From the ambivalent to the material: personification, spatialization and ritualization of liberty in the late Ottoman period (1908–1913)

This article explores the embodiment of liberty (hürriyet) in material culture during the Second Constitutional Period (1908–1913) in the late Ottoman Empire. It investigates how liberty was visualized, spatialized, and ritualized, and how it was manifested in various physical forms. These creative layers facilitated the integration of liberty into societal consciousness, crucial for nation-building. The adoption of diverse modes aimed at emphasizing liberty's foundational role in modern society. Drawing on archival resources, the article highlights the dissemination of politically charged concepts through popular media. It reveals the intricate interplay between visual culture, societal values, and political dynamics, shedding light on this transformative period.