The reflection of World War II Türkiye economy to the cartoons: The examples of Akşam and Son Posta newspapers

After World War I, the Turkish nation faced major losses but also demonstrated a rare form of resistance in world history. During World War II, Turkey maintained a cautious and neutral stance. However, this did not shield the country from the economic impacts of the war. Still dealing with the early challenges of nation-building, the Turkish government also experienced tensions with parts of the public.Although often overlooked in historical research, satirical commentary from the time provides valuable insights into the period. Cartoonists especially focused on current economic problems such as profiteering, black market activity, and limited imports. Their humorous illustrations revealed the public's hardships, both directly and indirectly.In response to the worsening situation, the government sought to intervene not only in the economy but also in social life. One key measure was the National Protection Law, which gave the state extraordinary powers. These powers were used to increase restrictions and introduce new taxes. Such actions became topics of public debate, often reflected in satirical drawings.In particular, the Wealth Tax and the Agricultural Products Tax placed a heavy burden on citizens and led to declining trust in the government. This study examines the economic hardships of the World War II period through the lens of satire. These critiques, while not commonly highlighted in historical studies, are important sources for understanding the era from the perspective of contemporary illustrators.