'Politics with Drawings' exhibition at Turkish Parliament

An exhibition of political cartoons by Justice and Development Party (AKP) Aksaray deputy Ramazan Toprak's was opened last week by Speaker of Parliament Bülent Arınç.

Toprak's exhibition, titled “Politics with Drawings,” comprises 44 political cartoons that reflect various aspects of politics. The exhibition is on display in Parliament's lounge.

Speaking about his artwork, Toprak said when words were not enough, politics could be portrayed by caricatures. "These kinds of drawings have entered into politics over the past two years, and as a result I have called the exhibition 'Politics with Drawings',” he said.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated Toprak on his exhibit and said he agreed with Toprak's depiction of politics through drawings. “Drawings have entered politics. We are pleased that over the past two years Turkey's politics have regained their lost credibility. ... I am among those who believe that politics and thought gain value only when they are practiced within their own meaningful boundaries. I congratulate those who approach drawings with this understanding of freedom, and I respect them," he said.

Arınç said during his opening speech that Parliament would celebrate its 85th anniversary with nationwide events and that Toprak's exhibition was one of these activities. He too congratulated Toprak on his artistic endeavors and said he was delighted to open the exhibition.

Erdoğan, Arınç and Toprak toured the exhibit together following the opening speeches.

Among the many guests who attended were members of the Parliamentary Presidency Board, deputies and local officials from Aksaray, along with artist Hasan Kaçan.