Communications in Turkey and the Ottoman Empire: A Critical History

Burçe Çelik's book Communications in Turkey and the Ottoman Empire challenges Western-centered assumptions about the origins and development of modern communications by examining the historical commodification and militarization of communications and how it affected production and practice for oppressed populations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2023
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

The history of communications in the Ottoman Empire and Turkey defies the prevailing notion that communications are solely a result of modern capitalism and other Western influences. Burçe Çelik employs a decolonial lens to examine the historical commodification and militarization of communications, as well as its impact on marginalized populations such as women, the working class, and ethnic and religious minorities. Spanning from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day, Çelik situates networks within the evolving geopolitical context and the development of modern capitalism in relation to struggles involving a diverse array of social and political actors. Throughout, she challenges Anglo- and Eurocentric notions that perceive the non-West as an ahistorical imitation or deviation from the development of Western communications.

Communications in Turkey and the Ottoman Empire is an ambitious and comprehensive work that blends political economy with social history to challenge Western-centered assumptions about the origins and development of modern communications. By delving into the historical commodification and militarization of communications, Çelik sheds light on the ways in which these processes have shaped the experiences of oppressed groups and contributed to the perpetuation of power imbalances. Through her analysis, she challenges the notion that the non-West is merely an imitation or aberration of the West and instead presents a rich and complex history of its own.

The book is organized into five chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of communications history in the Ottoman Empire and Turkey. In the first chapter, Çelik provides a historical overview of the development of communications technologies in the region, highlighting the contributions of various empires and civilizations. She then moves on to examine the role of communications in the formation of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent decline of the empire. In the second chapter, she explores the impact of colonialism on communications in the region, particularly in the context of the British Empire. Çelik argues that colonialism not only facilitated the spread of communication technologies but also shaped the way in which they were used and perceived by local populations.

In the third chapter, Çelik examines the role of the state in the development of communications in the region. She argues that the state played a crucial role in shaping the infrastructure of communication networks and in regulating the use of communication technologies. Çelik also explores the ways in which the state used communication technologies to control and manipulate public opinion. In the fourth chapter, Çelik examines the impact of globalization on communications in the region. She argues that globalization has facilitated the spread of communication technologies and has also led to the emergence of new forms of communication such as social media and digital media. Çelik also explores the ways in which globalization has impacted the power dynamics between different regions and countries.

In the fifth chapter, Çelik examines the role of communication in social movements and political activism in the region. She argues that communication has been a vital tool for marginalized populations to express their grievances and to mobilize for social change. Çelik also explores the ways in which communication technologies have been used by the state to suppress and control social movements.

Throughout the book, Çelik employs a range of theoretical frameworks, including decolonialism, postcolonialism, and critical communication studies, to analyze the historical commodification and militarization of communications. She also draws on a wealth of primary sources, including government documents, newspaper articles, and personal accounts, to provide a rich and nuanced account of communications history in the region.

Communications in Turkey and the Ottoman Empire is a groundbreaking work that challenges Western-centered assumptions about the origins and development of modern communications. By employing a decolonial lens, Çelik provides a fresh and insightful perspective on the history of communications in the Ottoman Empire and Turkey. The book is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of communications, political economy, and social history.

Weight: 402g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252087394