Akbaba 1944 Humor Magazine Turkish Turkey Germany Japan Britain WW2 era United States

Akbaba Humor Magazine – “That Makes Seven!” – Issue No. 40 – December 28, 1944 – 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 40, is dated December 28, 1944. Its colourful cover features a figure with a globe for a head, aiming a rifle at a series of hanging or executed figures marked with the years 1939 through 1945. The accompanying remark reads, “That makes seven!” The illustration uses dark humour and the symbolism of the passing years to satirize the ongoing destruction and human cost of the Second World War.

The interior pages include a cartoon depicting Adolf Hitler making plans to rebuild Germany, accompanied by his remark, “I've destroyed enough; perhaps I should try building something for a change!” The issue also features New Year reflections, commentary on the passing week, and various humorous anecdotes and articles. Additional wartime cartoons address Japan, the United States, and Britain, offering a glimpse into international political developments and the changing course of the conflict in late 1944.

Key Features:

• Publication: Akbaba

• Issue Number: 40

• Publication Date: December 28, 1944 (28 Kânunuevvel 1944)

• Language: Turkish

• Publication Type: Political humor and satire magazine

• Founders: Yusuf Ziya Ortaç and Orhan Seyfi Orhon

• Cover Feature: A figure with a globe for a head aiming a rifle at hanging or executed figures representing the years 1939–1945

• Cover Dialogue: “That makes seven!”

• Political Satire: A darkly humorous depiction of the seven years of the Second World War and its consequences

• Interior Cartoon: Adolf Hitler planning the reconstruction of Germany, accompanied by the remark, “I've destroyed enough; perhaps I should try building something for a change!”

• Additional Contents: New Year reflections, weekly commentary, humorous anecdotes, and satirical articles

• Wartime Cartoons: Political illustrations concerning Japan, the United States, and Britain

• Historical Interest: Turkish political satire and international commentary from the final months of 1944