The Moment the Ottoman Empire Morally Collapsed
1932 Beauty Pageant
The Ottoman Empire was one of the greatest empires in world history, dominating the world for centuries. The Ottoman Empire, a superpower for more than 3 centuries, was officially dissolved on November 1, 1922. Following the empire's dissolution, an exile order was issued for the Ottoman Dynasty on November 17, 1922. Nine years after the declaration of the Republic, Cumhuriyet Newspaper organized a beauty pageant across the country. Keriman Halis won this nationwide competition. In the same year, a beauty pageant was also organized in Belgium. It was decided that Keriman Halis would represent Turkey in this global competition held in 1932. Before the competition began, the president of the program took the stage and gave a speech about Keriman Halis.
What the Pageant President Said
Esteemed jury members, today we celebrate the victory of Europe, of Christianity. The Ottoman Empire, which has maintained its dominion over the world for 600 years, is now over. The Christians of Europe have brought it to an end. The descendant of Kanuni Sultan Suleiman, who once intervened in a dance performed in France, is now among us in a swimsuit and bra. She wishes to impress us. And we like this girl who suits us. With the hope that this will be the future of Muslims. After the president of the beauty pageant said these words, the jury members chose Keriman Halis as the world beauty queen. After Keriman Halis returned to Turkey, Atatürk bestowed upon her the surname "Ece." Later, her surname was changed. Keriman Halis appearing on stage in a swimsuit was debated in Turkey for many years. While some defended that this woman proved the capabilities of Turkish women, others argued that Keriman Halis tarnished the name of Turkish women. This event went down in history as the moment the Ottoman Empire and Islam morally collapsed.
