Syrian Provincial Newspaper (1899-1902)

Political and socioeconomic factors in the Ottoman Empire drove significant changes in thenineteenth century. One of them was country governance. The Vilayet system was replaced by the state system with the provincial regulation issued in 1864. The new system aimed to strengthen centralization and reduce the influence of separatist action based on nationalism. Vilayet newspapers were established in the Vilayet in order to use communication channels with both the public and the center more effectively. The Syrian Vilayet newspaper was established in the Syrian Vilayet as one of these newspapers. The Syrian vilayet newspaper has not been analyzed in detail except for its first 44 issues. Undoubtedly, the newspaper should be examined in more detail. This study is based on the issues of the Syrian vilayet newspaper between 1899 and 1902. To the extent possible, the data in the newspaper has been supported by the provincial Salname (yearbook) and the works written and analyzed on the subject. The news in the newspaper is sorted according to its subjects. This research aims to fill the gap in the literature on the Syrian province newspaper and to contribute to existing scientific investigations. The Syrian vilayet newspaper contains crucial information about the political, and social events, and the local organizations during the period of its publication. An examination of the newspaper provides information about the central administration of the province, the services provided to the people in the fields of public works, education, health, agriculture, and the social life of the people.