French-language press are at the origins of the press in the Ottoman Empire. Even once papers in other local languages had been established, French publications remained an essential part of the market as the leading nonlocal language. They showed solidarity with other papers affected by censorship, critically discussing especially municipal events, and forming a dialogue with their counterparts in other languages. Only under Abdülhamid's reign was total silence of all critical journalism achieved. A new form of post-political press was created that focused heavily on local events and culture. Despite these limitations, the French press of the Ottoman Empire gave a voice to and provided a platform for the sizeable section of French-educated locals of all communities.