Ali Naci Karacan was one of the journalists who played significant roles in the development of the press during the Republican era. He managed some of Türkiye’s earliest private journalism ventures and was the founder of the newspaper Milliyet, established in 1948. Throughout his life, he contributed to the history of the press through his activities in journalism, publishing, and political communication.

Ali Naci Karacan was born in Istanbul in 1896 and received his education at Galatasaray Sultanîsi. After graduation, he began engaging with journalism. He published his first articles in 1913 in the newspaper İkdam. During the same period, he worked at important newspapers such as Tasvir-i Efkâr and Vakit, marking the beginning of his journalistic career. He continued his publishing activities throughout the years of the First World War.

Ali Naci Karacan continued his journalism during the Armistice period in Istanbul. His writings, which evaluated the political developments of the time, often displayed a distant stance toward the resistance movements in Anatolia. However, he improved his relations with the Ankara Government and in 1922 became chief editor of the newspaper Hakimiyet-i Milliye.

After the proclamation of the Republic, he returned to Istanbul and launched various publishing initiatives. In 1925, he began writing for the newspaper Akşam. In 1935, he worked for a time at the newspaper Tan. During the 1940s, he managed the newspaper Yeni Sabah. At the same time, he undertook efforts to organize journalism as a structured profession.

In 1948, Ali Naci Karacan founded the newspaper Milliyet, advancing the concept of private-sector publishing in Turkish journalism. He served as both owner and chief editor of the paper. He adopted an editorial approach that prioritized impartial journalism and placed the responsibility of informing public opinion at its core. Milliyet quickly became one of the most influential newspapers of its time.

Ali Naci Karacan was not only involved in journalism but also in book publishing. From the 1930s onward, he collaborated with Remzi Kitabevi, which published Turkish classics and contemporary works, helping to make translated and original texts accessible to wider audiences. In this context, he played a key role in the preparation of encyclopedic publications.

Ali Naci Karacan passed away in Istanbul on 7 July 1955. He left behind numerous books, articles, and publishing experience, securing his place in the history of Turkish journalism. He is buried in Zincirlikuyu Cemetery.