. Publications like the magazine Ayşe, as part of this process, aimed to strengthen women's roles in social life and instill national values among them. Turkish nationalism, one of the ideological foundations of the state, also influenced women. Halide Nusret Zorlutuna, a pioneering female author in this field, was also the founder of Ayşe magazine, a women's periodical that advocated the ideology of Turkish nationalism.
This study will focus on the conceptualization of nationalist womanhood and its content within the framework of Turkish nationalism in Ayşe magazine. Additionally, it will attempt to introduce the magazine's formal characteristics, activities, and its body of contributors.
Keywords
Ayşe Magazine, Turkism, Womanhood, Motherhood, Nationalist Turkish Women's Association.