Crowd flocks to Turkish movie premiere in Washington

By Safvan Allahverdi

WASHINGTON

A large audience late Friday flocked to the gala U.S. premiere of an acclaimed Turkish film set during the Korean War organized by the Washington branch of Turkey’s Yunus Emre Institute (YEE).

Attending the premiere of Ayla: Daughter of War at the United States Navy Memorial were high-ranking U.S., South Korean and Turkish guests such as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy in Europe and Eurasia Christina Higgins, Harriet Fulbright Center head Harriet Mayor Fulbright, American Legion Executive Director Verna Jones, South Korean Embassy Minister for Public Diplomacy and Public Communication Cheon , and Turkish Ambassador Serdar Kilic.

Speaking before the screening, both Kilic and Higgins emphasized the courage and determination of Turkish soldiers in the 1950-1953 Korean War.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Kilic said the movie highlighted the humanitarian relations between Turkey and South Korea and showed that feelings of compassion can exist even during times of war.

"We need humanitarian feelings especially in these times because there are serious humanitarian issues in many parts of the world," Kilic said, adding that the movie is a great indication of how much compassion a soldier fighting on the front lines can carry in his heart.

True story

Ayla: Daughter of War tells the true story of an orphaned Korean girl discovered by a Turkish soldier during the war. The two form an unbreakable bond as the war goes on, and Ayla becomes a symbol of hope for all the Turkish soldiers.

The movie not only tells a story of hope and love in a time of war but also about how the world came together years later to reunite Ayla and her soldier friend, Sgt. Suleyman.

"We wanted to spread the message that a Turkish soldier in the Korean War gave to the entire world on the basis of goodness," Halid Bulut, U.S. director of the Yunus Emre Institute, told Anadolu Agency.

"With these events, we aim to show the compassion and goodness of the Turkish people and Turkish soldiers to the world," he added.

Emphasizing the close relationship between Turkey and South Korea, Cheon also said many people in South Korea see the relationship with Turks as fraternal.

Turkish forces served under the UN Command during the Korean War, and 774 Turkish soldiers were martyred.

Named after a Turkish poet, the Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) aims to promote Turkey through public and cultural diplomacy activities by providing services abroad to people eager to learn more about Turkey.

The main goal of the institution is to build bonds of friendship between Turkey and other countries in order to increase cultural exchange.

Alongside Turkish studies and cultural activities, it also carries out social and scientific programs showing Turkey’s capabilities in science, academia, and technology in the international arena.

With 54 offices abroad, the institute currently operates in 43 countries.