Turkey: State of Ambivalence
June 17, 2013
Turkey, part of the European family? - Cartoon by Eray Özbek
We have created a new collection of cartoons, about Turkey. In many ways Turkey occupies two different worlds. The country bridges the divide between East and West, not only by its location in both Europe and Asia, but also when it comes to politics, religion and culture. The legacy of Atatürk has made Turkey into what is probably the most secular state in the world, but as a liberal democracy, the Turkish political system is still deeply flawed. The dominating role of the army and the denial of the Armenian genocide have not helped Turkey's application to become a member of the European Union, and signs of growing influence of Islam under the reign of Ergdogan have many Europeans, politicians and citizens alike, doubt if Turkey belongs with Europe. Recent protests have shown that there is division within as well. Cartoons we have published over the years, bundled in this collection, illustrate Turkey's ambivalence. Even more cartoons on Turkey can be found in our newsroom.
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