Hokkabaz (Juggler) Book of Ahmet Mithat Efendi

Ahmet Mithat Efendi who directed modern Turkish literature with his articles on many types and subjects is a expert writer. In this study, was published in AH.1292/G.1875 the “Juggler Book” which he wrote in the Arabic alphabet was translated into the Latin alphabet. The Juggler Book consists of thirty-four cases with an introduction and juggling shows. Expressing that some parts of the work written in French were translated quickly in the introduction, Ahmet Mithat Efendi emphasized that this work is not just a juggling book based on handiness and blindfold. In the shows in the work, chemistry, physics and mathematical sciences have combined with quickness and linguistic skills, both has been gained the appreciation of the public and has been kept their sense of curiosity alive by surprisingly. Ahmet Mithat Efendi saw the juggling/magic show performances that the public is familiar with watching games as an art that requires great mastery and explained the juggling/ magic show which can be done in friend environments in a language and style that everyone can understand. He also gave examples for better understanding and performance of some sections and opened additional titles such as “secrecy, i.e. warning for the translator.” With this work, which is transferred to the Latin alphabet, it is aimed that both a work from the Ahmet Mithat Efendi library will have the opportunity to meet more readers and contribute to the existing cultural experience of juggling / magic in the time that has passed since the traditional Turkish theatre.