The cartoonist behind Leman's controversial cartoon speaks out: First statement revealed
Doğan Pehlivan, the cartoonist detained as part of the investigation into Leman magazine, emphasized in his statement that his drawing was a call for peace. Pehlivan said, "If I had meant the prophets, I would have used the title 'Hz.' (Prophet), but here I was talking about ordinary people."
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As part of the investigation launched due to a cartoon published in Leman Magazine that drew backlash, the creator of the cartoon, the magazine's two editors-in-chief, and the responsible managing editor were detained. Doğan Pehlivan, the cartoonist at the center of the investigation, also made significant statements in his testimony.
DOĞAN PEHLİVAN'S STATEMENT: I EMPHASIZED THE MEANINGLESSNESS OF WARS
In his statement, Pehlivan indicated that he wanted to draw attention to the meaninglessness of all ongoing wars, including the Iran-Israel conflict. Explaining that the names "Muhammad" and "Musa" (Moses) were chosen because of their prevalence in society, Pehlivan stated the following:
"The name Muhammad can be perceived as representing Muslims, and Musa as representing Jews. However, if prophets were to be mentioned, expressions like 'Hz.' at the beginning and '(s.a.v.)' at the end should be added to their names. The people I meant here are ordinary people; those who lost their lives in wars."
"I ADVOCATE FOR PEACE, PROVOCATEURS ARE CREATING CONTROVERSY"
Reacting to the lynching campaign that started on social media following the cartoon, Pehlivan rejected the accusations with these words:
"It is not just me who is a victim in this process, but the entire society. I am talking about peace, but some people are trying to pull the discussion into a different dimension and place this responsibility on me. These people are provocateurs. One of our fundamental principles in the profession of cartooning is not to mock religion, and I have always adhered to this."
Pehlivan firmly rejected the accusations against him, emphasizing that he has been a cartoonist in Turkey for many years and has never mocked religious subjects.
Here is the full statement of Doğan Pehlivan...
"I have a half-page column for which I am responsible at Leman magazine. While it used to be published weekly, we are currently conducting press and publishing activities every 15 days. I draw a cartoon every 15 days and submit it to the magazine. I drew the cartoon in question about a week ago and sent it to Tuncay Akgün, the owner of the magazine. During the same period, I also forwarded it to Cebrail Okçu and Murat Yücesan, who handle the graphic design work for the magazine. The person authorized to publish the cartoon is Editor-in-Chief Tuncay Akgün. The cartoon is not published without his approval. If there had been a problem with the submitted cartoon as alleged, Tuncay Akgün would certainly not have allowed it to be published.
Since the Palestine massacre, this cartoon, which is about people who have lost their lives on both sides, including the Iran war, is actually a work full of peace. The names Muhammad and Musa used in the cartoon are popular names frequently used within these societies. I used these two names in the cartoon because the name Muhammad can appear to represent Muslims, while the name Musa can be perceived as representing Jews. Furthermore, if prophets were to be mentioned, we would need to use expressions like 'Hz.' at the beginning and '(s.a.v.)' after their names so that it is clearly understood that they are prophets. However, what I meant here are ordinary people who are losing their lives in wars today.
When looking at the cartoon, it will be clearly seen that the clothing and the setting in the drawing reflect the present day. This shows that what is intended to be conveyed is not historical, but represents a situation that belongs entirely to today. I wanted to emphasize the meaninglessness of war; to ask the question of whether souls can understand each other, but must one die to realize this? This is the only message I wanted to give. I have no other purpose. I even thought the cartoon had a quite cheerful and loving narrative. I do not find it right at all for this work to be associated with current events. I am filing a complaint against the individual who brought the issue to the country's agenda and incited the public. I am the one who is a victim in this process, and at the same time, society is. I am talking about peace in this cartoon, and some people are creating a different controversy and trying to pin this controversy on me. I think such people are called 'provocateurs'. I have been a cartoonist in Turkey for many years. The first rule we learn in this profession is not to get into religious topics and not to mock religion. I have always adhered to this principle. I do not accept the accusation directed at me."