Akbaba 1924 Ottoman Humor Mag Benito Mussolini Italy Rome Istanbul
Akbaba – “Mussolini: I Will Not Leave Rome Until My Work Is Finished” – Issue No. 162 – June 23, 1924 (23 Haziran 1340) – Ottoman Turkish Edition
Description:
Akbaba was one of the longest-running and most influential political humour magazines in Turkish press history. Founded in 1922 by Yusuf Ziya Ortaç and Orhan Seyfi Orhon, prominent literary figures associated with the Beş Hececiler movement, the magazine continued publication until 1977, with occasional interruptions. Through political caricatures, satirical poetry, humorous dialogues, and theatrical writing, Akbaba addressed social shortcomings, bureaucratic inefficiencies, political rivalries, economic difficulties, and everyday life. It also brought together influential literary and artistic contributors, including Aziz Nesin, Rıfat Ilgaz, and Turhan Selçuk.
The cover of this 162nd issue, dated June 23, 1924, features a caricature of Italian leader Benito Mussolini, accompanied by the caption: “Mussolini: I will not leave Rome until my work is finished.” Depicted clinging stubbornly to his chair, Mussolini becomes the subject of political satire directed at the rise of Fascist dictatorship in Italy and the concentration of political power under his leadership. The caricature reflects the magazine's critical approach to authoritarian politics and contemporary European developments.
Domestic political and municipal affairs are also examined through humour and satire. An article discusses the speech delivered by Emin Bey, the Mayor of Istanbul (Şehremini), before the municipal council, focusing on the municipality's financial difficulties, insufficient budget, and attempts to increase tax revenues.
The interior and back pages contain short humorous stories, dialogues, and satirical poems, including “Asri Koca” (The Modern Husband). These contributions offer sharp social commentary on changing marriage traditions, evolving relationships between men and women, and the effects of modernisation on everyday social life. Bureaucracy and contemporary social attitudes are also treated with the magazine's characteristic wit.
Key Features:
• Publication: Akbaba, illustrated Turkish political humour and satire magazine
• Issue: No. 162, June 23, 1924 (23 Haziran 1340)
• Language: Ottoman Turkish
• Founded: 1922 by Yusuf Ziya Ortaç and Orhan Seyfi Orhon
• Publication Period: 1922–1977, with occasional interruptions
• Cover Cartoon: Benito Mussolini accompanied by the caption “I Will Not Leave Rome Until My Work Is Finished,” satirising his determination to retain political power
• Italian Politics: Political satire concerning the rise of Fascism and Mussolini's consolidation of power in Italy
• Istanbul Municipality: Coverage of Mayor Emin Bey's speech before the municipal council, addressing budget shortages and municipal taxation
• Social Commentary: Short humorous stories and dialogues examining contemporary social changes and everyday life
• “Asri Koca” (The Modern Husband): Satirical poetry exploring changing marriage traditions and modern relationships between men and women
• Bureaucratic Satire: Humorous criticism of bureaucracy and administrative shortcomings
• Literary Contributors: Akbaba's wider literary tradition included writers and artists such as Aziz Nesin, Rıfat Ilgaz, and Turhan Selçuk