ortaoyunu

The term "ortaoyunu" refers to a form of Turkish theater that emerged around the 17th century. It is considered one of the first true theatrical forms developed by the Turks and possibly other Muslim peoples. Supported by Ottoman sultans, ortaoyunu gained acceptance and remained popular until World War I.1

This theater style was typically performed in open squares or coffeehouses without a formal stage. Props were minimal, often just a table or screen, with other objects represented by paintings. Performances featured all-male actors playing stereotyped roles, such as dandies, foreign physicians, and regional characters, engaging in slapstick comedy and sharp satire of the upper classes, though rarely of Islam itself. Dialogue was often improvised, providing a framework for flimsy plots. The ortaoyunu, along with mime and shadow plays like Karagöz, represents popular entertainment traditions within Islamic cultures, often viewed with caution by some orthodox scholars due to concerns about human portrayal.123