Turkish Kara Mizah – Black Comedy

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Turkey has a long tradition of using black comedy or satire, known as Turkish kara mizah, to express opinions not readily sanctioned by those in power. Generally it is concerned with serious topics such as murder, death, illness, politics and war. As with most forms of satire it operates on two levels. The obvious message appears innocent enough, but is always underscored by another meaning, often ironic in form. It occurs in many art forms such as music, film, verse or fiction but the most accessible form is cartoons. One of the most famous of the many Turkish kara mizah  cartoonists is the internationally renowned Selçuk Demirel.

A small selection of Kara Mizah works by Selçuk Demirel.

Cultural imperialism

Demirel was born in Artvin in 1954 and began publishing his illustrations when he was still in high school. Although he went on to study architecture, he continued drawing and his works appeared in prominent dailies such as Cumhuriyet and Politika. In 1978, he moved to Paris and today his illustrations have been published not only in numerous Turkish newspapers, but also in Le Monde and many other French periodicals. In addition, his works have appeared in newspapers in Switzerland, Italy, Britain and the United States. He has had numerous solo exhibitions and produced illustrated children’s books as well as collaborated with art critic, novelist, painter and poet John Berger.

Modern brainstorming

This is an example of Kara Mizah produced during the Gezi Park protests
Culture in a can

The pen is mightier
Freedom of speech

For more information on the art of kara mizah and to see work by other Turkish cartoonists click here.

Planning to come to Istanbul or Turkey? Here are my helpful tips for planning your trip.

For FLIGHTS I like to use Kiwi.com.

Don’t pay extra for an E-VISA. Here’s my post on everything to know before you take off.

However E-SIM are the way to go to stay connected with a local phone number and mobile data on the go. Airalo is easy to use and affordable.

Even if I never claim on it, I always take out TRAVEL INSURANCE. I recommend Visitors Coverage.

If you’re travelling alone, check out this post on useful solo travel tips Turkey for women (and men).

I’m a big advocate of public transport, but know it’s not suitable for everyone all the time. When I need to be picked up from or get to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, I use one of these GetYourGuide AIRPORT TRANSFERS.

ACCOMMODATION: When I want to find a place to stay I use Booking.com.

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Let me guide you around Kadikoy with my audio walking tour Stepping back through Chalcedon or venture further afield with my bespoke guidebook Istanbul 50 Unsung Places. I know you’ll love visiting the lesser-known sites I’ve included. It’s based on using public transport as much as possible so you won’t be adding too much to your carbon footprint. Then read about what you’ve seen and experienced in my three essay collections and memoir about moving to Istanbul permanently.

Browse the GetYourGuide website or Viator to find even more ways to experience Istanbul and Turkey with food tours, visits to the old city, evening Bosphorus cruises and more!

However you travel, stay safe and have fun! Iyi yolculuklar.

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3 Comments

  1. Yes, their work is really important and you’re right about there being so much to do in Istanbul and too little time. Visiting everything I’m interested in is like a full-time job!

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