A teacher, agitator and guide: Talebe Defteri and the formation of an ideal child (1913-1919)

Abstract

This thesis examines one Talebe Defteri, a children’s journal, published in the late Ottoman era from 1913 to 1919, that focused on the formation of the ideal child. Since nationalism was a popular idea in society and among the intellectuals, and it was in practice through state policies, especially after the Balkan Wars, the journal is analyzed through the filter of nationalism. With patriotic agitation, Talebe Defteri stimulated the nationalist feelings of readers and raised national consciousness. At the same time, it promoted militarism, heroism, patriotism and revenge and it also presented a modernity perspective by supporting the modern education system and its methods, equality between men and women, the improvement of women’s social status, entrepreneurship, healthcare and physical training. Also, it touched upon the issues of morality and civil society, referring to scouting and youth associations. The discussions on nationalism and social issues in the journal provide clues about the characteristics of the ideal child in that period: patriotic, couregous, bodily, mentally and morally strong, resolute, hard-working, and a follower of modernity.