The representation of the other in illustrated texts for children: Turks in Greek books and Greeks in Turkish books

Abstract

This paper overviews the presence of the Other in illustrated texts for children, specifically Turks in Greek books and Greeks in Turkish books, utilizing imagology as the main method of analysis. The samples selected for this paper range from late twentieth century to early twenty-first century picturebooks alongside illustrated books and graphic novels published in Turkey and Greece. We grouped the books we cover into two thematic categories: first, the books that deal with wars, which inevitably narrate historical facts where Greeks and Turks fought against each other; and second, the books that focus on issues that unite, such as a common cultural heritage and geography. Our findings indicate that there is a gradual move away from traditionally didactic and nationalistic narratives towards more progressive children's stories that build empathy and understanding between the two countries.