Turkey, Cinema: Eyvah, Eyvah and Magnificent Century

Turks are a proud people - and it is not like they do not have a lot to be proud of. Still, it has struck me that there is a measure of insecurity in expressions of that pride. It has been a crime in Turkey to disparage Atatürk. Why? Are the manifestations of his greatness not enough to win the day against his detractors. He needs the police to silence them. Turks see his greatness, but seem sure others will not. And so he needs protection.

I felt the same thing experiencing Magnificent Century. I say experiencing, because, well - what we did was so much more than simply watching the presentation. Magnificent Century chronicles the reign of Suleiman (a.k.a. Suleiman the Magnificent) ruler of the Ottoman Empire for much of the 16th century. It is a season-long television series running in 24 parts.  We were not able (yet) to see it in its entirety. The opening episode (90 min.) is available with subtitles on YouTube.  The second episode we watched with Murat and his family at their home. They kindly provided simultaneous translation. The remaining episodes have been appearing online, but without subtitles - so really we only know how the saga begins…

And we know how it was received in Turkey when it was broadcast. The closest thing I can compare it to was ‘Roots’. Magnificent Century created a huge stir.  There were daily stories in the press. It got to the point where even the Prime Minister (Erdogan) felt compelled to condemn it.

What was wrong? I think it became a surrogate for the ongoing struggle between conservative and secular elements in Turkish society. Another front in the fight about ‘how good was the past’ and how much of that past should we include in national life. Magnificent Century was criticized for showing one of Turkey’s greats in a not entirely flattering light.  In Turkey that sparks a fight.

‘Eyvah, Eyvah’ was in contrast just a piece of fluff.   I chose it because while we were in Turkey it's sequel 

‘Eyvah, Eyvah 2’ seem to be the number one comedy playing in almost every Cineplex we passed. The original is always better and since ‘Eyvah, Eyvah 2’  is still not available with subtitles, the choice was easy.

The film is the story of a country boy who goes to the big city (Istanbul) in search of his long-lost biological father. Hilarity ensues. He gets mixed up with a lounge singer (way out of his league) and then sucked into some underworld intrigue. The happy ending has him headed home to his village, his family and his true love. Can't wait for them to translate the sequel. It was a very enjoyable film. Like a brief trip back to one of our favorite places.  The people and ambience were very familiar and pleasant. Two hours well spent.