- Happy Bayram! - Thanks. Same to you.
- Shall I fill her up? - Yes.
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.
YETER'S DEATH
PROLETARIANS OF ALL COUNTRIES, UNITE!
- Hello. - Hello.
It's 50 euros for half an hour.
- What's your name? - Jessy.
- Jessy, do you do French? - French, Italian, Greek.
- I'll do it international for you. - Bravo. Bravo.
- The music is alright? - Sure, why not.
- Have you got the 50 euros? - Yes.
- Take your clothes off. - Yes.
- Are you Turkish? - Could be.
Now I'm ashamed.
- What is your real name? - Yeter. That's enough.
"Yeter" means "that's enough". I'm the youngest of seven sisters.
- What will you have to drink? - Water. Water.
Where are you from?
Uncle, have you come here to chat or to fuck?
- Don't call me uncle, please. - What shall I call you, then?
"My divine lover?"
- Please call me Ali. - Ali.
- Can you still get it up at your age? - God willing.
Show me.
- Goodbye, my rose! - Take care, brother Ali.
She was speaking Turkish.
Ladies and gentlemen, we will be arriving in Bremen in ten minutes.
We would like to say goodbye and wish you all a good onward journey.
- Hello, dad! - Hello, Nejat.
Sit down. I'm still frying the fish.
- How are you? - Fine.
- And you? - Fine.
- I've brought you a book. - What is it about?
Just read it.
- Are you having some raki? - Please. And you?
Of course.
I've got this Iranian friend, Mahmut. He's given me a tip for the fourth race.
- Which horse? - "Ofliff Sunsine".
- "Ofliff Sunsine"? - Yes.
The fifth horse in the fourth race.
Do you mean "Sunshine of Life"?
- What does that mean? - The sun of life.
It would be nice if the sun of life would shine for us some day.
It's an outsider, dad.
We'll see.
The odds were at least 70 to 1!
100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700.
- There you are. - Thank you.
Come on, I'll treat you to an ice cream, with chocolate.
Who are you screwing at the moment?
- A gentleman doesn't tell. - I didn't know that.
It's impossible to talk to you about anything, anyway.
Take care, dad!
- Read the book, okay? - Yeah, yeah...
Goethe was opposed to revolution. Not on ethical grounds.
Much because it seemed to him to be too uncontrollable.
Two quotes illustrate this. The first:
"Who wants to see a rose bloom in the depths of winter"?
"Only a fool could want this untimely intoxication."
Come now, old man!
- I'm not 14 any more. It takes time. - Then I'll charge you extra.
I'll give you another 50. Just talk, talk!
- Tell me to grab your ass! - Grab my ass. Come, my lion!
I want to ask you something. Are you happy with your job?
- I can't complain. - Look. I live on my own.
I'm a pensioner, and a widower. What's that saying?
- "Only God is entitled to solitude." - Bravo.
I'm looking for a woman to live with. I would pay as much as you earn here.
In return, you only sleep with me. Agreed?
- Have you fallen for me, old man? - You don't have to say anything now.
Here's my cell phone number.
Call me whenever you like.
- Peace be with you. - I don't understand.
We heard you speak Turkish. Are you ashamed of being a Turk?
You're both a Muslim and a Turk. Understood?
- I'm not deaf. - Don't try to be funny.
- You are on a false path. Repent! - Repent!
- I repent. - Don't let me catch you there again.
It would be a shame about you.
Peace be with you.
- Peace be with you. - And peace be with you.
- He made his move too soon. - Go on!
I'm glad that you came. Welcome.
- Will you treat me to a coke? - Of course.
Are you hungry?
When you said you'd pay me what I earn in the brothel...
- Were you being serious? - How much do you earn?
I'm left with 3000 a month. Do you have that much?
- I'll get it. - How?
I get a pension and I have some money on the bank.
I've got some land and property back home.
And I have a son. He's a professor at a German university.
He earns good money. If the worst comes to the worst, he'll help us.
- Where are you from? - Trabzon.
Listen, I won't make any demands.
All I want is for you to live with me, and sleep with me.
- I am hungry after all. - Okay, let's go.
- The soup is delicious. - Please enjoy.
- Where did you learn to cook so well? - I taught myself.
I raised the boy both as a mother and a father.
I'll take care of it.
- You've brought him up well. - Like a girl.
Here you are.
It's fish cakes. You'll love them. Tuck in!
How old were you when your mom died? - He was six months.
- Poor thing. Didn't you re-marry? - I did. A widow with a daughter.
It didn't work out. They're long gone.
I'm a widow too. My husband was shot in Maras in 1978.
- You're from Maras? - Yes.
- More coke? - I'll get it.
Sit yourself down. I'll fetch it.
- Are you really a professor? - Yes.
- I'll fetch the dessert. - I'll do it.
- No, because you're a guest. - If I'm going to live here, I'll do it.
- Don't drink so much. - I'm not drinking so much.
You got me drunk deliberately.
Keep your hands off her...
- Are you okay? - Fuck off!
Yeter! Where are you, Yeter?
How did you two meet?
He came to me.
- Where? - He didn't tell you?
I'm a lady of easy virtue.
What does that mean?
A whore. A hooker if you prefer.
Good night.
Nejat?
Dad...
Dad!
Hello. I'm Doctor Özada. Your father had a heart attack.
His condition is critical. He'll be in intensive care overnight.
We'll have to open up an artery. Then we'll keep him for observation.
- Any questions? - Can we see him now?
I'm afraid not. Excitement isn't good for him right now.
Return tomorrow morning.
- Do you have any children? - I have a daughter.
- How old is she? - 27.
Does she know what you do?
She thinks I work in a shoe shop. Occasionally I send her some shoes.
I would do anything for her.
I wanted her to study. To become someone like you.
Getting old is awful. There's no advantages.
Completely pointless!
You'll be released soon. - Yeah, yeah.
Nejat, don't forget to water the tomatoes.
Nejat, the tomatoes are ripe.
- Do you want one? - Just to taste.
Let's bring him some. Surely he'll be happy.
What's wrong?
I miss my daughter.
It's been so long since I heard her voice.
I can't get ahold of her.
Nejat...
Did you fuck her?
I made some börek. Would you like some?
Take it away. I don't want any börek.
Don't look at me like that. The doctor said "no pastry".
Fine, so eat shit.
You won't eat börek, but you smoke. Seriously?
Don't get involved in my life. You have yours and I have mine.
Are you leaving?
Wait!
Take this, for your trip.
Yeter
Make me a raki.
We'll shortly arrive in Hamburg. Connection...
Did you fuck him?
I asked you a question.
- You're drunk. - No I'm not.
Don't touch me!
Stop that!
I paid you, and now I will fuck you.
- You don't own me. - Yes, I do.
- Come on, give me a blowjob. - Shove your money up your ass.
Where are you going?
- Where are you going? - I'll go wherever I please.
- You're not going anywhere. - I'll say it again.
I'll go wherever I want. I know your type.
Yeter...
Yeter!
To your right again.
And stop.
Step inside here.
- It's so small. - I'm afraid so.
Go on, enter.
You will be given your personal items later.
We haven't seen Ayten for a long time. She just disappeared.
- Since when? - A few months now.
That's her.
- Do you have a more recent photo? - No, sorry. Have a look yourself.
Very cute.
- What was she studying? - Economics...
- Medicine... - No, sociology.
- Economics or medicine? - To be honest I don't know.
Enough already.
- Can I have that photo? - Yes, but that's her mother.
Take it.
- Where are you staying, cousin? - In a hotel.
- Stay with me. - It's okay.
- I'm serious. - I'm fine on my own.
- How long will you stay? - As long as it takes to find her.
With 20 million people in Istanbul, you're bound to run in to her.
- Name? - Ayten Öztürk.
- From? - Either Maras or Istanbul.
Kahramanmaras...
One moment please.
- Name? - Ayten Öztürk.
- I meant your name. - Nejat. Nejat Aksu.
- Why are you looking for the girl? - I want to finance her studies.
Why?
Because knowledge and education are human rights.
Well said.
Listen, Nejat.
The streets and our case files are full of Kurdish children.
We deal with them every day.
They are illiterate and turn to violence.
Wouldn't you rather help one of them?
- What good will this do? - Perhaps someone will get in touch.
FOR SALE
Shall we have a look inside?
I don't understand books. Especially not those written in German.
I'm off to my workshop. If you need me, give me a call.
See you soon! Bye.
Good afternoon.
And to you.
- Is this your bookshop? - Yes.
- Do you like it? - Yes, quite a lot.
- I'm glad. I'm Markus Obermüller. - Nejat Aksu.
- Would you like some tea? Or coffee? - Tea will do.
Çengiz, serve us some tea. - Please have a seat.
How come you're selling? - Well, you see...
I've been here for ten years. All of a sudden I miss Germany.
Despite that I'm surrounded by all this German literature. It's like...
It's like a museum here. Extinct. Like Latin.
And I've been feeling... Homesick.
I understand. How much do you want for the shop?
- What was your name again? - Nejat Aksu.
- What is your occupation? - Professor of German, in Germany.
- That would be funny, if... If a Turkish professor in Germany-
would end up in a German bookshop in Turkey. It fits!
Yes, maybe so.
So you're staying in Turkey for the time being?
- Yes. - And your work?
Perhaps teaching isn't really my call.
And your father?
A murderer is not my father.
LOTTE'S DEATH
Öcalan, we are with you!
Long live the partisan struggle!
The rights of the people cannot be stopped!
A cop!
Pursuing person with gun. Reinforcements to Dilek Café!
Fuck!
Who's been arrested? Özlem, too?
Police!
Down on the floor!
Hey! You can't just...
Long live the resistance!
My name is Öznur. Öznur Kulak.
My name is Gökce Tuna.
I am Nurhan Ertas!
- Hello. - Welcome.
- What's the name in your passport? - Gül Korkmaz.
Always use that name. In subways and by bus, never ride black.
- What does that mean? - You have to buy a ticket.
If you get stopped by the police you don't know us.
Okay.
If you want to shower, go to the bath house. The girls will show you.
The cheapest food is at the university. You can eat for three euros.
This is where you sleep.
- Do you have money? - About 20 euro.
- You could work for me. You look like a waitress.
- Is Bremen far away from here? - About an hour on by train.
Can you lend me some money? I'll return them tomorrow.
- How much do you need? - 100 will do.
Thanks.
1837, I'm Gabi.
- Hi, do you speak English? - Yes.
- I need a phone number from Bremen. - Where?
- From Bremen. - Bremen, yes, and what?
- Name Yeter Öztürk. - Öztürk is the surname?
Yes, name Yeter. Y... e... t... e... r.
No, I only have with the Y beginning with the name Jasmin.
Okay, I understand.
- Thanks. - Bye, bye.
Foot...
Shoe...
SHOES
And now what? You owe me. You need to work for me.
You call yourself a comrade? Getting all uptight about £100!
- Do you even know who I am? - How should I know?
- Toss her out! - Get lost!
Fine, I'll go on my own.
- Get lost! - You can all go fuck yourselves.
"Who wants to see a rose bloom in the depths of winter?"
"Only a fool could want this untimely intoxication." Secondly:
"I oppose revolutions, for they destroy as many old things as it creates new ones."
- Excuse me, can I ask something? - Sure.
I forgot my money and I'm hungry. Can you give me some money? Borrow!
- How much do you need? - Three, I think. Three is okay.
- I don't have change, just £10. - Okay, no problem.
No, no! I can change it inside.
- Give me your address, I'll send you the money. - You don't have to.
Yes, please.
- Next time you can invite me. - Okay. Chicken please.
Aren't you hungry?
What are you studying?
- How do you say it in German? - Sociology.
- And you? - English and Spanish.
- Where do you come from? - I'm from Istanbul.
- And you came here to study? - No.
- So, why are you here? - Because it's cheap.
- Do you like it? - I don't care because I'm hungry.
Where do you live?
Nowhere.
But where do you sleep?
Do you really want to know?
Yes.
This is the kitchen. You can take anything, anytime.
I'll show you the guest room.
- Hello mom. - This is my mother Suzanne.
This is Gül. She's staying with us for a while.
- Hello. - Hello.
- I hope the bed is not too small. - No, it's perfect.
Want to see my room?
- Cute... - Yeah. I used to live here during school.
I just came back from India. I was three months in India.
- Oh I see. - Do you have anything to wash?
I had to escape quick, that's why I only have these clothes.
Do you want to try my things?
- Is it okay? - Yes.
Yes...
- And this? - Good.
- No, I don't like American brands. - I guess you're right.
Thank you Charlotte.
Lotte. You can call me Lotte. It's shorter.
No, I like Charlotte. It's better.
Very generous of you, letting a stranger come and stay with us.
- We have to help her. - You don't even know her.
That is so German, mom! She's here illegally. She's persecuted back home.
- Then she should apply for asylum. - Yes, and if she's not granted it?
You know that it's illegal.
Would you be kind enough to make her bed?
Lebensmittel is something very German. It started in the 1300's and...
I don't know how to say it in English but it's something very German.
- When you're baking bread... - Baking bread?
No, no, it's "backen". I'll show you.
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