The Levant Herald in the context of press-government relations (1859-1914)

The Levant Herald started printing on January 5, 1859, before its application for a license permit was finalized, and continued its activities until 1914 with short interruptions. The publication, which had been under British protection since its founding, undertook the mission of safeguarding its patron's image and reputation in its issues. This duty affected the newspaper's communication with the government in a negative way. The first publishing period, which lasted until 1872, was under the management of James Carlile McCoan. During this period, the newspaper received punishments such as warnings and forced breaks. After McCoan, Edgar Whitaker took over the management and worked as the director of The Levant Herald until 1903. This long 31-year management was much more difficult and troubled than the first period. Whitaker claimed that he had financial losses because of the punishments given by the Ottoman government and started to negotiate with the authorities for payment and compensation. In order to gain the Sultan's sake, the newspaper occasionally changed its name, form, and style. Along with opposition, it also adopted opportunism as a policy. After 1903, The Levant Herald was managed by Charles Plumer Clifton and later by Lewis Mizzi. In those years, the newspaper lost its previous effect, and except a few investigations, no notable developments took place. Therefore The Levant Herald ended its activities in 1914. Its 55-year publishing life was marked by an opportunistic attitude aimed at gaining advantages.