When it comes to Russian émigré caricaturists in Istanbul, Vladimir Kadulin is the first to come to mind. The artist, who achieved considerable success in the Russian Empire, worked under the pseudonym Nayadin for the almanac Zarnitsy, published in Istanbul in the Russian language.
Before arriving in Istanbul, Vladimir first studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture and then at the Kiev Art School, but due to financial problems he could not complete his studies. However, this did not prevent him from becoming a well-known artist, since at that time he had already collaborated with many Kiev periodicals, that printed satirical drawings. In addition, one of the local publishers asked him to work on a series of humorous postcards. Kadulin agreed and apparently made the right decision because the series was a huge success. It was followed by the series Types of Students, Types of Schoolgirls, Drunken Series, as well as numerous Easter and Christmas cards.

His career prospered, but the Revolution of 1917 had a major impact on people’s lives. The first city on Kadulin’s route of emigration was Istanbul. Judging by a magazine article, he was in a very difficult situation at first and earned money with small drawings that he or his wife sold directly on the street. Thus, we learn from the Zarnitsy almanac that he had to make a living by selling portraits of famous Greek leaders such as Eleftherios Venizelos and Constantine I. On the one hand, since both were incredibly popular among the local Greeks, this “business” was quite profitable (in exchange for these small portraits, he and his wife could buy sugar, tea, and coffee and pay for a cheap hotel in Galata), but on the other hand, it was very risky because of serious disagreements between these two figures and opposing views of their supporters. Fortunately, Kadulin was lucky in Istanbul too. He was invited to work for the almanac Zarnitsy, the editorial office of which was located at the beginning (if you come from the Karaköy or Galata quarters) of the famous, long and busy street Grand rue de Péra (now İstiklal Avenue). During his work at Zarnitsy, he drew many caricatures and designed almost all the covers of the almanac. Most of his works were devoted to the difficult life of Russian émigrés abroad and the mockery of the Bolsheviks; Sevinç Üçgül analyses them in detail in one of her articles. He also took part in the Union of Russian Painters in Constantinople's exhibitions under the pseudonym Mitritch.
The source of income disappeared with the ending of the almanac, and some serious changes were underway in the Ottoman Empire at that time, which made it necessary to move somewhere else. Kadulin decided that this place should be New York. There he worked as a caricaturist and often addressed Russian issues. Everyone who knew him at the time recognised his great observation skills, sharp humour and professionalism.