In a deplorable act of religious insensitivity, the Turkish satirical magazine Leman has once again crossed a line that no society rooted in faith and respect can tolerate. On June 26, 2025, Leman published a cartoon that many believe depicts the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) alongside Prophet Moses (as), shaking hands in the sky while missiles rain down on a war-torn city below. This so-called “satirical” illustration, widely condemned as blasphemous, has sparked justified outrage across Türkiye, igniting protests and exposing Leman’s reckless disregard for the sacred values of millions of Muslims. The magazine’s feeble attempts to deflect blame and its supporters’ defense of this vile act only deepen the wound inflicted on the faithful.A Cartoon Rooted in MaliceLeman’s cartoon, as described in multiple reports, portrays two winged figures—one identified as “Muhammed” and the other as “Musa”—exchanging greetings amid a backdrop of destruction. The magazine claims this was not a depiction of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) but rather a fictional Muslim character named Muhammad, killed in Israeli bombardments, meant to highlight the suffering of oppressed Muslims. This excuse is not only flimsy but insulting to the intelligence of the Turkish people. With over 200 million Muslims worldwide bearing the name Muhammad in honor of the Prophet (pbuh), using it in such a provocative context is a calculated act of disrespect. As Leman’s editor-in-chief, Tuncay Akgun, admitted from the safety of Paris, the magazine would “never take such a risk” if they truly understood the gravity of their actions. Yet they did, and the consequences speak for themselves.
The cartoon’s imagery, coupled with Leman’s history of provocative and anti-religious satire, suggests a deliberate intent to mock and belittle Islamic values. The magazine’s claim that it aimed to promote “religious harmony” is laughable when one considers the visceral pain such depictions cause to Muslims, for whom visual representations of the Prophet (pbuh) are considered blasphemous. This is not satire; it is a shameless attack on the sanctity of Islam, disguised as free expression.The People’s Righteous FuryThe Turkish people, known for their deep reverence for their faith, did not remain silent. On June 30, 2025, hundreds of protesters, including members of Islamist groups, gathered outside Leman’s Istanbul headquarters, chanting slogans such as “Tooth for tooth, blood for blood, revenge, revenge!” and kicking down the magazine’s doors. Others attacked a bar frequented by Leman staff, a clear signal that the public will not tolerate such affronts to their sacred values. Clashes erupted as police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds, with 250 to 300 people reportedly involved in the unrest. These protests, far from being mere “mob violence” as some media outlets have dismissively labeled them, reflect the genuine hurt and anger of a community whose holiest figure was insulted.
The demonstrators’ chants, such as “For our Prophet, we would give our lives and take lives; no one can insult our Prophet,” underscore the depth of their commitment to defending their faith. Social media posts amplified this sentiment, with users condemning Leman’s actions and calling for further protests. One post on X declared, “Muslims are making a call to gather in front of Leman magazine,” signaling the growing public outcry. The Turkish people’s response is not an overreaction but a natural defense of their religious identity against a magazine that has long thrived on provocation.Leman’s Hypocrisy and Supporters’ DelusionLeman’s response to the backlash has been nothing short of cowardly. In a series of posts on X, the magazine issued a half-hearted apology, claiming the cartoon was “misunderstood” and denying any intent to depict the Prophet (pbuh). They argued that the name “Muhammed” was merely a common one, used to represent a victim of Israeli aggression. This defense is not only disingenuous but reeks of arrogance, as it dismisses the legitimate grievances of millions as “deliberately malicious” misinterpretations.
Worse still are Leman’s supporters, who hide behind the tired banner of “freedom of expression” to justify this outrage. These self-proclaimed champions of free speech conveniently ignore the fact that no freedom grants the right to trample on the sacred values of a faith held by billions. As Türkiye’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc rightly stated, “The caricature or any form of visual representation of our Prophet not only harms our religious values but also damages societal peace.” The 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris, which Leman itself referenced, serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of such reckless provocation. Yet Leman and its supporters seem determined to repeat history, goading the faithful into justified anger while crying victim when held accountable.
A Pattern of ProvocationLeman’s actions are not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of targeting sacred values for cheap laughs. Founded in 1991, the magazine has long been a thorn in the side of Türkiye’s conservative majority, previously drawing ire for its depictions of the 2016 coup attempt and religious figures like Rumi. Its open support for Charlie Hebdo after the 2015 attack further reveals its alignment with a brand of secular extremism that prioritizes provocation over respect. By repeatedly pushing the boundaries of decency, Leman has proven itself not a defender of free speech but a purveyor of division and discord.
The State’s Response: A Necessary StandThankfully, the Turkish authorities have taken swift action. On July 1, 2025, Istanbul’s chief prosecutor launched an investigation into Leman for “publicly insulting religious values,” issuing arrest warrants for the cartoonist, identified as Dogan Pehlevan, along with the magazine’s editor-in-chief, graphic designer, and institutional director. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya shared a video on X of Pehlevan’s arrest, condemning the cartoon as a “vile” attempt to “sow discord.” This decisive response sends a clear message: Türkiye will not tolerate those who attack the nation’s faith under the guise of satire.
Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun echoed this sentiment, declaring, “The Republic of Türkiye will not allow these reckless individuals who immorally attack the highest values of our nation any opportunity.” The government’s actions are not an assault on free expression but a defense of the social harmony that Leman seeks to undermine.
A Call for AccountabilityLeman’s cartoon is not just an insult to Muslims but a threat to the unity of Türkiye, a nation where faith and culture are deeply intertwined. The magazine’s supporters may cloak their defense in the language of liberty, but their arguments crumble under scrutiny. Freedom of expression does not mean freedom to offend with impunity. As Istanbul Governor Davut Gul warned, “We will not remain silent in the face of any vile act targeting our nation’s faith.”
The protests outside Leman’s offices and the arrests of those responsible are a testament to the Turkish people’s resolve to protect their sacred values. Leman and its ilk must be held accountable, not only through legal measures but through the unwavering rejection of their divisive tactics by a united society. Let this be a warning to those who think they can mock the Prophet (pbuh) and escape the consequences: the faithful will not be silenced, and Türkiye will not bow to provocation.
