Examination of the image of woman in the Republican (1923 – 1950) Turkish painting in the social and cultural field

"The Image of Woman" studied in the Republican Turkish Painting, in the social and cultural field, between 1923 and 1950, has gained its common and social rights earlier than many western fellows since the establishment of the republic. Thereby, the image of woman in this period, as being contemporary, secular and the protector and executer of Atatürk's principles and reforms has been in the front lines as in the period of national struggle. The image of woman that will educate modern generations of New Turkish Republic, has gathered up the qualifications like modernity, secularity, teacher and mother. The aim of this study is to examine the reflections of this image of woman on the canvases of artists to the Republic Period (1923 – 1950). In research, in the light of developments in pre and post-republic Turkish art of painting (1923 – 1950), a literature search was made about the groups that artist founded with new style and ideas, works of art and exhibitions. In order to reveal the reflections of the new image of woman that emerged at Post-Republic to Republican Turkish painting, the works of artists have been examined by making analysis. The research consists of five parts. First part consists of problem sentence, importance, purpose and restrictions of the research. In the second part, the works of artist in pre-republic and post-republic Turkish painting have been examined in the group they formed and in the style they have. Moreover, literature information has been given about reform exhibitions and nationwide tours which take an important place for painting and artists. In the third part, the method of research, the model of research has been arrayed by taking population and sample in hand with data collection technique. In the fourth part, after post- Republic "Image of Woman" was examined; by being chosen some artists from the period between proclamation of Republic and 1950, it has been revealed how they handled the Image of Woman in their paintings by doing work analysis. In the fifth part, result section, the rights of Turkish woman, the status in the society and the roles they take part in newly established Republic of Turkey have been evaluated by comparing the reflections as of "Image of Woman" to the Turkish painting art with the old periods. The image of woman is one of the indispensable subjects of painting art throughout history. The duties and roles assigned to women have changed according to the societies. In addition, these changes have reflected to the work of artists within the process. The woman profile formed by the intellectuals founding the republic is someone who is educated, knowledgeable, modern, and secular and who has modern outfit, has the same rights with her husband, who is a teacher and mother. The state was very supportive to art and artists and artists were sent to abroad in this period. Moreover, with the purpose of embracing artists and community, nationwide tours were organized, and then by opening exhibitions, awards were distributed. Thus, the path of artists has been opened. The images of women that are reflected to canvas in Anatolia and big cities closed up country woman and city woman and they created a new Republic "Image of Woman". Key Words: Painting, Republic, Art, Woman, Image, Modern