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The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, has launched “Turkish Film Days” with the screening of Gelin, a landmark work by director Omer Lutfi Akad.
Organized by the Yerli Dusunce Association with the support of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the opening took place at the Nizami Cinema Center, one of the city’s leading cultural venues.
The ceremony brought together leading figures from both countries, including Türkiye’s Ambassador to Baku Birol Akgun, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Culture Saadet Yusifova, Yerli Dusunce Association President Metin Gundogdu, and Rashad Azizov, head of the Azerbaijan Cinema Agency.
The event also welcomed many guests from the world of cinema and the arts.
Several Turkish actors traveled to Azerbaijan for the occasion, among them Berk Oktay, Anil Altan, and Duygu Mercan.
Legendary actress Hulya Kocyigit joined as the guest of honor, highlighting the strong bond between the two countries’ film industries.
Before the screening, attendees observed a moment of silence in honor of fallen soldiers, followed by the national anthems of both Türkiye and Azerbaijan.
Plaques were then presented to those who contributed to organizing the event and to Turkish filmmakers who had been invited.
Ambassador Akgun underlined the growing success of Türkiye’s film and television industry, stating that “we have many beautiful stories to tell. Turkish life is clean, humane, and inclusive. We need filmmakers and producers who will keep these alive and bring them to the screen.”
He emphasized the storytelling power of cinema and called for more joint events across the Turkic world.
Deputy Minister Yusifova noted that the initiative was not only a film showcase but also “an expression of the unity of Turkic states through the language of art.”
She encouraged closer cooperation among member countries of the Organization of Turkic States in producing films together.
Metin Gundogdu added that the collaboration between the ministries of culture in both Türkiye and Azerbaijan was a living demonstration of the principle often expressed as “one nation, two states.”
Until Sept. 30, audiences in Baku will have the opportunity to watch a wide selection of films free of charge.
The program features Akad’s Gelin alongside productions such as Narginli Sona Huzun Gunu, Simarik, Ask Baglari, Akildan Kalbe and the family favorite Rafadan Tayfa: Kapadokya.
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