Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
46th International Congress for the History of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Sırbistan, 4 - 07 Eylül 2024, ss.183-187, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
This study analyzes Nicolò Isouard’s Le Médecin turc (The Turkish Physician), an opera buffa that premiered on November 19, 1803, at the Théâtre de l’Opéra Comique in Paris. Authored by Armand Gouffé and Pierre Villiers, the libretto offers a nuanced critique of early 19th-century medical practices and societal attitudes toward medicine. Set against an orientalist portrayal of Ottoman Istanbul, the opera narrates the story of Khalil, an elderly Turkish apothecary-physician who claims to have discovered a universal cure, as he navigates through ambition and deceit. The work addresses themes of medical hubris, the allure of fame, and ethical dilemmas within the profession, while also critiquing the commodification of healthcare and society’s fascination with exotic cures. Drawing on original resources from the French National Library, this analysis highlights Le Médecin turc’s contribution to the tradition of medico-pharmaceutical satire and its ongoing relevance as a social commentary. Incorporating motifs such as a fictional calming potion and the depiction of madness, Isouard’s work showcases the complex interplay between medicine, culture, and society. The opera’s historical and modern revivals in cities such as Paris, Brussels, Vienna, and Frankfurt underscore its significant impact on the opéra comique genre and its enduring importance in the wider artistic landscape.