Çakmak, Alper (2026) Laughing matters: political humor, irony, and sarcasm as indicators of democratic leadership in Turkish politics. Turkish Studies, 27 (1). pp. 149-172. ISSN 1468-3849 (Print) 1743-9663 (Online)
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Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14683849.2025.2560993
Abstract
This study examines political humor, irony, and sarcasm as indicators of democratic leadership within Turkish politics. Employing Ruth Wodak's Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA) within Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), it compares the humorous rhetorical practices of Turkey's second president, İsmet İnönü, during his late-1960s opposition leadership, renowned for reforms and subtle wit, and current president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, whose use of humor often reflects populist-authoritarian dynamics. Analyzing archival materials, speeches, and contemporary media, the article highlights humor's ambiguity: İnönü's reflective, inclusive style aligns with democratic values, while Erdoğan's strategies often marginalize dissent, simplify complex debates, and at times contribute to political polarization.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | critical discourse analysis; democratic leadership; Political humor; populism; Recep Tayyip Erdoğan; İsmet İnönü |
| Divisions: | Foundations Development School of Languages |
| Depositing User: | Alper Çakmak |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Jan 2026 16:08 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Jan 2026 16:08 |
| URI: | https://research.sabanciuniv.edu/id/eprint/53007 |
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