Akbaba 1936 Humor Magazine Turkish Turkey The Trumpet of Israfil Hitler WW2 era War

Akbaba Humor Magazine – “The Trumpet of Israfil!” – Issue No. 115 – March 21, 1936 – Turkish Edition

Description:

Akbaba was one of the longest-running political humor magazines in Turkish press history, founded by Yusuf Ziya Ortaç and Orhan Seyfi Orhon, prominent figures associated with the Beş Hececiler literary movement. Published from 1922 to 1977, with interruptions, the magazine addressed social problems, bureaucratic shortcomings, political rivalries, economic difficulties, and everyday life through caricatures, satirical poetry, and humorous writing. It became an influential platform for Turkish satire, featuring contributions from important literary and artistic figures such as Aziz Nesin, Rıfat Ilgaz, and Turhan Selçuk.

This issue, number 115, is dated March 21, 1936. Its striking cover, titled “The Trumpet of Israfil!”, depicts a figure resembling Adolf Hitler playing a trumpet, with a cemetery scene and a skeleton labelled “Harb-i Umumî” (“World War”) forming part of the composition. Through its dramatic imagery and religiously evocative symbolism, the illustration offers a satirical reflection on the threat of another major war and the growing international tensions of the period.

The issue also features an “Ecnebi Karikatürleri” (“Foreign Cartoons”) section presenting cartoons from abroad, adding an international dimension to the magazine’s humorous and political content. An advertisement for Bayer Aspirin appears among the period advertising, providing an additional glimpse into contemporary consumer culture. Together, the cover illustration, international cartoons, and vintage advertisement make this issue an interesting collectible for enthusiasts of Turkish satirical publishing and pre-war political cartooning.

Key Features:

• Publication: Akbaba

• Issue Number: 115

• Publication Date: March 21, 1936

• Language: Turkish

• Publication Type: Political humor and satire magazine

• Founders: Yusuf Ziya Ortaç and Orhan Seyfi Orhon

• Cover Feature: “The Trumpet of Israfil!”, depicting a Hitler-like figure playing a trumpet alongside cemetery imagery and a skeleton labelled “Harb-i Umumî” (“World War”)

• Political Satire: The threat of war and international tensions in the 1930s

• International Cartoon Section: “Ecnebi Karikatürleri” (“Foreign Cartoons”), featuring cartoons from abroad

• Period Advertisement: Bayer Aspirin

• Historical Interest: Turkish political satire, international caricature, and vintage advertising from March 1936