Journals / Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar / 2026 / Cilt: 18 Sayı: 3

The Concept of Censorship in Dreams within Psychoanalytic Theory: A Review Based on Atatürk’s Dream

Psikanalitik Kuramda Rüyalardaki Sansür Kavramı: Atatürk’ün Rüyası Üzerinden Bir Derleme

Mustafa Danışman(Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Center, Ankara Training and Research Hospital)0000-0002-7403-8840
Pages
805–814
Publication Date
2026-04-15
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

In this review article, the concept of censorship in Freud’s dream theory is evaluated through the analysis of a historical dream of Atatürk, both in terms of the explanatory power of the theory and the criticisms directed at it

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:According to Freud, the human mind is characterised by a dynamic component, which he refers to as the “censoring agency”.
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Key Findings & Data:Atatürk’s fatal illness emerged in 1937, and he was diagnosed with liver disease in January 1938.
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Conclusion & Impact:In this review article, the concept of censorship in Freud’s dream theory is evaluated through the analysis of a historical dream of Atatürk, both in terms of the explanatory power of the theory and the criticisms directed at it
🔬Design:Review & Systematic Survey
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Atatürk · Freud · rüya

Abstract

According to Freud, the human mind is characterised by a dynamic component, which he refers to as the “censoring agency”. This concept is also perceived by some to symbolise a certain authority. This agency is responsible for determining whether an emerging desire is suitable for entry into consciousness. It excludes anything that could potentially cause discomfort if the desire were to be realised or stimulated. In Freud’s view, the censor never entirely ceases to function during sleep; rather, it becomes less rigid and less effective. Consequently, certain distressing elements of repressed material are able to evade the still-active, though relaxed, censor through the utilisation of various mechanisms within dreamwork, such as displacement, condensation, and symbolism. This enables them to achieve a limited alternative form of satisfaction. Freud’s dream theory is not limited to individual therapy; it can also help analyze major figures like Atatürk. Atatürk’s fatal illness emerged in 1937, and he was diagnosed with liver disease in January 1938. As his condition worsened, he was moved to Dolmabahçe Palace. With the illness progressing, fluid had to be drained from his abdomen. Fearing intestinal perforation, Atatürk dictated his will on September 6. Paracentesis was performed on September 7 and repeated on September 22. A few days later, Atatürk had a dream, which he shared with his aide-de-camp Salih Bozok. In this review article, the concept of censorship in Freud’s dream theory is evaluated through the analysis of a historical dream of Atatürk, both in terms of the explanatory power of the theory and the criticisms directed at it

Özet

Freud, insan zihninde "sansürleme ajansı" adını verdiği, bir yanıyla otoriteyi de simgeleyen dinamik bir bölümün, ortaya çıkan bir arzunun bilinçli hale gelmesinin uygun olup olmadığına karar vererek, ilgili arzuya ulaşma veya canlandırma durumunda tatsızlık üretebilecek her şeyi dışarıda bıraktığını belirtir. Freud’a göre uyku durumunda sansür hiçbir zaman tamamen ortadan kalkmaz bununla birlikte uyku dışındaki döneme göre azalarak gevşer. Bunun sonucunda, bastırılan malzemenin rahatsız edici kimi özelliklerine rüya çalışmasındaki yer değiştirme, yoğunlaşma, sembolizm gibi çeşitli mekanizmalar aracılığıyla kılık değiştirtilerek, halen devam etse de gevşemiş haldeki sansürden kaçarak kısıtlı da olsa yedek bir tatmin sağlanmış olur. Freud’un düş kuramı, yalnızca bireysel terapi süreçleriyle sınırlı kalmayıp, geçmişte yaşamış ve toplumların kolektif hafızasında yer edinmiş Atatürk gibi önemli kişiliklerin iç dünyalarına dair ruhsal çözümlemelere de katkı sunabilir. Atatürk’ün ölümüne neden olan hastalığı 1937 yılında kendini göstermiş, Ocak 1938’de kendisine karaciğer hastalığı teşhisi konulmuştur. Ağırlaşan hastalığı nedeniyle Atatürk, 24 Temmuz 1938 gecesi Dolmabahçe Sarayı’na nakledilmiştir. Hastalığın ilerlemesiyle karnından su alınması gereken ve bu sırada bağırsaklarının delineceğinden kaygı duyan Atatürk, 6 Eylül 1938’de vasiyetini yazdırmıştır. 7 Eylül’de ilk kez ponksiyon yapılan Atatürk’e aynı işlem 22 Eylül 1938’de yeniden uygulanmıştır. Bu işlemin birkaç gün sonrasında bir rüya gören Atatürk bu rüyasını yaveri Salih Bozok’a anlatmıştır. Bu derleme yazısında, Freud’un düş kuramındaki sansür kavramı, hem kuramın açıklayıcı gücü hem de bu kurama yöneltilmiş eleştiriler çerçevesinde, Atatürk’ün tarihsel bir rüyasının analizi üzerinden değerlendirilmiştir.

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Cite This Article

Danışman, M., *, M. D. (2026). The Concept of Censorship in Dreams within Psychoanalytic Theory: A Review Based on Atatürk’s Dream. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar, Cilt: 18 Sayı: 3, 805–814. https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1729819

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