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Journals / Yakın Dönem Türkiye Araştırmaları / 2025 / Sayı: 48

American Propaganda in Türkiye during the Cold War: The Case of Dostluk Newspaper

Soğuk Savaşta Türkiye’de Amerikan Propagandası: Dostluk Gazetesi Örneği

Murat Özata(GİRESUN ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0003-0099-0297
Pages
238–249
Publication Date
2025-12-25
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

This study analyzes the establishment, content, and impact of the Dostluk newspaper, thereby examining the reflections of American soft power strategies in Türkiye.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The Cold War era was defined by intense ideological and strategic rivalry between two superpowers (USA and USSR).
📊
Key Findings & Data:During this period, propaganda was utilized as a critical instrument by both superpowers to influence public opinion, strengthen alliances, and solidify their global strategies.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:This study analyzes the establishment, content, and impact of the Dostluk newspaper, thereby examining the reflections of American soft power strategies in Türkiye.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Soğuk Savaş · Propaganda · Dostluk Gazetesi

Abstract

The Cold War era was defined by intense ideological and strategic rivalry between two superpowers (USA and USSR). During this period, propaganda was utilized as a critical instrument by both superpowers to influence public opinion, strengthen alliances, and solidify their global strategies. This study examines Dostluk (Friendship), a newspaper published in Türkiye by the United States Information Agency (USIA) between 1956 and 1959. As the first American propaganda newspaper printed in Türkiye, Dostluk aimed to bolster the image of the United States in the country, maintain Türkiye’s commitment to the Western bloc, and underscore the threat of communism. The newspaper presented content related to the NATO alliance and economic cooperation, alongside features on the American way of life and culture, thereby promoting the American model for Türkiye’s modernization process. Targeted specifically at Turkish intellectuals and decision-makers, the newspaper was distributed free of charge and sought to familiarize the audience with American values. This study analyzes the establishment, content, and impact of the Dostluk newspaper, thereby examining the reflections of American soft power strategies in Türkiye.

Özet

Soğuk Savaş dönemi, iki süper güç (ABD ve SSCB) arasındaki yoğun ideolojik ve stratejik mücadelenin yaşandığı bir dönemdir. Bu süreçte propaganda, her iki süper güç için de kamuoyunu etkilemek, ittifakları güçlendirmek ve küresel stratejilerini pekiştirmek adına kritik bir araç olarak kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışma, ABD Enformasyon Ajansı (USIA) tarafından 1956-1959 yılları arasında Türkiye’de yayımlanan Dostluk gazetesini incelemektedir. Türkiye’de basılan ilk Amerikan propaganda gazetesi olan Dostluk ABD’nin Türkiye’deki imajını güçlendirmeyi, Batı bloğuna bağlılığını korumayı ve komünizm tehdidini vurgulamayı amaçlamıştır. Gazete, NATO ittifakı, ekonomik iş birlikleri yanında Amerikan yaşam tarzı ve kültürüne dair içerikler de sunarak, Türkiye’nin modernleşme sürecine Amerikan modelini önermiştir. Hedef kitlesi Türk entelektüelleri ve karar vericiler olan gazete, ücretsiz olarak dağıtılmış ve Amerikan değerlerini tanıtmayı hedeflemiştir. Bu çalışma, Dostluk Gazetesi’nin kuruluş, içerik ve etkisini inceleyerek, Amerikan yumuşak güç stratejilerinin Türkiye’deki yansımalarını analiz etmektedir.

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Cite This Article

Özata, M. (2025). American Propaganda in Türkiye during the Cold War: The Case of Dostluk Newspaper. Yakın Dönem Türkiye Araştırmaları, Sayı: 48, 238–249. https://doi.org/10.26650/YTA2025-1619199

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