Doğu Dilleri Dergisi

Abstract

The Indian Subcontinent's male-dominated society has subjected women to oppression and social inequality, forcing them to endure ongoing struggles. The expression of ideas about social inequality and women's rights was reflected in the works that emerged in the post-independence period. In the 19th century, Urdu literature took on a new dimension as Hindus and Muslims started expressing their own religious beliefs, traditions, and reactions to inequality in original ways, using them as the subjects of their work. During this period, important male writers like Nezir Ahmed, Rashid-ul Hayri, and Prem Chand explored the role of women in society in their stories. They aimed to highlight the challenges women faced and encouraged support for women's empowerment. Meantime, women began expressing their feelings through writing, with weekly newspaper as the most effective and easily accessible written source of the period. Tehzib-i Nisvan, a newspaper published weekly between 1898 and 1948, covers all the issues in a woman's world and is considered one of the pioneering works in this frame. Mümtaz Ali's wife Muhammedi Begüm was the editor of Tehzib-i Nisvan, which was published under the leadership of Seyid Mümtaz Ali. Muhammedi Begüm, known as the first female novelist, is also recognized as the first female editor in this role. The weekly newspapers, provides insights into the time period in which they were published and the topics they address. In our analysis, we conducted a general evaluation of Tehzib-i Nisvan which was prepared for the self-improvement of all women in all areas of life under the editorship of Muhammedi Begüm, the first female editor was evaluated in a framework using the document analysis methods and specifically examined the 3rd issue from January 1905, which was edited by Muhammedi Begüm, focusing on both its form and content. It has been determined that the sample ıssue examined was prepared in accordance with the purpose of the establishment.