Family perception according to Ottoman women's magazines (Second half of the 19th century)

The family, the smallest unit of society, has maintained its importance in every period of its existence. It has taken shape according to many religious, cultural, economic, and political factors according to the time period it was in. Due to these factors, different family structures are seen in different societies, and sometimes even in the same society, differences can occur. Family life has always had an important position in the Ottoman Empire, which was in the movement of modernization and innovation with the Tanzimat. Because in Ottoman society, starting a family is both a natural need and a religious necessity. For this reason, the family in the Ottoman Empire was a private and closed box. So, how was the family, the smallest nucleus of society, formed in Ottoman society? In our study, we aim to clarify this issue, albeit partially, through women's magazines. The aim of this study is to shed light on the issues related to family life, which are in a vague position based on the magazines published during the Tanzimat period. For this purpose, the historical development of family life in societies before the 19th century was discussed, magazines were introduced, and the transition to family life, which started to change in the Tanzimat, was ensured. In this context, women's magazines, which emerged with the innovative structure of the period, are the source of our research with the rich information and examples they provide about family life. In magazines; there is detailed information about many issues related to the closed family life, from the definition and types of the family, the creation of men and women in need of each other, the stages of marriage, the secrets of getting along, and the subtleties of raising children.