Under Stalin's instructions, the State Defense Committee of the USSR ordered the
the deportation of 16,700 Muslim families of Turkish , Kurdish and Hemshin origins from
the towns of Ahiska, Adıgön, Ahılkelek, Aspinza, Bogdonovka, and the Acara
Autonomous Republic on July 31, 1944. Today, these regions lie in Georgia along
its border with Turkey. Stalin ordered Inspector Yoldash Beria of
the People’s Interior Affairs to carry out this deportation in November that year.
Some 86,000 people were driven out of their homes and forcefully loaded on
trains. They were left to starve on these journeys that lasted several days.
Cau·ca·sia: A region between the Black and Caspian Seas that includes southwest Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, and that forms part of the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia.
The region contains the Caucasus Mountains, dividing it into Ciscaucasia in the north and Transcaucasia in the south; one of the most complex ethnic areas in the world, with over 50 different peoples. Also called: the Caucasus.
The Great Exile of Causasia.
This TV serial is based on Fırat Sunel’s novel “Under the Shadow of Willow Shrubs”
November 14, 1944 Village of Orsep
I want all the Muslim homes evicted in one hour.
Right on Sir!
Open the door!
Open this door!
Open!
Open it!
Open!
Open this door. Open it.
Open the door.
Yea, ok.
(inaudible)
Dad!
(Loud door knock)
(Door opens and squeaks)
May I help you Comrade?
Comrade Stalin has ordered the deportation of all Muslims living in this area.
Deportation?
But why?
You have five minutes to pack up.
Where are you sending us?
Don't ask. Do what I say.
What will they do to us, Uncle?
Come on out of here.
Everybody out.
Alright, be quick.
Quick.
Come on...now.
(indistinct conversation)
Where will you take us?
Son..where have you been?
Where are you my child?
We didn't do anything. Leave us.
Shoot anyone who resists.
Come on, come on, come on.
come on, come on.
Get up.
What is this Ahmet. Where are they taking us?
(indistinct conversation)
Brother! Brother!
Come on! Move!
Omer!
Thanks Nicca.
Stay with me. Don't leave my hand.
Tell your Mom, I said goodbye.
Let's go now.
get on now!
Come on!
Hold it tight.
My son...
Move.
Omer.
Did you see Jamil?
Jamil, where are you?
Nicca. Did you see Jamil?
There are over there.
Jamil.
For God sake, leave me...let me go.
I beg you.
Go away.
Jamil.
Oh those eyes.
Jamil.
(Gun fire)
♪ (lament) ♪
Nino!
♪ (lament) ♪
Nino!
♪ (lament) ♪
Nino!
Come on get on the train....come on... pull them.
Come on..the others too.
Quick.
Close it. Ok.
(rolling train-door closes)
(train whistles)
(diminishing train-chuffs)
We are the disowned and forgotten peoples of Caucasia.
We are the Muslim Turks of Ahiska.
We slowly disappeared among memories.... for ever.
♪ (lament continues) ♪
"A month earlier... On the other side of the border...
Ho!
(horse neighing)
The Village of Demirkapi is this, Sir.
(Birds chirping)
Let's go!
(horse neighing)
Come on!
Stop.
Records-officer Aytekin!
Mr Aytekin is not here Sir. What was it about?
Where did he go?
He went to the neighbor. He'll be here shortly.
Tell him to bring the person called "Aslan" to the Demirkapi police station...
as soon as he is back. Tell your husband.
Let's go.
Can I have your name, Sir?
Salih Kurt.
Let's go.
(Door knock)
Come in.
Commander!
Yes, Gedikler.
Head of Regional Secret Intelligence Mr. Salih is here, Sir.
Come along.
- Good to see you Mr Reis. - Glad to be here.
We were informed about your arrival. We were waiting for you.
The meal is ready. Let's have something to eat if you prefer.
This is an important issue Colonel. Let's get to work right away.
Good to see you Bey. Somebody just came. He asked you to come to Demirkapi ...
police station along with Aslan.
Bring Aslan along? Who said so Hanim?
Someone called Salih Kurt....he seemed like someone important.
Salih Kurt.
What happened? Something important?
He is the Head of Intelligence....if he is here....
So he said I should bring Aslan along?
That's what he said.
My Lord.
What does he need form that bounder?
(birds chirping)
(rooster crowing)
(birds chirping)
Good to see you Records-officer!
Let's go inside. They are waiting for you.
Rustem knows this area better then anyone Mr Reis.
(door knock)
Come in.
We were waiting for you Registry-officer.
Come here now.
Are you the person called Aslan?
Yes Sir.
You sent a whistleblowing letter about someone called Rustem in this village.
That is correct, Sir.
Well, then tell us everything you saw and heard.
I explained everything I knew with detail in my letter Sir.
I know...I know...I read your letter.
But I want to hear everything directly from you.
Come on.
Sure Sir.
(inaudible)
(grasshoppers and crickets chirping)
This is all I know commander.
Is there anything else you want to ask Mr. Reis?
No...he can leave.
Both of you can leave.
Registry-officer!
You stay here.
You go.
(door opening and closing)
(Loud knock on the door)
Bismillah.
Hope everything is alright, Inshallah.
(bedsheets rustle)
What's going on?
I don't know.
(baby cries)
(door knock)
Open the door.
(baby cries)
I'm coming.
(door knocks)
Open the door.
Wait...I'm opening it.
(Match strike and light)
(Door knock)
Open!
(grasshoppers and crickets chirping)
(door opening)
What happened at this late hour guys?
- Are you Rustem Demir? - Yes, that's me.
- You are coming with us. - Why what happened?
- What is this Rustem? What do they want? - To be honest, I don't know either.
Let's not waste time.
Brother Soldier...where are you taking my husband?
We received some information about him. Commander wanted us to bring him.
Come on Mr. Rustem. Let's go.
Rustem what's this?
Let me wear a jacket.
Where are you taking him?
Rustem!
Don't worry Safiye...
...it is obviously a misunderstanding.
Rustem!
(baby cries)
Aslan!
Where are you coming from at this late hour?
Mind your own business!
Shut up and go back to sleep.
Go to hell and never come back. Inshallah.
Yildiz!
Come in.
- As-salamu alaykum - Wa alaikum salaam
Sit down.
Sit.
So....why are you so sad?
Anybody taken from his home late in the night would of course be concerned, Sir.
There are allegations against you.
What allegations Colonel?
There has been a remarkable improvement in your life-standard over the past...
...one year, Rustem.
Till last year you had just one meadow and a cow...
...but you have bought two meadows in one year.
...some cattle too.
Even your bed-sheets have Russian embroidery.
Who told you all this?
Forget about this now, Rustem.
What is the source of all this? Tell us.
Did you ever sell gold in the town of Ardahan?
I did sell two Russian gold coins when I was buying the meadow and the oxen.
So you sold "Russian" gold coins. Didn't you?
My wife brought them as dowry... I swear.
That's absurd. Your father-in-law is the poorest man in this village.
Speak truth. Did you get the coins from the person who employed you?
Employed?
What's that?
Tell me the truth. Don't lie.
I swear, I am telling the truth. All I told you is true.
You better plead guilty. We know the facts.
The Registry-officer is here. He knows me well. Ask him.
Tell them Registry-officer. Tell them what kind of person I am.
As stated by eyewitnesses, your brother- in-law's wedding was about a month ago.
Yes.
And you went to the wedding very late?
That's right. But I had been cleaning rocks at the meadow. When I was done ...
I climbed the embankment on the hill to channel the water down the meadow.
I didn't want to procrastinate....Then I took a break but fell asleep.
(sniggers cynically)
You mean you stayed at the meadow because of "water and rocks" on the night when...
... your closest relative was getting married.
You think we are kids?
Who were the armed guys with you?
Which armed guys? I swear I know nothing.
The saw you Rustem. You were with three armed guys by the meadow.
Who were those people?
I swear I don't know anything. I have told you the truth.
Handcuff him.
Get the horses ready.
We are taking this traitor from here.
(grasshoppers and crickets chirping)
(baby crying)
Tell my wife Registry-officer. Tell Safiye they have false allegations against me.
Don't talk too much.
Take him.
Let's go.
Don't speak about this issue to anyone till it is resolved. Understand?
Understand commander.
USSR Orsep Village, Ahiska.
(kids laughing)
(birds chirping)
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Congratulations Ahmet! I heard your son Jamil is returning today.
Yes, he is coming back. We are all getting together for dinner tonight...
...keep that in mind.
(birds chirping)
Oh man! ...we finally completed the three months Jamil.
You are right..completed.
Do you think they will send us to the war-front right after these 3 months...
...of railway track work.
It is not the right time to think about these.
You are right Jamil. You don't know how I missed my parents.
Same here my friend....
...but I missed my love the most.
(Hen clucking)
That's it..
And you are laughing....
You are supposedly the younger one.... but couldn't catch this little hen.
May Allah give you more happiness.
Good to see you....come here...
I see you have a new charm on you face because your son is coming, Servi.
Don't ask Leyla. Jamil is coming back from Kolkhoz this evening. We'll cook this ...
to celebrate.
We'll also make dessert.
Oh!
I'm already hungry, I haven't eaten meat for months.
You are right wallah!
Here..take it inside.
You didn't really have to bring these.
Oh..we just want to help..look at you... you are cooking for the whole village.
- It is not much...just some potatoes. - Don't embarrass me...come inside please.
(rooster crowing)
(birds chirping)
So the one who sells more earns more... deal?
- Sure. What's the prize? - Three marbles.
Deal...get your marbles ready. It is my day for sure.
No way.
You'll see. I will win.
Alright Omer my son. Let me see how you arrange the potatoes.
Sure Dad.
- Good morning. - To you too Mikail.
Good Morning.
Have a good day Ahmet Uncle, Shota Uncle ...can I help too?
Wait my girl. These young men will help us.
Congratulations Agha Ahmet. I heard your son Jamil is coming home.
That's right...God-willing, he is coming home today Mikail.
(singing folk songs)
Inshallah we'll sing again like this in my Jamil's wedding...inshallah.
Amin..Amin.
So...when are you planning to ask for the bride's hand?
Well I guess it will be this week, inshallah.
They are coming this evening too, aren't they?
Of course they are. In fact my bride will come a bit earlier to help me.
- May God grant you your wishes. - Amin, Amin.
(birds chirping)
(singing folk song)
Amin
(singing folk song)
(birds chirping)
(rooster crowing)
Kemal...my brave brother.
♪ (lament) ♪
May God enlighten where her lies. I have him in my dreams every night....
...he couldn't have a family....doesn't even have a grave for us to pour....
water on. I keep looking at his pictures.
♪ (lament) ♪
It's been months now...several months... I haven't heard from my Misha.
My child...alas, he just appears around this corner and says....
"Mom, Mom....I'm back".
(sobbing)
♪ (lament) ♪
I haven't seen my Mehmet for eight months now. Oh I wish he just comes through....
this door. I wish I can hug him. Lord Almighty...keep all our children at...
war-fronts under thy protection.
Amin..
- Protect them all my Lord. - Amin.
I wish I see him getting married too.
I wish we all see our kids having families.
Amin my Lord.
♪ (lament) ♪
Look, here is my future bride.
Come, come here dear.
Come my pretty girl. Sit here.
Shota dear, can you cover me for five minutes. We have to run a little errand...
with Omer. We'll be back shortly.
Of course Ahmet. You can go. We are here.
- Let's go Omer. - Where are we going Dad?
We have work to do, Son. Come on let's go.
(birds chirping)
You are a cheat Mosha. We found a rock as big as a walnut in the salt you sold.
Well of course salt will have rocks. It is by nature. Look at your words.
I'll be an idiot to buy anything at your shop again.
See how this moron gave me blood-pressure Ahmet Bey.
Do you have coffer Mosha?
I have some. The real morning one is difficult to find these days.
I wouldn't have give you if I hadn't known you since so long.
(birds chirping)
This isn't coffee.
My God...did you guys collaborate to drive me nuts today?
Go walk around the Soviet. You can't find find a coffee like this neither in ...
Moscow, nor in Tbilisi.
You have this in the front, I am sure you have better quality in the stocks.
I know you well Mosha. You must have something better.
Of course I do. Brazilian coffee to be honest.
Brazil? Where is Brazil?
Forget about the location. It is a far away nation.
(birds chirping)
Look, the whole America and the whole Europe drinks this coffee. Very popular.
- Wait..don't fill it. How much is it? - 175 Rubles per Kg.
What? 175 Rubles? What are you saying Mosha? This is like a treasure.
Well kids are treasure too. I heard your son is returning home today.
Yes, that's right Mosha.
Smell it. It smells so sweet...so sweet.
Yes, sweet it is...but too expensive.
You are a regular customer Ahmet. 150 Rubles is enough.
No, impossible. I can't buy this.....I don't have 1/3rd of this money Mosha.
(Cow mooing) (birds chirping)
- My pretty bride. -Mashallah. She is so pretty, Servi.
(chicken clucking) (birds chirping)
What if your brother doesn't like me when he sees me?
Why won't he like you? Where can he find someone prettier than you?
Your embroidery is very beautiful too Saira.
Mom will make you even prettier ones Aysha.
She will give you really pretty beddings and covers after you marry Jamil.
Aysha...
You told your mother didn't you my child. They will come tonight, won't they?
Yes, I told them. Aunt Servi.
(birds chirping)
Don't call me Aunt my child. Call me Mom after today.
- Ok...Mom. - Well-done.
(chicken clucking) (birds chirping)
Greetings Mr. Taylor.
Ah...Thank God you are here....I thought you have given up....
...won't get the overcoat.
This is the earliest we could come Mr. Taylor.
Come here young man. I shortened your elder brother's overcoat for you.
Come on, try it on...the cloth is quite reliable.
Your sons also used it carefully. See, it is just like new.
Good job Mr. Taylor. It looks awesome.
We have been using this coat all the way from Mehmet till him.
Turn by turn.
Take it off.
I try not to ...but I can't stop thinking. Look what these German pigs did.
What do you say Ahmet Efendi? Would the Germans have lasted this long if Turks....
...had joined the war? And all this massacre would have been avoided.
Here is your money....Have a good day Mr. Taylor.
But...the Turks will not join the war. If they do, they will ally with the Germans.
That is enough Kirkor. We can't bring our lost children by accusing the Turks....
...instead of accusing those who started the war.
Let's go!
Turks will side the Germans in the war. What the hell is is talking about.
And you take it off now.
Comrades of USSR...Our glorious army is about to capture Warsaw.
The Germans have suffered huge losses in Southern Ukraine.
After Chișinău, Constanța has also fallen within USSR.
- Bring Mikail to me. - Right on, Sir.
Evidence for the brutal massacre of 1.5 million Jews in German concentration...
... camps has been uncovered by the USSR and the de facto Polish government.
Death to Hitler! Down with Hitler! Death to Hitler! Death to Hitler.
Die Hitler...Die Hitler....Die Hitler.
These treacherous German pigs. See...they slaughtered millions of Jews.
That Hitler's eyes may not see tomorrow morning.
Long-live Stalin. Comrade Stalin will seek their revenge.
Koba, Koba, Koba....
(chanting slogans)
These demons are here again.
I hope they don't bring any bad news.
How the hell did these guys turn up now?
Allah...I hope they don't come this way.
Jesus Christ save us.
They are coming this way brother.
- Comrade Mikail? - Yes, that's me.
You will come with us. We are taking you to Inspector Igor.
Why what happened?
Something wrong?
You can learn it there.
Take him.
Brother!
Get back to your kiosk.
Nino, follow their instructions....get back to your place.
What do you want from my brother?
Tell her to get back.
Nino, I told you to step back.
I am coming with you guys too.
Brother!
Nino go back.
Stop!
Come with me sister...
Come here Omer.
-What's going on Ahmet? - I didn't get it.
What if....?
What "what if"?
Did someone whistle-blow on Mikail?
You know his uncle and his family was exiled by Inspector Igor last year.
I heard they killed them all on the way.
Be quiet Shota...they can hear you.
In that case they will exile Mikail too.
(birds chirping) (rooster crowing)
Mom!
Nino!
Mom!
What happened my child?
Police took brother away.
When?
Two policemen just came to the market place. They said Inspector Igor sent for him.
What?
God protect us Nino.
Come with me! Allah...
(knock on the door)
Come in!
We have brought Comrade Mikail Galajvil as you ordered, Sir.
Leave.
Do you know why I sent for you Comrade Mikail ?
I do not know Inspector.
Would you like something to drink?
No, I don't.
Some tea, or let's share a toast...I hope you won't say know.
Drink it man!
Yes.
You still wonder why I called you here, don't you?
Those eyes....those splendid eyes Comrade Mikail.
I congratulate your parents.
You can't find a prettier pair of eyes in the whole USSR.
Who are you talking about Inspector?
Who am I talking about?
You still didn't understand?
No
I am talking about your sister man.
Yes...you heard right. I like your sister. I want to marry her.
- Marry her? - Yes...I want to marry your sister Nino.
What would you say?
Allow me to think over this for some time Inspector.
What do you need to think? Aren't you the man in that family?
Give me at least tonight to think over this.
Ok..ok..think over it...think and let me know your answer.
Tonight!
I didn't get it Comrade Inspector.
I need your answer tonight.
So you will really ask her hand right away?
Of course.
You mean everything is ready and she waiting for you?
We have discussed everything among ourselves, Buraq.
You will come to my wedding, won't you?
Of course I will. How can I miss it.
Hey ladies....where are you going?
- We came here for my brother? - Who's your brother?
Mikail Galajvil...you just brought him here.
- Brother. - My son.
What happened my child?
We'll speak at home mother.
Oh... Oh....
Stay safe friends.
Bye Jamil.
Bye.
Bye Jamil.
So he wants to marry?
How many times did I say. He is serious.
I said I will think over it. But he was adamant.
He wants an answer right away.
My answer is clear brother. Our answer is clear. There is no way I will marry a ....
person who sent my uncle and his family on exile to death.
Don't you agree mother? Say something.
Tell him. Don't you think like me?
Borris.
Yes, Sir?
Did comrade Mikail come?
No Sir.
(crickets and grasshoppers chirping)
Allah...this is strange. They knew I was coming today.
There is no way they can forget.
(grasshoppers chirping) (dogs barking)
Welcome back!
Brother.....Brother Jamil.
Brother Jamil.
My brother.
My God....welcome back.
Nicca....my brother is back...
Welcome back.
You are stronger now.
Mashallah..Mashallah....
Omer come here!
(Cigarette lighter clicks)
So if you are not coming, then I will come Comrade Mikail.
- Inspector - Police?
We have news of a fugitive in the neighborhood.
Please see this telegraph.
He is very dangerous. We have orders to apprehend him immediately.
We need to start our search ASAP.
As if we didn't have other headaches.
Friends...lend me your ears. We all know why we are together here.
We are here to celebrate Ahmet's middle son Jamil's safe return home.
I therefore welcome Jamil on behalf of all of you.
Welcome!
Welcome back!
Welcome... welcome....welcome.
Jamil!
Yes, Mom?
How's she?
Who Mom?
How's the girl?
Which girl Mom?
How many girls can you see?
Pretty, isn't she?
What are you talking about Mom?
My foolish son.
Bring these dirty plates to the kitchen. I'll explain.
Come..come...
(kids giggling)
(crickets and grasshoppers chirping)
Come in.
Jamil..how's the girl. Did you like her?
She's awfully pretty, isn't she?
Yea she is a pretty girl Mom.
Then go talk to her. Get into a dialogue with her.
Mom why should I talk to a stranger girl?
Look Jamil. We have agreed with this girl's mother. We'll get her for you.
What will you do? What will you do?
We sat down and spoke with your father. We have decided to get this girl for you.
Without asking me...without my opinion.
Don't take hasty decision. You'll like her if you know her more.
She is well mannered, very honorable and very pretty.
This won't happen.
Why will it not happen?
No Mom, this is not possible.
But why? I said we have agreed with her mother.
I came to help you Aunt Servi.
Come inside...come my pretty girl.
Come here.
She is really deft, you see?
Come here my girl......come.
Let me go to the backyard Mom.
Wait..I will go to the backyard. You help Aysha. Ge the crockery out of the ...
cabinet. Go ahead.
Let's arrest this fugitive.
Jamil!
(birds chirping) (rooster crowing)
Nino!
(hen chuckling)
I won't pee in my pants this time. Oh..
I won't..Oh. No, I won't. I won't.
Ah!
Dad, dad, dad, dad, dad...
What's going on Omer? What happened?
- There is someone in the stable. - What?
Omer!
There he is.
Who is this guy Ahmet? What is he doing here?
Is he dead Ahmet?
I don't know Servi.
Who is he?
Isn't this brother Hasan's cousin Rustem?
Those who live in Turkey?
Yea..it's him.
Don't you think so?
I had seen him before the war. I can't recall.
Ah...help.
Ah!
He is wounded and half unconscious.
Be quick..help.
Take him inside before anybody sees him.
Opps!
Come on.
Go ahead.
(birds chirping) (cowbells ringing)
(bleat of a distant goat)
- I missed you a lot Nino. - Jamil.
Why are you trembling?
I am excited. That's it.
- Did you cry? - No.
Tell me what it is....or is it because I didn't visit you last night?
- You are still crying Nino. - Jamil.
Ok tell me now what happened?
- Comrade Inspector Igor..... - What happened to Igor?
Yesterday, he told my brother he want's to marry me.
What happened Jamil?
- My mother has also found a bride for me. - What?
That will not happen. We will marry each other Nino.
I will die but won't let anyone else marry you.
(hen clucking)
Ah!
Why would he come here Ahmet?
How would I know Servi?
Who is this person, Dad?
He is a distant relative of ours from Turkey, my child.
We need to wash his wound.
We should inform the police Dad. Or else we can get in trouble.
Zehra is right Ahmet.
We can't leave him in this condition Servi.
He is our relative.
Omer, bring some a tub of water, quick.
Bring it!
Dad, the soldiers are here.
What? My goodness Ahmet. What will we do?
Ahmet what will we do?
Quick, take him to the bedroom.
Dad we'll be in trouble if we hide him in the bedroom. I beg you, tell the police.
We will be in trouble if they in fact find him here.
We can't explain them.
Allah..help us.
Quick. Let's hide him in the bedroom closet.
Come.
Come on...
Open, open...
(Loud knock on the door)
Open the door.
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim
You all be calm. Don't give any clues.
Quick, clear everything.
Run, run, run..
(knock at the door)
Open the door.
Good to see you Comrade Commander!
What's happening?
We are looking for a fugitive. We'll search your home.
Why would a fugitive be at our home Comrade Commander?
We are searching all homes.
Comrade Inspector, please.
Oh...
Check this room too.
Search around.
What's in the closet?
Our clothes.
Open the closet.