13. Today in 1920s Turkey: 23 August 1923 (Back to School Edition)

(Front cover, Kelebek, 23 August 1923, no. 20, cartoon by Ahmet Münif.)

Comments:
Published 93 years ago today, this cartoon reminds us that late August has meant “back to school” for many for quite a long time. The text below the image provides humorous insight into the average schoolboy’s priorities. His father points out that during the school year the boy is unproductive suggesting that maybe the time for work is during vacation. In this way the father shines a light on the inappropriateness of slacking off when one should be working by juxtaposing this with the more ridiculous notion of studying during summer break.

English:
— My son, school is starting soon and you are going to start wandering the streets again. At least study your lessons during (i.e. while it’s still) break.

Türkçe:
— Oğlum yakında mektepler açılacak yine sokak sokak gezmeye başlayacaksın. Bari tatilde derslerine çalış.