The Shakirs of Istanbul, written by theater artist and author Shirin Devrim, is both a portrait of a family and a cultural panorama of a period. It tells the story of the Şakir Paşa Family, who influenced the art and intellectual life during the late Ottoman Empire and the early years of the Republic of Turkey. It also conveys, in an objective style, the effects of the social and cultural transformation on individual lives.
The Family's Importance and the Book's Themes
The Şakir Paşa Family is known for its members who were influential in the Ottoman-Turkish art and intellectual world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The family members mentioned in the book include painters, writers, and theater artists. Among the most prominent are:
- Aliye Berger: One of Turkey's first female engraving artists,
- Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (Fisherman of Halicarnassus): A writer known for his literary works on the sea,
- Fahrelnissa Zeid (Fahrünnisa Zeyd): An internationally renowned painter,
- Shirin Devrim: The author of the book and a theater artist,
The book extensively covers the lives, artistic productions, family relationships, and the turbulent times experienced by these individuals. It also explores themes such as artists' struggle for visibility, the pursuit of individual freedom, and the strength and fragility of family ties.
Narrative Style and Use of Sources
The Şakir Paşa Family has a structure that lies between memoir and novel. The author presents historical information using the family members' correspondence, diaries, letters, and her testimonies. The book is both a literary work and a historical document.
Historical and Cultural Context
The book is not only the story of a family; it also addresses broad historical and cultural issues such as the decline of the Ottoman Empire, the founding of the Republic, the transition period, transformations in the art world, and women's journey in art.
