Reflections of the First Press Congress on the Turkish press

Journalism in the history of the Turkish press began with the period of Mahmut II in the Ottoman Empire. The profession of journalism continued to develop. As the influence and direction of the press on the society increased, the administrations wanted the press to be controlled, and this resulted in pressure and censorship. During the period of Abdülhamid II, World War I and the War of Independence, the Turkish press was greatly affected by this. The republican regime also wanted to get benefit from the press, keep it under its control and direct the public opinion. In this direction, the press was also affected by the harsh punishment of negative political events in the early years of the Republic. Many newspapers were closed and journalists were tried in Independence Courts. The First Press Congress (May 25-27, 1935) was the first step taken to normalize this process of fear and pressure on the press and to legitimize the influence of the administration on the press. The protocol speeches made at the Press Congress revealed the importance given to the press. The new regime found the opportunity to show the innovations it had made with trips to get to know and promote Ankara. The culture, profession and cooperation commissions formed at the congress ensured the formation of congress decisions. The impact of the press on individuals and society was emphasized in the reports coming from outside the congress, and the importance of including national and moral values in newspaper contents was emphasized. Before, during and after the First Press Congress, it was widely covered in the Turkish Press with its news and comments. News and comments in the newspapers will help us understand the purpose of the congress and the period.