Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Milli Folklor, cilt.18, sa.139, ss.68-81, 2023 (AHCI)
The channels and methods of acquiring information in today's world exhibit a remarkable diversity. Societies can simultaneously access the same information and news on a large scale. However, when examining the historical period dating back approximately one and a half centuries to ancient times, it becomes apparent that there were two fundamental dimensions to the process of information exchange in almost every society, which were closely tied to a particular political organization: political and social communication. Throughout the ages, within the realm of political communication, rulers provided information to the governed about the rules and developments of the political organization. In the context of social communication, the general public fulfilled their need for information regarding socially relevant events and developments. The channels of transmission during that time were relatively limited and not as diverse as they are today. Although they exhibited different forms in various societies across different geographical regions, the individ uals known as "criers" were central to traditional communication. Describing them as the mediators of traditional communication is perhaps the most accurate definition for this institution. Indeed, with their visually and audibly diverse materials, which varied according to the communities they belonged to, embellished with tales, proverbs, allegories, poetic expressions, traditional dances, and unique dramatic presentations, they effectively captured the attention of the audience, assuming a role similar to that of today's media. While having different names and appearances in different societies, their core function remained the same: providing news and informing the masses. Although the institution has lost its relevance in today's context, its prevalence throughout history, spanning different eras and regions, is evident. The Ottomans seem to have inherited this historical institution from the Islamic world. In fact, the term now pronounced as "tellal" has its origins in Arabic and derives from the word "dallâl," which means "to show the way." However, "dellâl/dallâl" was used in the Islamic world not only to refer to messengers but also, and perhaps more commonly, to denote individuals who acted as intermediaries in daily commercial activities. These individuals, also known as brokers, served not only as communication channels for criers but also played a prominent role in commercial mediation, which is still observable today. Trade criers acted as intermediaries in small-scale transactions, such as auction sales, as well as engaged in large-scale and even international trade. The commissions they received for their services were determined by laws and regulations due to their roles in economic history. Furthermore, the principles guiding their activities were outlined in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) books. Thus, the institution adapted to Islamic principles and continued its functionality until the time of the Ottomans. This study focuses on the ancient transmission channel institution of criers during the Ottoman period. Given their central role in the state's communication with the public and their significance in trade, criers are frequently encountered in various sources created during the Ottoman era. However, there is a scarcity of monographic studies addressing this institution. This study aims to uncover some fundamental practices specific to the Ottomans regarding this institution, based on official records of the state.