Suleyman Demirel and art: "His approach to art, sense of humor and tolerance"

SÜLEYMAN DEMİREL AND ART: ''HIS APPROACH TO ART, SENSE OF HUMOR AND TOLERANCE'' Süleyman Demirel is a political figure who has had a significant impact on Türkiye's political and cultural history. Known for the importance he attaches to the values of democracy and freedom, Demirel defended these values throughout his political career and contributed to Turkey's political and social change. The traces left by Süleyman Demirel on the country throughout his political life and his perspective on art have been examined, especially through cartoons. The study has observed that an important collection reflecting the political events of that period was created by examining the works presented to Demirel as gifts, critical cartoons and the works of art exhibited in the Democracy and Development Museum. In particular, the cartoons of Cafer Zorlu and Bedri Koraman have made significant contributions to the visual culture of the period by humorously addressing Demirel's political initiatives. This study, based on a previously unconducted study on the subject, reveals how Demirel's political life and his relationship with art are reflected through cartoons. In addition, the value Demirel gave to art and the relationships he established with artists constitute an important part of his political identity. This study will help to better understand Demirel's political legacy and artistic interactions and to pass them on to future generations.