Gül? What does Gül mean?
My name is not Gül.
My name is Ayten. Ayten Öztürk.
Ayten means moonshine.
Ayten...
Good morning.
The clock is already 12.
- You shouldn't smoke on an empty stomach. - It's okay.
My daughter told me you were persecuted for political activities.
Yes, I am a member of a political resistance group in Turkey.
- What exactly are you fighting for? - One hundred percent human rights.
Hundred percent freedom of speech and hundred percent social education.
In Turkey, just people with money can get an education.
- Maybe things will clear once you join the EU. - I don't trust the European Union.
- Why not? - Who's leading the EU?
England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
These countries are all colonial countries. It's globalisation.
Maybe you're just a person who likes to fight.
Do you think I'm crazy?
If a country kills its people just because they think or look different-
- or because they protest for work, energy and schools...
...you have to fight back. - Maybe things will get better.
Fuck the European Union!
I don't want you to talk like that in my house.
You can talk like that in your house. Okay?
Okay.
Ayten, what happened?
Can you help me find my mother?
Shit.
- What? - The police.
Crap.
Good evening. Switch off the engine and put on the inside light, please.
- No, the inside light. - Oh, you mean the inside light.
Then I'd like to see your licence and car documents.
And your passenger's ID. She didn't have her seat belt on.
- She wants to see your ID. - Thanks.
- Who's the owner of the car? - My mother.
The ID, please.
I'll just go and radio that in. I'll be right back.
- What does she want? - She's checking your ID.
Hey, stop!
Stop! Go back to your car and sit down.
- You got her? - Yes.
Asyl!
- Miss Öztürk, please sit down here. - We'll take prints.
First right hand.
This will be your room.
Enjoy your stay - as your know, no more than three nights.
- Key's right there. Bye. - Bye.
It's not so bad.
People are nice.
Lock the door.
In the name of the people, I pronounce the following judgement:
The appeal against the ruling by the Administrative Court is rejected.
Court fees will not be charged. The plaintiff bears those costs.
Please be seated.
Ms. Öztürk, your appeal failed.
The Administrative Court rejected your claim of asylum.
Asylum shall be granted to anyone who is persecuted-
- on grounds of religion, race or nationality-
and fears danger do body and soul or restrictions to her freedom.
Where did you hidden it?!
- I didn't hide your pass. - Don't lie to me!
In the light of Turkey's plans for membership of the EU, one can't assume-
- after an unsuccessful appeal for asylum-
- that you must fear physical maltreatment or torture.
Here!
See how blind you are.
The Court sees the difficulty of your situation-
- and finds your political commitment in Turkey credible.
I understand why you entered the country illegally a year ago-
- but we cannot assume that you will still be endangered-
- if you return to Turkey after rejection of asylum on political grounds.
Take care of yourself.
So you're not interested in whether or not my friend is being tortured?
Can you prove this? None-Germans in Turkish prisons are not our responsibility.
I'm sorry.
Do you know someone who might be able to help?
Wait one moment.
This is the address of BARO. Prisoners who can't afford a lawyer-
- turn to this organization. Perhaps they can help you.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Ayten Öztürk is accused of being a member of an armed organization-
- that the state regards as terrorists. Her sentence could get very long.
Such as?
15 to 20 years.
And where is she now?
She is in Üsküdar women's prison, waiting to be sentenced.
Can I visit her?
He sees that you are not related to the prisoner.
It's complicated if your surnames are not the same.
What kind of law is that?
This is Turkey.
He can try and get a permit. But that might take two months.
And you must never mention the name Ayten Öztürk. Not to anyone.
Okay?
- This is going to take longer time. - It is? How much longer?
- I don't know, six months. - What? Six months?!
- Maybe just a couple of months. - And your studies?
But mom, there's no point in that any more.
Lotte, I've had enough of this. You can't keep wasting your life!
For the first time, my life has a purpose. I'm needed. I have to help Ayten.
Just how? In a foreign country where you don't know anyone?
- I'll get her a lawyer. - Ha ha! Who will pay for that?
Do you know what your girlfriend has cost me? Did you ever ask yourself?
For a year I paid her solicitor's fees. And we lost.
- Can't you ask dad? - No, I most certainly can not.
Lotte?
I want you to come back.
- No, mom. - Please.
Mom, I can't.
Fine. So stay there. But you're on your own now. I won't help you.
From now on you're finally on your own.
Mother...
Hi. Do you have a notice board for people looking for accommodation?
- Yes, on the door. - Thanks.
Do you have any books that addresses the Turkish legal system?
Let me see. I'm not sure.
Amnesty International, "Turkey 2005", including political cases.
- Can I browse it? - Sure, feel free.
- Would you like some tea? - Yes, please.
Çengiz, some tea for the lady and me, please.
Are you studying law?
No. I studied Spanish and English.
Oh.
- Hi. - Hi, how are you?
See you.
I'm about to close.
- Can I borrow this? - This isn't a library.
Okay.
Is this your notice? I've got a room for rent.
- Why are you interested in Turkish law? - I have a girlfriend who's in prison.
- What for? - I'm not quite sure myself.
What's your friends name?
Gül. Gül Korkmaz.
This is the room.
- How much is it? - 200 euros a month.
- Okay.
- Ayten! I need to talk to you. - Efsane, take over.
Comrades are coming from Van for an important meeting, to plan for us.
We promised to protect them. Where did you hide it?
- How do I know I can trust you? - Are you crazy?
I don't know. Maybe.
Don't mess with me, I'll kill you.
Wait.
Please.
Might be coins in your pockets...
- Why are all these women here? - Most killed their husbands.
I want to help you.
- You must help some friends of mine. - How?
Go to the place on the paper and take it.
Take what?
You will see. Keep it, someone will find you and get it.
Nobody knows you. You are neutral.
Sister, buy some tissues. Please...
- What is it? - Let's sell it.
- Give me the gun. - No, it's mine.
What do you want, sister?
Please come in, Ayten.
Please sit down.
Can you close the window, please?
Thank you.
- Who visited you yesterday? - I'm not answering without my lawyer.
We are not asking you to betray anyone.
I don't care about your organization. But we have an international crisis here.
Important men from abroad are here, asking questions.
We peacefully ask of you to cooperate.
Yesterday you had a German visitor. Five hours later she was found shot dead.
Why?
How did you know her?
Answer the question, we can help you.
Your sentence is about to be pronounced.
Help us and use your "Right to Repent", we might set you free.
Who was the girl, Ayten?
THE EDGE OF HEAVEN
- What's going on? - This man is being deported from Germany.
Come with me, please.
This is your room. TV, minibar and air condition.
Do you need anything?
Good evening.
Hello. This is Nejat Aksu. I'm not at home, so please leave a message after the beep.
Hello, this is Susanne Staub, Lotte Staub's mother.
I was given your number by the German consulate.
- Mrs. Staub? - Yes.
- I'm Nejat Aksu. - Hello. Please sit down.
My condolences.
Thanks.
- Do you want anything to drink? - Water. And coffee.
How did you know it was me?
You are the saddest person here.
How well did you know my daughter?
Well enough to like her.
Have you eaten? Do you want to go somewhere?
I would like to see my daughters room.
- Is this your first time in Istanbul? - I was here 30 years ago.
It all looked different then.
What were you doing here 30 years ago?
I was hitchhiking to India.
It was the thing to do then.
I put her things in the boxes.
Thanks.
Is there anything else I can do for you?
- I would like to stay here. - Of course.
These steps, my steps, I want to take with strength. With courage.
Even if mom doesn't always understand that. It surprises me.
She was just like that herself.
Or rather, independent of her story which I've learned only gradually-
I find myself taking paths very similar to hers.
Perhaps it's that she sees herself in me.
I asked if he wanted to see you. He said you wouldn't want to.
I said he could stay with me for a few days-
- but he wanted to go straight to Trabzon. I followed him to the bus stop.
- What's he doing in Trabzon? - He said he wanted to go fishing.
I'm off, cousin.
And...
Anyone ever called?
I'm off.
DO YOU KNOW THIS WOMAN?
- Hello. - Hello.
Look at the state of this house. Doesn't anyone care?
Corruption, car park mafia, cultural decay.
Could I stay for a few days more? It did me good to sleep here.
- Did you eat already? - No, but I'm hungry today.
What shall we drink to?
To death.
- I feel like getting drunk today. - I might join you.
How much rent did my daughter pay you?
Why do you ask?
Would you take me as a tenant?
How long do you wish to stay?
I don't know.
- Hello. - Hello.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't want...
Forgive me, forgive me.
Listen, I want to help you.
This is what she wanted.
And this is what I want now.
Whatever you need.
Money, a good lawyer, food, a place. Just tell me.
You hear me?
Forgive me.
Stop hurting yourself.
- I'm so sorry. - I know.
- What's wrong, Ayten? - Nothing.
Girls!
Tell the governor I want to talk to him.
Arrange for it.
- What's wrong? - Give me a cigarette.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
- Where are everyone going? - To the mosque.
Today marks the first day of Bayram. The three-day Feast of Sacrifice.
And what is it that's sacrificed?
God wanted to put Ibrahim's faith to the test-
- so he ordered him to sacrifice his son.
Ibrahim took his son, Ismail, to the sacrificial mount.
But just as he was about to kill him, his knife went blunt.
God was satisfied and sent Ibrahim a sheep to sacrifice in place of his son.
We have the same story.
I remember asking my father if he would sacrifice me, too.
I was afraid of this story as a child. You see, my mother died young.
What did your father answer?
He said he would even make god his enemy to protect me.
Is your father still alive?
Can you look after my bookshop for a few days?
- Happy Bayram. - Thanks. Same to you.
- Shall I fill her up? - Please.
Happy Bayram!
- Happy Bayram. - Same to you.
- Can you make me one with cheese? - I'll hook you up.
- What's the music? - It's Kazim Koyuncu.
- Don't you know him? - No.
- His music is very popular down here. - I've never heard of him.
He was from Artvin. Died of cancer two years ago. He was young. Like you.
All because of Chernobyl. It's only now that's becoming clear.
120, brother.
- And a toast? - Yes.
That makes 130.
Take care!
May god be with you.
Here. You liked it so much.
Did you repent?
- Yes, I did. - You bitch! Traitor!
- Are you well? - It's okay.
- You have a place to stay? - No problem.
I mean... What do you mean "no problem"?
You could stay a couple of days where I'm staying.
It's not far. It's in "Kurkucuma".
Çukurcuma.
- Excuse me. Is Ali Aksu's house here? - Ali Aksu has gone fishing.
- Have a nice day. - You too.
Hello. I'm looking for Ali Aksu.
He's out, but the wind is increasing. He should be here soon.
- Thanks. - No problem.
THE EDGE OF HEAVEN