“I Want to Conquer the World”: Chasing the Wild Goose, Tracing the Noise

Year 2025, Volume: 12 Issue: 1, 145 - 158, 30.06.2025

Hüseyin Serbes

https://doi.org/10.26650/CONS2025-1686739

Abstract

This study explores the transnational influences and inspirations of Bad Religion within Türkiye underground punk scene. Using document and content analysis methodologies, the research focuses on fanzines in Türkiye that center around Bad Religion. The research universe consists of fanzines published in Türkiye about Bad Religion, with Backroads fanzine serving as the sample for analysis. The study is grounded in subculture theory to understand the relationship between punk culture and fanzines. To interpret the fanzine content, the critical hermeneutic approach proposed by Habermas is applied. This approach delves into the textual content of fanzines and aims to uncover the ideological structures shaping their creation and reception. The study examines Bad Religion’s role in shaping punk identity in Türkiye, while emphasizing the significance of fanzines in spreading these ideologies. It investigates how fanzines contribute to the ideological resistance of punk culture and the dissemination of alternative narratives. Ultimately, the study highlights the essential role of fanzines in the evolution of punk culture and the transmission of its ideologies. The findings demonstrate Bad Religion’s deep impact on Turkish punk music and its role in driving cultural transformation.

Keywords

Punk , Fanzines , Bad Religion , Subculture Theory , Do-It-Yourself Media

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