WOMEN BEHIND THE PENS: A Brief History of Turkish Feminism

Women Behind the Pens: A Brief History of Turkish Feminism involves the historical development of Turkish feminism from Tanzimat Reforms to the modern period in Turkish literature. The book starts with the definitions of 'feminism' and the historical traces of feminism in the western and Turkish cultures. In the analysis part of the book, each chapter is respectively designed for a specific female Turkish author: Emine Semiye Önasya, Fatma Aliye Topuz, Halide Edip Adıvar, Nezihe Muhittin, Nezihe Meriç, Sevgi Soysal, Adalet Ağaoğlu, Erendiz Atasü, Tezer Özlü, Leyla Erbil, Buket Uzuner, Ayşe Kulin, Nazlı Eray and İnci Aral. Through the analysis of literary works and writing styles of the above mentioned authors, the main aim was to remind the readers their undeniable contributions on Turkish feminism. Based on the research, it was concluded that many of the 'women's writings' from Tanzimat period until today provided a common issue in Turkish literature: women need equal education , politic rights, economic independence and freedom of speech to gain a respected place and a voice in society. Therefore, it is desired that this book could contribute to the field in regards to the concepts of Turkish feminism and its historical development.