SYNOPSIS

Zubeyde is a Turkish woman who has experienced many harsh circumstances (especially immigration and conflicts) in the Balkans with her family during the nation-state movement that spread in the region with the effect of the 1789 French Revolution.

Of the six children born, four died due to epidemic diseases, and around the same time, she lost her life partner.

In this challenging world, she found herself tasked with the dual responsibilities of ensuring the survival of her son and daughter while enduring the worrying anticipation in her heart. Her son, a brave soldier, faced the relentless challenges of frontline combat across the vast expanse of the Ottoman Empire.

This movie is a touching story of a mother who witnessed her son’s transformation into the founding leader of the Republic of Turkiye.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is a leader far ahead of his time and a true patriot who devoted his life to his country. Zübeyde was a woman who buried her two sons, her daughter, and her husband during conflicts in the Balkans and a mother who witnessed the transformation of her only surviving son, little Mustafa, into Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The movie ‘Zübeyde’ tells the story of this remarkable mother. I consider myself and the audience fortunate to view Mustafa Kemal from the perspective of his mother, given that a mother is the most considerable influence in shaping a child. 

The performances of our lead actors portraying these historical figures executed their craft with a highly harmonious and disciplined collaboration with the production teams. Since ‘Zübeyde’ is a period film, we paid meticulous attention to location, costumes, art, lighting, and camera work. 

‘Zübeyde’ embodies a timeless tale that profoundly connects with the enduring struggles and boundless, selfless love of mothers transcending time and space. She epitomizes resilience and stands as the maternal figure of a nation. Stay tuned for an emotionally stirring narrative about the life of this brave Turkish mother, a story that will touch the ‘gönül’ of all who hear it.