The <b> <i>Meddah</i> </b> and Political Dissent: A Look at Subversive Storytelling in the Ottoman Empire

Abstract This article examines the often-overlooked tradition of the meddah , a form of storytelling in the Ottoman Empire, through the lens of its political dimensions. While prominent Turkish theatre critics Özdemir Nutku and Metin And have written extensively on the meddah tradition in the 20th century, it has garnered little international attention. This study aims to fill that gap by exploring how meddah performances, particularly in the coffeehouses of Istanbul, served as a medium for political commentary and dissent. By analyzing historical accounts and traveler observations, the article reveals the intricate ways in which meddahs incorporated satire and humor to address social and political issues. Additionally, the article investigates the decline of the meddah tradition following the establishment of the Turkish Republic, offering insights into the cultural and political shifts that led to its disappearance.