Life of Turkish Sufi Yunus Emre adapted to screen

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

The film on the life of Yunus Emre is being shot in 15 different Turkish cities to show the richness of the Anatolian land.

A new film will focus on the life of Turkish poet and Sufi Yunus Emre, who made a great contribution to the formation of culture and civilization in Anatolia. The film titled “Yunus Emre – Aşkın Sesi” (Yunus Emre – the Sound of Love) tells of Yunus Emre’s adventure in pursuit of “love.”

Speaking to Anatolia Agency, director of the film Kürşat Kızbaz said that he previously shot the film “Mevlana - Aşkın Dansı” (Rumi – The Dance of Love) and it was screened in 65 countries. 

He said this time he was working on a film reflecting the love and peace philosophy of the intellectual Yunus Emre, adding that the preparation and shooting process of the film took more than three years. 

Kızbaz said that the film was set to be released in the first month of 2014, adding, “This special project brings together many renowned names. Yunus Emre is played by Devrim Erin, the star of the highest-budget movie of the Turkish cinema history, ‘Fetih 1453’. A very special and experienced team of actors collaborated with him in the film. We will present the unique story of Yunus Emre to audiences on Jan. 10.”

Artists including Burak Sergen, Altan Erkekli, Altan Gördüm, Ahmet Mekin, Bülent Emin Yarar, Sinan Albayrak, Suna Selen, Nesimi Kaygusuz, Tamer Levent and Nilay Cafer are taking on roles in the film, said Kızbaz. “These names will appear as historical characters like Rumi, Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli, Tapduk Emre etc.” 

War scenes shot in Van 

Kızbaz said they had set up a big place in the eastern province of Van for the Mongol war scenes, and added, “At the same time, we wanted to show all the colors and richness of Anatolia by shooting the film in 15 cities over four seasons. 

“While depicting the life of Yunus Emre, who had an impact on the life of millions of people with his love, tolerance and peace philosophy, we received support from many institutions, including the Culture and Tourism Ministry.” 

Noting that making such a film carried big responsibilities, Kızbaz said he was the director, producer and scriptwriter of the film and had undertaken a big responsibility in showing such a significant character to millions. 

Since they knew the difficulties of reflecting the life of such a mystic character on the cinema screen, they had worked on the script and shooting preparations for more than two years, according to Kızbaz. He said they received invitations from many countries from India to the United States. 

The film was shot in Kartepe, Nallıhan, Erciyes, Cappadocia and Hacıbektaş, said Kızbaz, adding that people living in those regions showed them great interest.