A Gazette Issued For Introducing Art Of Theatre To Ottoman Society By Way Of Press: Tiyatro (20 March 1874-12 April 1875)

Westernization movements started in Ottoman Dissolution Era accelerated with Reforms. In this era in which cultural transformation was felt much compared with previous eras, theatre in sense of western started to develop in Ottoman Empire. This art branch which makes people think as well as entertains penetrated by supporting by Ottoman government in Sultan Abdülmecid Era. In this era, interest for theatre where generally foreign communities took the stage is coming from Beyoglu where largely Christian people are residing in Istanbul. Nevertheless, Dolmabahce Theatre which is the first theatre built with support of state upon the request of sultan was opened. In development of Turkish Theatre in sense of Western, 1860 s are important. In this era when Gedikpasa Theatre was founded, requirement of seeking more audiences was needed. For this, plays were performed in Turkish. Also, Muslim Turkish actors appeared on the stages. In this era when Sultan Abdülaziz was on the throne, other leaders of the state were interested in theatre. Ahmet Vefik Pasha, Ziya Pasha and Sir Ali are among the persons interested in theatre. These persons both wrote their own plays and translated. Again, Şinasi, Namık Kemal, Ahmet Mithat, Şemsettin Sami, Recaizade Mahmut Ekrem, Ebüzziya Tevfik, Abdülhak Hamit are the names contributed into art of theatre. Development witnessed in art of theatre attracted the attention of press of that era. Publications such as Terakki, Muhip, Mümeyyiz, Diyojen, Hayâl informed the society about theatre, announced the plays to be performed at some times. Tiyatro gazette reviewed in the study was influential in introduction of art of theatre in society and announcement of plays by publishing 86 editions between 20 March 1874 and 12 April 1875. Gazette published by Agob Baronyan discussed social, political and economical problems. In this study, information were given about identity details, technical specifications, circulation, advertisement and announcements taken, author and caricaturist staff of Tiyatro gazette; it was mentioned about publication aim and publication policy of gazette. Then, articles published regarding art of theatre in the gazette were evaluated. It will be tried to determine contribution of gazette in development of theatre art and which stage development of art of theatre in Ottoman Empire is in with this study having the character of qualitative historical design.