The Visual Representation of Women in Servet-i Fünun

Authors : Saadet Tikaç, Özlem Özkal

Pages : 65-93

View : 222 | Download : 169

Publication Date : 2023-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study investigates the representation of women in Servet-i Fünûn, an influential journal of the late Ottoman period. To understand the nature of the female portrayal, a visual discourse analysis was carried out with 1257 unique images of women from the issues between 1895-1920. Mode categories identifying the women, outlining the locations they are in, describing their activities and physical appearance were created to effectively account for the social meaning of the imagery (Lister & Wells, 2011). The data set was classified and coded on NVivo 12 and interpreted thereafter. It is found that the journal shows many women of differing identities and visual characteristics, and the representation is not exclusively that of the Ottoman individuals and life. It presents a modern world where women are progressively literate, visible out of home and in public sphere, in European style garments, and participating in a variety of professional activities. However, their responsibilities of motherhood and homemaking are not overlooked, either. It is concluded therefore, the journal mediates and supports a transformation in lifestyle, thought and action regarding women to its Ottoman audience, while continuing to relate to the traditions that governed the society.
Keywords : Servet i Fünun, kadın çalışmaları, görsellik çözümlemesi, kadın temsili, Osmanlı kadınları