Tasvir-i Efkâr

Turkish newspaper

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July 14, 2026

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The newspaper Tasvir-i Efkar, meaning "Description of Ideas," was founded by Ibrahim Şinasi, a key figure in the modernization of Ottoman literature. He studied in France and returned to Constantinople to establish this influential publication.1

Namık Kemal later took over the newspaper when Şinasi fled to Paris. Kemal used Tasvir-i Efkar to promote nationalist and modernizing messages through his writings, including plays and poetry. The newspaper played a significant role in the New Ottoman literature movement, which aimed to adapt Turkish literary traditions to European influences during a period of state modernization.1

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İbrahim Şinasi
…started his own paper, the Tasvir-i efkâr (“Picture of Ideas”), which soon became a vehicle for the expression of new political and literary ideas. Şinasi also wrote for the Ceride-i askeriyye (“The Military Gazette”). In 1865 he fled to Paris, probably for political reasons, and spent most of his time…
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…started his own paper, the Tasvir-i efkâr (“Picture of Ideas”), which soon became a vehicle for the expression of new political and literary ideas. Şinasi also wrote for the Ceride-i askeriyye (“The Military Gazette”). In 1865 he fled to Paris, probably for political reasons, and spent most of his time…
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Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman constitution, 1876
…Tercüman-i Ahval (1860) and the Tasvir-i Efkâr (1862); along with later newspapers, those became the vehicles for Young Ottoman ideas.
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…Tercüman-i Ahval (1860) and the Tasvir-i Efkâr (1862); along with later newspapers, those became the vehicles for Young Ottoman ideas.
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Namık Kemal
…and editor of the newspaper Tasvir-i Efkâr (“Description of Ideas”), İbrahim Şinasi, who had spent much time in Europe and was greatly enamoured of Western ways and ideas. Kemal became editor of the Tasvir-i Efkâr in 1865, when Şinasi fled to France. By 1867, however, the highly political nature of…
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…and editor of the newspaper Tasvir-i Efkâr (“Description of Ideas”), İbrahim Şinasi, who had spent much time in Europe and was greatly enamoured of Western ways and ideas. Kemal became editor of the Tasvir-i Efkâr in 1865, when Şinasi fled to France. By 1867, however, the highly political nature of…
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