Pushing the Limits of Tolerance

Throughout the history of democracy, political cartoonists have not hesitated to swing their pens like a battle-ax against injustice, lack of freedom or political corruption. This article calls for more concerted scholarly attention to the role and function of political cartoonists in the democratization process. By focusing on how political cartoonists have tackled controversial issues and criticized the political establishment throughout American and European history, the article explores the dilemmas of Turkish political cartoonists and their courageous struggle over the political and social constraints between 1869 and 2000. Particular attention here is given to the socio-political structure of Turkey in the post-1923 period. The author argues that editorial cartoonists' role as a safety valve to undermine dogmas and the status quo contributed to Turkey's attempts to be a more democratic society.