Han mlara Mahsus Gazete ("Newspaper for Ladies"); [together with] Malumat ("Information")

Istanbul: , 1904-1912. The first passengers on the Hejaz Railway Five issues of two uncommon Ottoman magazines showcasing the construction of the Hejaz Railway. The illustrated Ottoman women's magazine, Hanimlara Mahusus Gazete, features an important photograph of a section of the railway. This weekly magazine is accompanied by four issues of the journal Malumat, with images of the first train on the railway, the first passenger load of pilgrims, and Dara'a station festooned on the anniversary of the coronation of Sultan Abdulhamid II. Both Han mlara Mahsus Gazete and Malumat were the brainchild of the publisher Mehmet Tahir. Han mlara Mahsus Gazete was issued between 1895 and 1908 and was mostly addressed to Muslim women of the Ottoman upper classes. Contributors included Emine Semiye (1864-1944), a prominent activist and member of the Committee of Union and Progress. The articles featured in the magazine often restricted themselves to themes of marriage and the family, but some turned to broader topics. The present issue contains an article on Annie Edson Taylor, who was the first to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel and survive. Also included in this collection is an issue of Revue Technique d'Orient from 1912. This journal focused on scientific advancements in the Ottoman Empire and worldwide. Topics covered in the present issue include proposals for a new port in Istanbul for an underground railway for distributing posts and a discussion of drilling machines. Collection of 6 issues across 3 magazines, folio (c.340 x 250 mm). With illustrations from photographs throughout. Original printed wrappers. Hanimlara: Issue 326, 10 pp., wrappers; Malumat: Issue 258, 20 pp., issue 329, 8pp., issue 341, 8 pp., issue 357, 8 pp., 2 issues with front wrappers, others without; Revue: 24 pp., wrappers. Malumat: 3 issues incomplete (8 pp. only). Two issues uncut, some wear and toning as expected, minor dampstaining in places, one issue neatly refurbished. A very good collection.