The Ottoman Empire, which sees the notions of modernization and innovation as a way out and directs its route towards the West in the 19th century, witnesses various evolutions in many fields from the mentality of military to the social life. These evolutions shaped by western values certainly sets forth its deepest expression through literary works as well as being subject to several branches of art. The idea of westernization, which emerged as the attempt to model the west in the areas of science and technique, rather takes its effect in the areas of social life such as the dressing style, the sense of fun and lifestyle. It is possible to experience the alterations in many districts notably in Beyoglu that various reforms created along with Tanzimat (Administrative reforms era). Dersaadet (Istanbul) where “rakishs” with tarboosh, frock coat shows up and young ladies with slender yashmak sets on the promenades of carriage in the streets; transforms into a city of reform in which French wannabe increases its effect on all areas of social life day by day. From now onward, the pulse of the city beats in the fields of social life; old institutions and old life styles change with the notion of modern and transform. The old-new conflict in social life, art and literature; it begins to make its presence felt through places as well as people. Traditional Ottoman structures as well as traditional Ottoman society keep up with innovation. This situation also indicates that spaces enter into an identity construction process. This study aims to reveal the areas of social life with its changing and transforming aspects taking part in the novels of Ahmet Mithat Efendi who is one of the Tanzimat period writers.
Ahmet Mithat Efendi, city, place, social living.