THE DARK WORLD

THE DARK WORLD, 1952

Turkey | DVD, Black & White, 60’ |Turkish

Director:Metin Erksan

Cast:Aşık Veysel Şatıroğlu, Ayfer Feray, Kemal Bekir

In addition to being the debut film of veteran director Metin Erksan, The Dark World is also considered as the first realistic rural drama. The film gives an account of the life of the bard Âşık Veysel. Smallpox ravages the village of Sivrialan in the province of Sivas, taking the lives of many children and costing seven-year-old Veysel his eyes. One day his father brings him a saz that will eventually become his companion. Over time, Veysel grows into a young man, marries and has a child. Due to unexpected developments in his marital life, he is left alone with his saz and a little baby in his arms. Later, his name will spread throughout the entire country as Âşık Veysel. Scripted by Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, the film also includes a documentary sequence about the transition to a modern education and health system, as well as the transition to modern agriculture in villages.