Another award for the documentary “Türkan”, which tells the life of Türkan Saylan

The documentary, which was prepared with the support of ÇYDD, produced and written by Özlem Özdemir, known for her work on the pioneering women of the Republic, is directed by Gülay Ayyıldız Yiğitcan.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Director Gülay Ayyıldız Yiğitcan said, “I would like to thank the valuable jury members for the value they gave to our labor that we achieved by overcoming many impossibilities. It is impossible to imagine this film without Özlem Özdemir, so this award belongs to both of us. Because we worked day and night without sleep and produced this film. Türkan Saylan has also turned impossibilities into success in countless works; her empathy, determination, work discipline and especially her steadfastness in the face of obstacles as a woman have both inspired and motivated us. I would also like to thank my dear husband Kemal Yiğitcan for not leaving me alone during the sleepless working hours and I leave the floor to dear Özlem.”

Producer Özlem Özdemir said, “ I would like to thank the entire jury for hearing and understanding this story about Türkan Saylan. Tomorrow is the 16th anniversary of Türkan Saylan’s death. Therefore, it is even more meaningful for us to receive this award today, we want to dedicate this award to her precious memory, may her soul rest in peace. I wanted her to be told as a woman. Because we were very upset about Türkan Saylan. She is the founder of ÇYDD, she ensures that girls are educated, she is also a doctor, a woman who has eradicated leprosy in this country. I think we have not been able to repay her. If Gülay Yiğitcan was not by my side, this film would not have been possible, she made the impossible possible. If ÇYDD General President Ayşe Yüksel had not provided production support, this film would not have been possible, I thank you very much. We have many young friends here, this film was made so that young people can understand Türkan Saylan correctly. Let us appreciate her, let Türkan Saylans continue to grow and of course let our Republic stand forever.”

The documentary “Türkan: The Story of a Scientist” highlights Türkan Saylan’s contributions to the world of science, her fight against leprosy, and her life as a woman. The documentary, which was created as a result of an intensive research and production process, was awarded the “Honorable Mention” at the Athens International Monthly Art and Film Festival in 2024 and the “Best Short Documentary” award at the Halicarnassus Film Festival . It was also a finalist at the Delhi Women’s Bioscope Film Festival, the Golden Orange Film Festival, the Turkish World Documentary Film Festival, the Women’s Voices Online Film Festival , and the Boston Turkish Film Festival .