Akbaba 1941 Humor Magazine Turkish Turkey Peace WW2 era France Syria

Akbaba Humor Magazine – “Peace: Bravo!” – Issue No. 388 – June 26, 1941 – 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 388, is dated June 26, 1941. Its cover features a strong figure wearing a uniform decorated with the Turkish flag, lifting a barbell whose weights bear symbols representing Britain and Nazi Germany. At the side, an angelic figure representing Peace applauds, exclaiming, “Bravo!” The illustration uses the imagery of balancing opposing weights to portray the difficult political position and the challenge of maintaining peace amid the international tensions of the Second World War.

An interior cartoon features the dialogue, “France — I promise to make you happy!”, addressing events involving Syria. Through political humour and caricature, the illustration reflects the tensions and competing interests surrounding the region during the wartime period. The issue also includes an “Ecnebi Karikatürleri” (“Foreign Cartoons”) section featuring cartoons from abroad, adding an international dimension to its satirical content. Together, these illustrations offer a glimpse into Turkish political humour and contemporary perceptions of international affairs in June 1941.

Key Features:

• Publication: Akbaba

• Issue Number: 388

• Publication Date: June 26, 1941

• Language: Turkish

• Publication Type: Political humor and satire magazine

• Founders: Yusuf Ziya Ortaç and Orhan Seyfi Orhon

• Cover Feature: A strong figure wearing a Turkish-flag uniform lifting a barbell with weights representing Britain and Nazi Germany

• Cover Caption: “Peace — Bravo!”

• Political Satire: Turkey’s position amid the international tensions of the Second World War and the challenge of maintaining peace

• Interior Cartoon: “France — I Promise to Make You Happy!”, addressing events involving Syria

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

• Historical Interest: Turkish political satire and international commentary from June 1941