Başına Buyruk Bir Gazeteci: Edgar Whitaker'ın Hayatı ve Entelektüel Mirası (1831-1903)

Bu çalışma, Osmanlı gazeteciliğinde önemli bir figür olan The Levant Herald'ın sahiplerinden Edgar Whitaker'a odaklanmakta, onun Londra'dan Hindistan'a ordan Osmanlı İmparatorluğu'na uzanan hikâyesinin izini sürmektedir. Daha önceki araştırmalar, Whitaker'ın Hamidiye rejimi ile olan siyasi münasebetlerine ve diplomatik ilişkilerine odaklanırken bu makale ailesi, sosyal çevresi ve evliliği gibi kişisel yaşamını keşfetmeyi amaçlamıştır. Makalede özellikle Whitaker’ın Abbottlar ile ilişkileri, sıhriyet bağları, arkadaşlıkları ve İstanbul'daki sosyal hayatı ortaya konmuştur. Birincil kaynaklar, arşiv belgeleri ve süreli yayınları temel alan çalışmada Whitaker'ın eğitimine, erken kariyerine ve sosyal, kültürel çevresine dair bir perspektif sunulmaktadır. Nihayet makale Whitaker'ın şahsi ve mesleki hayatını aydınlatarak Osmanlı İmparatorluğu'ndaki bir Levanten gazeteci ve yayıncının profesyonel yaşamına dair bilgilerimizin sınırlarını genişletmeyi amaçlamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

Edgar Whitaker, Gazetecilik, The Levant Herald, Levanten Basın, Abbotts, James Carlile McCoan, Société Musicale de Constantinople

A Maverick Pressman: The Life and Intellectual Legacy of Edgar Whitaker (1831-1903)

This study offers an exhaustive analysis of Edgar Whitaker, a pivotal figure in Ottoman journalism and one of the primary proprietors of The Levant Herald. The investigation traces Whitaker's path from London through India and eventually to the Ottoman Empire. While previous research has predominantly focused on his political clashes with the Hamidian regime and his diplomatic relations, this study endeavors to expand on the understanding of Whitaker, delving into aspects of his personal life, such as kinship bonds, social interactions, and marriage. Particular attention is given to his association with the Abbotts, exploring his family ties, friendships, and social life in Constantinople. Drawing upon primary sources, archival records, and periodicals, this research presents a wide-ranging perspective of Whitaker's life, illuminating his educational background, early career, and involvement in diverse social and cultural environments. Ultimately, this study enhances the nuanced understanding of Whitaker's personal and professional spheres, revealing his multifaceted achievements as a Levantine journalist and newspaper proprietor in the Ottoman Empire.

Keywords:

Edgar Whitaker, Journalism, The Levant Herald, Levantines Press, Abbotts, James Carlile McCoan, Société Musicale de Constantinople,

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