Research Information System
Journal of Modern Turkish History, vol.20, no.40, pp.393-427, 2024 (ESCI)
It is an undeniable fact that national concepts such as independence, nationalism, freedom and homeland played a spiritual function in the victory of the War of Independence. The main purpose of these national values, which have a vital function both in the Turkish people's war of existence and in the democratic system they subsequently adopted, is based on protecting and protecting the newly established state. The survival of the new state that sprouts and grows within the borders of the National Pact depends on keeping this consciousness always fresh, alive, alert and alive. This national consciousness, which is one of the life insurance of the Republic of Turkey, faced one of the biggest tests in defending and preserving the homeland, World War II. At the end of World War II, it opposed the Soviet Union's demands on the Straits. In this test against the USSR, Turkey received great support from the world of cartoons, which is surrounded by national spirit and is the striking force of the world of humor. Cartoon, which has been one of the tools that countries started to use to strengthen the spiritual struggle during wars or extraordinary periods, especially since the end of the 19th century, has become one of the visual data sources of history with this quality. This mission of the cartoon, which is a historical data, was in question during the Soviets' demands on the Straits during the Cold War Period. The cartoonists who witnessed this period, through the colorful, magical, funny, interesting and attractive caricatures they reflected on canvas, not only criticized the current problem and enlightened the public on this issue, but also gave the message to the USSR that their demands were unacceptable.