Table of Contents
“I am a Turkish woman who loves her country and who has suffered for it.” These words, spoken by Halide Edip Adıvar, encapsulate the spirit of a woman who not only witnessed but actively shaped Turkey’s tumultuous journey from the twilight of the Ottoman Empire to the dawn of the modern Republic.
Born in 1882 in the heart of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul, Halide Edip Adıvar’s life was entwined with significant socio-political events of her era. Traversing her life gives us a unique lens to view the transformations that Turkey underwent, from the last years of the Ottoman Empire to the rise of the modern Turkish Republic.
Halide Edip Adıvar: Literary & Political Ventures
Journalism Beginnings
Halide Edip began her writing journey with Tanin newspaper, using the pseudonym ‘Halide Salih’. This marked the beginning of her influential career in journalism and literature.
Return and Teaching
After a brief exile in Egypt due to political turmoil, Halide Edip returned to Turkey and resumed her literary pursuits. She also began teaching at Dârülmuallimât, contributing to education alongside her writing career.
Major Literary Works
During this period, Halide Edip published several significant works. ‘Handan’ (1912) and ‘Yeni Turan’ (1912) showcased her evolving literary style and engagement with social and political themes. ‘Son Eseri’ (1913) further cemented her status as a prominent author of her time.
Wartime Literature
Halide Edip’s literary output during World War I reflected the tumultuous times. ‘Mev’ud Hüküm’ (Promised Verdict) explored themes of justice and societal change. Her first play, ‘Kenan Çobanları’ (The Shepherds of Kenan), marked her venture into dramatic writing.
Political Activism
Following the Greek occupation of Izmir, Halide Edip delivered impassioned speeches, particularly at Sultanahmet. These speeches galvanized public opinion and solidified her role as a leading voice in the national movement. Her oratory skills played a crucial role in mobilizing support for Turkish independence.
Anadolu Ajansı
Halide Edip played a key role in the establishment of Anadolu Ajansı (AA), Turkey’s national news agency. This initiative, supported by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was crucial in disseminating accurate information about the struggle for independence. AA has since grown into a major global news source.
Exile and International Recognition
Due to political disagreements, Halide Edip and her husband left Turkey in 1924. During her 15-year exile, she emerged as an unofficial ambassador for Turkey. She delivered lectures and wrote articles, particularly in England, promoting understanding of Turkish culture and politics. This period also saw the publication of some of her most renowned works, including ‘The Turkish Ordeal’ (1928) and ‘The Clown and His Daughter’ (1935).
Early Life of Halide Edip Adıvar
Halide Edip Adıvar was the daughter of the chief clerk of the Imperial Ottoman Palace, Mehmet Edip Bey from Selanik, and Bedrifâm Hanım. The early demise of her mother cast a shadow on her childhood, leading her to spend much of it under the nurturing care of her grandmother.
The environment she grew up in ensured she was no ordinary girl. After moving back to her father’s house post his remarriage, she attended the American College. This was complemented by lessons from esteemed personalities: Rıza Tevfik provided her with insights into Turkish literature and philosophy, Salih Zeki introduced her to mathematics, and Şükrü Efendi was her guide to the Arabic language.
Professional Beginnings and Personal Life
Marriage: In 1901, right after her college graduation, she married her tutor Salih Zeki. This union produced two sons. They had two sons: Ayetullah and Hikmetullah Togo, the latter named in celebration of Japan’s naval victory against Russia. After her first husband’s remarriage, they separated in 1911. Following this, she adopted the surname “Edip” in her writings. Later, in 1917, while in Syria, she married Dr. Adnan Adıvar, whom she had known since her school days.
Literary Endeavors: Encouraged by her English teacher, she translated John Abbot’s “Mother.” This work, published as “Mader,” earned her the “Şefkat Nişanı” award from Sultan Abdülhamid. The proclamation of the Second Constitutional Era in 1908 marked the beginning of her literary journey.
Exile: Due to her writings and political stance, the aftermath of the 31st March Incident forced her to flee to Egypt, later moving to England. However, the settling of events brought her back to Turkey in 1909, where Halide Edip Adıvar undertook pedagogy at Dârülmuallimât.
Literary & Political Ventures
Journalism: Using the pseudonym “Halide Salih,” she began her writing journey with Tanin newspaper, under Tevfik Fikret’s leadership. Despite facing threats, she persisted, contributing to multiple publications.
Activism: Halide Edip Adıvar’s fervor was evident during the 31 March Incident, a political turmoil. Fearing assassination, she fled to Egypt, only to return in 1909 and continue her literary pursuits.
Contributions: Serving as a teacher and an inspector for girls’ schools, she observed Istanbul’s backstreets, which inspired her renowned novel, “Sinekli Bakkal.” During the Balkan War, she founded the first women’s association, Teali-i Nisvan Cemiyeti.
World War I Era: Amidst the upheaval of World War I, Halide Edip Adıvar’s writing embraced fervent nationalism, evident in her 1917 novel Mev’ud Hüküm and play Kenan Çobanları. Following the war, she championed organized resistance against occupation, co-founding the influential Wilson Principles Society. The 1919 Greek occupation of Izmir further ignited her activism. Her powerful speeches, especially at Sultanahmet, solidified her leadership within the national movement. This period also witnessed the birth of Anadolu Ajansı (AA), the news agency she conceived with Yunus Nadi to bolster the fight for independence, which, with Atatürk’s support, launched in 1920.
Opposition to Occupation: Following the occupation of Izmir in 1919, Halide Edip Adıvar vehemently voiced her opposition in various meetings, notably leaving a lasting impact with her speech at Sultanahmet.
Politics: Post the National Movement, due to political disagreements, Halide Edip and her husband left Turkey in 1924. During her exile until 1939 (barring a short visit in 1935), she emerged as an unofficial ambassador for Turkey, delivering lectures and penning articles, especially in England.
Anadolu Ajansı (AA): Conversations with Yunus Nadi led to the idea of establishing a news agency. The name “Anadolu Ajansı” was born from their mutual understanding that Anatolia would play a pivotal role in saving the nation. Mustafa Kemal Paşa’s support solidified the concept, and Anadolu Ajansı was officially founded on 6 April 1920. Over the years, AA has grown into a major global news source, providing news in multiple languages, including 13 different languages.
Women’s Rights and Education: Early in her career, she heavily emphasized women and children’s education. Halide Edip Adıvar was a pivotal force behind the Teâli-i Nisvân Society, promoting women’s active participation in social life.
Role in the Balkan War: During this tumultuous period, she served as a nurse in hospitals set up by the Teâli-i Nisvân Society.
Association with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: The occupation of Izmir in 1919 saw Halide Edip Adıvar delivering impassioned speeches, and rallying for the National Movement. Her strong association with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, began around this period. Their professional relationship was characterized by mutual respect and intense intellectual exchanges.
Works of Halide Edip Adıvar
- Heyula (1908) – Phantom
- Raik’in Annesi (1909) – Raik’s Mother
- Seviye Talip (1910) – Seviye Talip
- Handan (1912) – Handan (Same, as it’s a personal name)
- Yeni Turan (1912) – New Turan
- Son Eseri (1913) – Her Last Work
- Mev’ud Hüküm (1918) – Promised Verdict
- Ateşten Gömlek (1923) – The Shirt of Flame
- Vurun Kahpeye (1923) – Strike the
Harlot - Kalp Ağrısı (1924) – Heartache
- Zeyno’nun Oğlu (1928) – Zeyno’s Son
- Sinekli Bakkal (1936) – The Grocer with Flies
- Yolpalas Cinayeti (1937) – The Yolpalas Murder
- Tatarcık (1939) – The Little Tatar
- Sonsuz Panayır (1946) – The Eternal Fair
- Döner Ayna (1954) – Revolving Mirror
- Akile Hanım Sokağı (1958) – Akile Hanım Street
- Kerim Ustanın Oğlu (1958) – The Son of Master Kerim
- Sevda Sokağı Komedyası (1959) – The Comedy of Love Street
- Çaresaz (1961) – Desperate
- Hayat Parçaları (1963) – Pieces of Life
Short Stories:
- İzmir’den Bursa’ya (with Yakup Kadri, Falih Rıfkı, and Mehmet Asım Us, 1922) – From Izmir to Bursa
- Harap Mabetler (1911) – Ruined Temples
- Dağa Çıkan Kurt (1922) – The Wolf That Went to the Mountain
Theater:
- Kenan Çobanları (1916) – The Shepherds of Kenan
- Maske ve Ruh (1945) – Mask and Soul
Memoirs:
- Türkün Ateşle İmtihanı (1962) – The Turk’s Trial with Fire
- Mor Salkımlı Ev (1963) – The House with Purple Wisteria
A Brief
Halide Edip Adıvar, born in Istanbul in 1882, was an emblematic figure in Turkish history, known for her literary works, political activism, and significant contributions during Turkey’s transformative years. Her association with leaders like Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, her efforts in education and women’s rights, and her representation of Turkey abroad during her exile made her an unforgettable figure in Turkish culture and history.
