The Ottoman Moliere in Ahmet Vefik Pasha's translations

ABSTRACT This study aimed to deal with five translations-adaptations of Moliere by Ahmet Vefik Pasha, using the theory of polysystem. In this context, the plays written by Ahmet Vefik between the years 1879-1882, titled as Zor Nikâhı, Don Ovarii, Dudu Kuşları, Tartüfand Adamcıl were compared to the original works of Moliere that were written between the years 1659-1666 and titled as Le Mariage Force, Dom Juan ou Le Festin de Pierre, Les Precieuses Ridicules, Le Tartuffe ou L 'Imposteur and Le Misanthrope. Considering these plays, it was claimed that either Ahmet Vefik did not transfer some scenes, paragraphs, sentences and words having some implications of political, religious and moral aspects, or he changed the meaning while transferring. Coming to points that have indirect or relatively less "dangerous"political implications, he used some "local shifts" by being closer to the "acceptable" translation norms of the target culture. It was concluded that as a "culture planner", Ahmet Vefik, aimed to introduce a new branch to the "repertoire" and create new works as well, in the context of appropriation of the theatre by the target culture. Key Words: Tanzimat, theatre, polysystem, translation VI