[RADIO IN TURKEY / COMPLETE RUN OF THE FIRST MODERN TURKISH PERIODICAL OF TURKEY] Radyo [mecmuasi] [i.e., Radio magazine: About radio technique and radio broadcasts in Turkey]. 1-96 (15 I. Kânun 1941 - Ekim-Kasim-Aralik 1949).

N. A.

Basvekâlet Matbûât Umûm Müdürlügü, Ankara, 1941-1949.

COMPLETE TITLE: [RADIO IN TURKEY / COMPLETE RUN OF THE FIRST MODERN TURKISH PERIODICAL OF TURKEY] Radyo [mecmuasi]: Bilhassa radio Teknik ve nesriyatindan bahseder / [later] Radyo tekniginden ve radyo yayinlarindan bahseder [i.e., Radio magazine: About radio technique and radio broadcasts in Turkey]. 1-96 (15 I. Kânun 1941 - Ekim-Kasim-Aralik 1949).

Issues #1-12 in fascicules as published, issues #13-60 in contemporary dark yellow cloths with gilt lettering to spines, all covers are preserved inside the bindings, issues #61-96 in fascicules as published. Folio. (34 x 24 cm). In Turkish (Modern). Each issue is 32 pages, profusely illustrated. Two small tears on lower corners of rear covers, some wear to spines, bump corners, several chippings on the extremities of the covers and some pages, and age toning on slightly dusty cloths. Overall, a very good set. 

Exceedingly rare complete run including all 96 issues of this popular monthly magazine titled “Radio Magazine” published in 1941-1949, as a propaganda organ of the New Republican Turkey. “Radio Magazine” is an essential source on the radiofication process and Turkish radio engineering in the Turkish Republic during and after WW2. The magazine was first published in 1941 under state control to effectively benefit from propaganda from radio broadcasting which started officially for the first time in Turkey on May 6, 1927, in the basement of the Grand Post Office building in Sirkeci, Istanbul. 

During the Second World War, the threat perception of foreign radios represented an important concern for the Republic of Turkey in terms of territorial integrity. Radio became widespread after the first radio broadcast was made in 1927, and Basvekâlet Matbuat Umûm Müdürlügü [i.e., the Prime Ministry Press General Directorate] was established for the first time in order to publish a long-term periodical on radiofication. This periodical, which was intended to be printed and distributed to every corner of the country, contains literary, artistic, scientific, and social texts, profusely with the support of visual materials, conveying the perception of a new modernizing and westernizing Republic of Turkey.

The complete issues of the magazine were designed with photography, illustrations, and some photomontages inside and on the covers. They feature portraits of Atatürk on many covers, iconic photographs by Othmar Pferschy (1898-1984), athleticism, musicians like Tanburi Cemil Bey (1873-1916), politicians like Ismet Inönü (1884-1973), city views of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and the views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, agricultural products like wheat fields in Anatolia, modern Turkish women, Anatolian villagers, musical groups performing for radio programs, morning exercises with radio music, exhibitions, National Day celebrations, etc. The covers of the first issues were designed by Ratip Tahir Burak (1904-1977), a Republican artist and caricaturist.

The magazine supported sports, art (music, theatre, cinema, painting, literature), scouting, science, etc. during its publishing life as the perception of a unionist new state. During the years of WW2, the public was informed about the course of the war. The first issues gave a vast place to radio broadcasting, radio engineering, and radio programs in Turkey. Overall, this set offers an extensive insight into modern Turkey through the striking visual collection.

As of May 2024, any issues couldn’t be found in OCLC, KVK.