Journal inquiet d’Istanbul (which translates to Istanbul’s Worried Journal) is a hardcover comic book published by Éditions Dargaud in France in 2022. It’s written and illustrated by Ersin Karabulut.
Ersin Karabulut, born on June 3, 1981, in Istanbul, Turkey, is a prominent comic book author and illustrator renowned for his satirical and socially reflective works. His career has been marked by a commitment to addressing political and societal issues through the medium of comics, making him a significant figure in both Turkish and international comic scenes.
Karabulut’s interest in comics began in his childhood, leading to his first cartoon being published in the magazine Pişmiş Kelle at the age of 16. He pursued formal education in graphic design at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, which further honed his artistic skills. During his university years, he contributed to various magazines, including Lombak and Penguen, where he created the popular column “Sandık İçi” (“Inside the Chest”). In 2007, he co-founded the satirical weekly magazine Uykusuz, continuing his “Sandık İçi” column and exploring other narratives such as “Sevgili Günlük” and “Amatör”.
Among his notable works is the series “Çizgili Tişört” (“Striped T-Shirt”), a suspense comic book published in 2016, which critics acclaimed for bringing a fresh perspective to Turkish comics. His stories often delve into the complexities of Turkish society, reflecting on political tensions, social norms, and individual freedoms.
Karabulut’s international recognition expanded with his contributions to the French magazine Fluide Glacial, where his works were published under the title “Yeraltı Öyküleri” (“Underground Stories”). This collaboration led to the release of several albums in French, including “Contes ordinaires d’une société résignée” (2018) and “Jusqu’ici tout allait bien…” (2020). These works resonated with a broader audience, highlighting universal themes of societal resignation and the human condition.
Journal inquiet d’Istanbul is a autobiographical graphic novel chronicles Ersin Karabulut journey from the underprivileged suburbs of Istanbul to becoming a renowned comic artist, set against the backdrop of Turkey’s political transformation from a democracy to an authoritarian regime. The story provides a personal lens through which readers can understand the challenges faced by artists in politically turbulent environments.
The themes explored are deeply rooted in Karabulut’s experiences and observations of Turkish society. The work addresses the erosion of basic freedoms, societal polarization, and the resilience of individuals amidst political upheaval. Through his storytelling, Karabulut offers a critique of authoritarianism and a testament to the power of artistic expression as a form of resistance.
Journal inquiet d’Istanbul is the French tile, however it’s been translated and published in multiple countries in full color with 152 pages measuring 20.2cm x 26.8cm. Some of these countries include:
- Journal inquiet d’Istanbul in France by Éditions Dargaud in 2022
- Drawing on the Edge – Chronicles From Istanbul in USA on Kindle by Europe Comics in 2022
- Das Tagebuch der Unruhe in Germany by Carlsen Verlag GmbH in 2023
- El dibujante de Estambul in Spain by HarperCollins in 2023
These covers can be seen below, with the titles altered slightly by local publishers.
Journal inquiet d’Istanbul has been met with critical acclaim for its candid portrayal of an artist’s life under an oppressive regime. It serves as both a personal memoir and a social commentary, shedding light on the broader implications of political repression on creative expression. Karabulut’s ability to intertwine personal narrative with political critique has solidified his status as a significant voice in contemporary comics.
As a result, Journal inquiet d’Istanbul hasn’t been published in Turkey, likely due to its critical portrayal of the country’s political and societal landscape. The book delves into themes of authoritarianism, loss of freedoms, and societal polarization, which may be considered sensitive or controversial within Turkey’s current political environment. Turkish readers may only access the book through international editions or online platforms.
The Phantom is featured within the book in a couple of comic strip panels, sharing the stage with various other comic book characters such as Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, Popeye, Obelix, Asterix, and others. In these panels, the Phantom is depicted in his distinctive red Turkish costume. Below is the comic strip as presented in the German edition, complete with German text.
Advertisements for Journal inquiet d’Istanbul describe the book as:
Journal inquiet d’Istanbul is the story of Turkish comics author Ersin Karabulut and his journey from the underprivileged outskirts of Istanbul to the top of the satirical press and editorial world, against a backdrop of political agitation and upheaval. As his country slips from democracy toward authoritarianism, the author finds himself on the front lines, despite his father’s warnings and his own misgivings. Told through the unsparing but lighthearted observations of an artist and average citizen, this is the portrait of a country pulled apart by discord and military coups. A country where basic liberties, once thought to be a birthright, have been chipped away and erased. A country where the prime minister’s powers are growing by the day, and where a political cartoonist can end up on trial, or even behind bars. A sobering, insightful, and captivating look into what it means—and what it costs—to pursue one’s dream in the face of repression.
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