Ayla: The Daughter of War

Set during the early years of the Korean War, the Turkish soldier Süleyman makes a life altering choice when he discovers a barely surviving girl abandoned on the icy ground. With limited help and growing danger around them, he smuggles the child to safety within a guarded base and keeps her hidden from the chaos outside. What begins as a routine mission to protect a comrade's unit slowly becomes a personal bond that tests his loyalty and humanity. As the years pass, the girl who was nearly lost becomes a symbol of hope for the people who sheltered her and the veteran who refused to abandon her. The film quietly highlights small acts of care amid the fog of war.

Directed by Can Ulkay, with a script by Yiğit Güralp, Ayla: The Daughter of War draws on the real life rescue of Ayla during the Korean War. The 2017 film premiered in Turkey and later screened internationally, globally too.

Produced on a 4,200,000 budget, the film grossed 21,107,423 worldwide, reflecting solid performance for a Turkish war drama and helping propel cross border interest in contemporary Turkish cinema, with strong showings in Turkey and Europe in theaters across Europe today.

Ayla has contributed to international awareness of Turkey's role in the Korean War, putting a human face on wartime aid and child refugee stories. Its emotional resonance sparked discussions about resilience, sacrifice, and the bonds formed across cultures in times of crisis. Its scenes have lingered in memory for fans.

Critics generally praised the film for earnest performances and straightforward storytelling focused on care under fire. The narrative foregrounds loyalty, chosen family, and the moral weight of rescue in war, while the stark setting heightens the personal stakes. The core relationship invites viewers to weigh duty against humanity across borders.