By Honorary Reporter Ece Yildirim from Turkey

Photos= Ece Yildirim

While I was living in Korea in 2017, the movie "Ayla" about the veteran and the orphan was released in theaters. (Korea Film Council)

Süleyman Dilbirliği, known as the spiritual Turkish father of the Korean orphan girl Ayla. (Ece Yildirim)

When I was 16, the 2002 World Cup soccer final was co-hosted by Korea and Japan. I still vividly remember when players from the national teams of Turkey and Korea hugged each other at the end of their consolation game. I also learned of the historical relationship between the two nations in high school.

At the time, though people had little chance to search the internet, I had more historical and geographic knowledge about Korea than most. Accessing a lot of data wasn't as easy as it is now, but I read a lot about the Korean War, especially the war's historical importance and the strong ties between the two countries. 

On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea in launching a war that would last three years. Turkey sent three brigades for the war effort in September 1950, and they arrived in Busan a month later.

The success of the Turkish military in the war is legendary, though it also suffered many losses in raids and attacks.

I visited the U.N. memorial for Turkish soldiers in Busan several times when I was in Korea. I also met lots of Korean War veterans in Turkey, and this was a great honor for me. One veteran stands out, however: Süleyman Dilbirliği, known as the spiritual Turkish father of the Korean orphan girl Ayla. 

When I was at my family's summerhouse, Süleyman was our neighbor. I met him and found it amazing to listen to Ayla's story and memories of the war from him after a few encounters.

While I was living in Korea in 2017, the movie "Ayla" about the veteran and the orphan was released in theaters. During the gala, I got to meet the real-life Ayla. Sadly, I learned that shortly after the movie was released, Süleyman died, but I think he left this world peacefully since he found and spent time with her. 

Since 2015, I've collected materials about Korea and the Korean War. I have many photographs that are valuable to me, such as newspapers and magazines from that period.

I've learned a lot about the war while amassing this collection. Sadly, many Korean War veterans are passing away. Officially, an estimated 724 Turkish soldiers were killed in action during the war.

I commemorate all Korean War veterans and martyrs with respect and gratitude.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.