War, a term often synonymous with bloodshed and destruction, has etched its presence in the annals of human history through numerous conflicts. The common perception of war conjures images of battles, loss, and scars that linger long after the last shots are fired. Yet, what if we were to explore the notion that even amid the horrors of war, a narrative of love and humanity can emerge? Consider the remarkable story of a Turkish army father and a Korean orphan girl- a story that not only defies the conventional understanding of war but also rekindles faith in the enduring bonds of humanity.
In a world where the mere thought of adopting a child often involves meticulous contemplation, the tale of Suleyman offers a poignant counterpoint. Suleyman’s saga is intertwined with “Ayla: The Daughter of War”, a Turkish film released in 2017 and masterfully directed by Can Ulkay. This cinematic creation draws from true events, unfolding against the backdrop of the Korean War-a conflict that shattered nations and brought the world to the brink.
In 1950–1953, the Korean Peninsula was a deadly battleground. On June 25, 1950, 75,000 North Korean soldiers attacked the pro-Western Republic of Korea, igniting a full-scale war. The region became a Cold War arena for superpower dominance. Amid chaos, the UN rallied support; Turkey, second after the US, sent the powerful Turkish Brigade to aid South Korea. In this turmoil, unassuming 25-year-old Sergeant Suleyman emerged as a symbol of love and compassion.
As Suleyman volunteered to be part of the Turkish Brigade in South Korea, little did he know that his destiny was poised for a seismic shift. Amidst the chaos and heartache of war, he encountered Ayla- an orphaned Korean girl left alone in the midst of the strife, with no family to call her own. This encounter would prove to be the genesis of a story that transcended borders and circumstances, standing as a testament to the human capacity for empathy and connection.
Suleyman, driven by an unrelenting sense of duty and compassion, took Ayla under his wing. He cared for her, nurtured her, and forged an unbreakable bond that transcended language barriers and the relentless tumult of war. In a foreign land marred by conflict, Suleyman became not only a protector but a surrogate father to Ayla, treating her as he would his own daughter.
Their tale unfolds against the grim backdrop of the war-ravaged Korean Peninsula, where death and destruction were all too common. Yet, in this darkness, a beacon of light emerged-the unwavering love between Suleyman and Ayla. Their relationship flourished, a testament to the remarkable capacity of the human spirit to endure and connect even in the direst of circumstances.
For fifteen months, Suleyman and Ayla stood side by side, weathering the storm of war together. His dedication and love for Ayla knew no bounds; he resisted returning to his homeland, fully aware that Ayla would be left bereft of support in the foreign land. The promise he made to reunite with her hung in the air, a beacon of hope in a world consumed by conflict.
However, the exigencies of war eventually forced Suleyman to leave Korea, but not without a solemn promise to return. As he bid farewell to Ayla, a pact was made—one that encapsulated Suleyman’s unwavering commitment to the young girl he had come to regard as his own flesh and blood.
The story of Suleyman and Ayla transcends the confines of their individual experiences; it resonates as a narrative of an unbreakable father-daughter bond, one that defied the ravages of war and time. Equally integral to this story is Suleyman’s wife, who stood by his side, understanding the depth of his connection with Ayla. Their journey was as much about her unwavering support as it was about Suleyman’s dedication.
As the Korean War came to an end, and the dust of battle began to settle, Suleyman returned to his homeland. He married his childhood friend, yet the ache in his heart remained—his eyes and thoughts constantly turned toward the daughter he had left behind in Korea. This reunion was not the end; it was a new chapter, as Suleyman’s yearning to reunite with Ayla continued to burn with an intensity that defied the passage of time.
Six decades would pass before fate granted Suleyman and Ayla the opportunity to embrace once again. In 2010, their paths converged, allowing for a reunion that was both triumphant and heart-wrenching. The love that had endured for so long, across oceans and through the trials of life, found its culmination in a tender embrace- a reunion that defied the constraints of time and distance.
The story of Suleyman and Ayla reverberates far beyond their individual lives; it encapsulates the enduring power of love, empathy, and sacrifice.
This poignant narrative stands as a beacon, illuminating the path of patience and resilience, qualities that are often eclipsed in a world dominated by instant gratification and fleeting connections.
In an era where the cacophony of modern life often drowns out the subtler notes of compassion, Suleyman’s legacy emerges as a testament to the unwavering nature of love. His dedication to Ayla, born from the crucible of war, is a reminder that love has the power to bridge chasms, transcend boundaries, and withstand the ravages of time.
The Suleyman and Ayla story is more than individuals meeting in war; it’s a symphony of love, hope, and connection. In bleak times, humanity’s flame shines, guiding us. The current generation should learn from it, finding hope in human spirit, embodied by Suleyman’s belief in love and persistence. Saluting Suleyman for protecting not only Ayla but humanity, his compassionate tale must reach the world. In a fractured world, their saga stands for enduring love and compassion, a light in adversity. Let’s share their tale, passing their light to the future, inspired by Suleyman’s unwavering faith in love and preservation.
Dr . Pyali Chatterjee is the HOD of Faculty of Law in ICFAI University, Raipur Chhattisgarh
