THIS FILM FOLLOWS THE TRUE STORY OF ISTANBUL DEPUTY LAWYER SERKAN BAYRAM
Downloaded from YTS.MX
AND HIS STRUGGLE AGAINST MARGINALIZATION.
A DISABLED LIFE CENTER WILL BE BUILT WITH THIS FILM'S PROCEEDS.
A PIECE OF GRAIN THE COMPELLING STORY OF MILLIONS
Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX
JUSTICIARY INTERVIEW
Serkan Bayram!
Please, have a seat.
Thank you.
TURKISH MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ADDITIONAL SERVICE BUILDING
Mustafa, run, the tent is on fire!
-Help, Mustafa, the tent is on fire! -Mustafa!
Mustafa, the tent is on fire!
Fire!
Save him!
Serkan…
Help!
Serkan!
I'm here! I'm here now, my son!
Serkan…
Help!
Doctor!
Someone help! Isn't there a doctor in this place?
Where is the doctor?!
Isn't there a doctor in this hospital?
-I'm here. What happened? -His hands are burnt, help please.
-All right, calm down. -Bring a stretcher, for God's sake!
All right, the stretcher is on the way. It's gonna be all right.
Help!
Come on! Bring the stretcher.
Get the operating room ready!
All right. Leave it to us now. Calm down.
Quick, people!
What is the name of the patient?
What is the name of the child? You know, it is needed for our records.
Serkan…
Serkan Bayram.
Istanbul MP, Serkan Bayram.
GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TURKEY (GNAT) GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL
Dear MPs,
I have come here today to speak on behalf of our ten million disabled citizens
and to make their voices heard.
We are not disabled.
We indeed have some obstacles
in living life the way you do.
However, you cannot expect us to apologize to anyone for this,
or to live on the sidelines of life
in a way that you consider appropriate for us.
We also have dreams,
goals in life,
and things that we are passionate about.
We also have disabilities that are either inborn or inherited.
Therefore, there is absolutely no need for you
to add any more of these obstacles by standing in our way.
I am so sorry to say it,
but 99% of the time, it is "you" who are our obstacles.
Okay, I'll pass it on.
Mr. Deputy's phone.
Don't worry, I'll take note of it as we speak.
I've written it down. Have a good day.
Mr. Deputy.
What's up, Nuray?
When you publicly shared your number, there was an obvious rush.
322 people called while you were at the general assembly.
-Did you write it all down? -Yes, I wrote it all down, don't worry.
-Then we'll call them one by one. -Maybe you should get some rest first?
Nuray, these people are looking for hope.
Do you know what destroys one's hope?
Waiting.
DAY 1
Your baby is in critical condition.
And the life-threatening situation persists.
His hands are severely damaged from the burns
and he has lost most of his muscle and nerve tissues.
We did everything we could.
He is now in intensive care.
We are monitoring his condition.
Doctor…
will he survive?
While there is life, there is hope.
Stay strong…
DAY 2
DAY 4
DAY 7
Here, have some.
Sarp!
Can you open the door?
Sarp! Sarp, please open the door!
I don't want to see anyone!
Look, you are making me so sad. Have some pity for your mother!
Sarp?
Sarp, are you okay?
Sarp, is something wrong? Are you okay?
Hang in there, my son!
Your mommy will help you now.
-Sarp! -Leave me alone, Mom!
Are you all right, my son?
I said, leave me alone!
Are you…
Are you okay?
Knowing that everyone else pities you, trust me, Mother, you never want that.
I am so sorry, my son.
I apologize, really. I am so sorry.
-Hello? -Good evening, is this Mr. Serkan?
That's correct.
Sorry to bother you, this is Sena Dikmen.
I'm calling you about my son, Sarp.
DAY 10
Enjoy.
Thank you so much.
Son…
never underestimate the power of praying.
God, who gives the problem, will surely provide the remedy for it.
As long as you do not let doubt grow in your heart,
we will get through this, God willing.
God willing.
And you're young, don't you worry, you will have another child.
But of course, hope is still there. I am just saying.
Allah knows the best of all things,
just don't let mischief take over your hearts.
Mustafa…
where is the restroom, my brother?
Take a left as you go and follow straight ahead.
You show it to me, if you don't mind.
-Excuse me. -Excuse me, my father.
Come on now, girl, you need to eat something, come on.
Here, have one.
No, thank you, my brother, my mouth is already tasteless.
Well…
I'm going to quit anyways.
So…
what do the doctors say?
I mean, what can they say?
They say there is hope when there is life.
They told us to be prepared for any kind of news.
He is in intensive care, you know…
they don't even let us see him.
We're just waiting for the nurses and orderlies
to give us news about my Serkan.
We have no idea how long this will take.
We just wait.
When there is life, there is hope, my dear Mustafa.
You know what, brother?
Even if he lives…
he'll be crippled.
I mean…
the doctors…
they said he won't be able to use his hands.
Tell me, brother, what can a child do without hands?
How can a person live without their hands?
How?
He will live, my dear Mustafa, he'll live.
We'll keep him alive.
Just wait until my nephew gets out of here safe and sound.
We will take good care of him and keep him alive, Mustafa.
He is God's gift to us.
Just let my nephew get out of here safe and sound.
Let him grow up a bit.
You will see. His uncle is going to organize a circumcision feast.
Trust me, I will personally make the whole village attend that feast.
God willing.
He will live, my dear Mustafa, he will live.
You put your mind at rest.
Mom, leave me alone, please.
This is Serkan Bayram.
-Are you a psychologist? -Psychologist? No.
Then why are you here?
Maybe I can help you.
Oh really? Can you repair a severed spinal cord?
No, I cannot do that but…
Then you can't help me.
Sarp…
I am a member of the parliament.
Maybe if we could talk a little…
Please leave me alone.
I just want to sleep.
All right.
I'll stop by again.
DAY 15
Sir…
May God give you health.
May God bless you and your children.
Sir, may God bless you,
give you abundance and strength.
May God bless you and your children.
May God heal him soon.
May God bless you a thousand times over, sir.
God bless you.
May God heal him soon.
Don't be afraid, we'll find a way.
God leaves no one behind.
God willing.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
People often choose to do nothing
because they are afraid of making mistakes or even failing.
Serap, you, for example,
maybe you will sing quite well
but you don't know it because you haven't even tried.
But I don't know any songs.
Don't worry, sweetheart, we'll teach you.
They'll probably laugh at me when I sing.
What about it?
Let them laugh, Serap.
Their laughter shouldn't stop you from singing.
As long as you want to sing,
there is absolutely nothing in this world
that can stop you.
Your uncle Serkan, for example…
Uncle Serkan!
How are you kids? All is well?
Yes.
Come on, have a seat.
What does he do when he really wants to accomplish something?
Tell us, Uncle Serkan.
My dear children,
once you really want to accomplish something and work for it,
you'll see that those who laugh at you and say you can't do it,
they will swiftly disappear.
Come on now, it is time to eat.
But before that, what should we do?
We should wash our hands!
Come on then, let's do it.
Enjoy your meals.
Come on, my lovely people!
I thought you wouldn't come.
I'll be working quite hard because of this law amendment.
I thought I'd come and see the kids while I had the chance.
Are you in a bad mood?
This law amendment is just a seed of change.
We need a ministry that exclusively works for the disabled
and fights for their rights.
But didn't it all start with a seed?
DAY 17
How many times have I told you not to come inside?
But, why, man? Who am I disturbing?
It's not permitted for you to be here, don't you understand? You are banned.
Banned? Brother, what ban are you talking about? What law have I broken?
What evil have I done to anyone that makes me not allowed? Don't you see me, man?
Come on, get out, I don't have time for this.
I am starving. Why would I beg if I wasn't hungry?
Look!
All right. Come on now, brother.
For God's sake, what have I done to you, brother?
What have I done to you that you are all against me?
Brother, why would you do anything to us?
Let's just feed you first, no?
Didn't you say you were starving just a minute ago?
Come on then.
Don't make me lose an opportunity to do a good deed.
Come on.
Let's go, my brother.
Let's go.
REFAHIYE STATE HOSPITAL
Enjoy your meal.
God bless you, sir.
What's your name?
My name is Baran, sir.
Baran, how old are you?
Twenty-two, sir.
Baran, if you don't mind me asking…
I lost my leg when I was a kid, sir.
I was run over by a truck.
A truck, huh?
You were a Good Samaritan, Baran.
I guess all the good deeds I had in the past
now owe me a favor, sir.
So…
how about your mom and dad?
May God grant you a long life, sir. My parents have passed away.
May God have mercy on you.
So, you're on your own, huh?
Yes, sir.
One foot, one head on the road,
as far as it goes.
On that note, sir, why are you here?
I mean, whenever I come and go to this place, you're always here.
It is my son.
He is in intensive care.
May God give him health, sir.
Amen.
Mustafa.
May God bless you, sir.
-Sit and eat your food. -No, sir.
-I don't want to keep you any longer. -Sit down and enjoy your meal, I said.
-Hold on… -No, sir, absolutely not.
Look, you fed me, sat down with me, and even made me smile for a change.
No amount of charity can replace what you just did.
May God bless you and your child.
Amen.
Mustafa.
Mustafa?
Mustafa, I am calling for you.
What happened?
What do you mean what happened?
You haven't said a word all evening, you've just been wandering around.
It's nothing, I'm just a little upset.
That's what I mean.
Emine…
you know what?
He's all alone in this vast world.
Who?
Baran.
Who is Baran?
The beggar.
He was hit by a truck…
and he lost his leg in the accident.
When his parents passed away,
he was left all alone.
No one to pick him up.
So, he's all by himself…
Alone…
All alone.
That's it.
He just fell.
Mustafa, for God's sake, what are you talking about?
Emine…
if something were to happen to us,
who will take care of Serkan?
That's if God first lets us get out of here safe and sound.
I mean…
what do I know?
He has an aunt, an uncle,
they won't leave him alone. They'll take care of him.
They will, won't they?
Anyway,
I'm going to the garden to get some fresh air.
Call me if anything happens, all right?
May God bless us with the best.
GNAT
In fact, this is all about a military attitude
that's hidden in the 1982 constitution.
Military standards in the representation of the state are the basis of this law.
Guys, for God's sake,
people are trying to go to Mars and what are we doing here instead?
Preventing well-educated young people from serving the state
because of their physical disabilities.
Is this a wise thing to do?
Look at the Israeli energy minister, she is a disabled person.
So, you are trying to tell me that people with physical disabilities
cannot become judges or governors in this country, is that right?
What do you want, Mom?
I thought you might be hungry.
I made macaroni and cheese, your favorite.
I'm not hungry.
Son, you haven't eaten anything for days, you'll get sick.
I said I don't want to.
Get out of the room, please, I'm going to sleep.
Son, why are you doing this? Look, I made all of these for you.
Don't, Mom. Don't do anything for me.
Sweetie, honey, look, it doesn't work like this.
Okay, I know, the situation we are in. It isn't easy.
The situation "we" are in?
Mom, I'm the one who can't walk, not you.
It is my life that will never be the same again
and this has nothing to do with you!
Son, please don't talk like that.
Look…
how about seeing a psychologist? What do you think?
So a psychologist is going to fix me, Mom?
Which psychologist is that?
Just tell me. Is there such a psychologist that can fix me?
Let me just stop you right there. There isn't one. You don't get it, Mom.
I just want to walk again.
I just want my life back. I don't want to see a psychologist.
Son, do you think it works like this?
You don't listen to anyone, you don't ask anyone for help.
Mom, who is going to help me?
Tell me, really! Who is going to help me?
You? With that macaroni and cheese?
Or is it the man you called to our house to talk to me?
How am I supposed to walk again?
Son, come on, Mr. Serkan and I…
Mom, just get out of my room!
I don't want anyone, okay?
Get out! Just go!
Enough! I don't want anyone or anything. Just leave me alone!
Take your nonsense and leave!
Salaam alaikum.
Alaikum salaam, welcome.
Thank you, good evening, hello there.
How do you do, everyone?
Thank you very much.
Let's have a seat then.
Thank you, good evening.
I apologize for my lateness.
Don't mention it, Mr. Deputy.
Let's just get started.
Mr. Deputy, according to the information we received from our governors,
we have around 147 disabled citizens in five neighborhoods.
Seventeen of them are mentally disabled and in need of special care.
We will contact the association for the mentally disabled
and the family and social services directorate
to establish social assistance and home care for these families.
Good thinking. Keep me informed about the progress.
In case of a problem, I'll definitely follow up.
Yes, Mr. Deputy.
Our governors have also identified 30 visually impaired citizens
living in our neighborhood.
We contacted the Six Dots Foundation for the Blind
and they have agreed to carry out a joint project with us.
However, in that regard, our governors have a request.
Mr. Rıza, please, go ahead.
Mr. Deputy, our visually impaired citizens need a literacy course.
If you take the lead, I believe we could start an evening course at our school.
Of course, that's a great idea.
I'll contact the Ministry of National Education.
They have never disappointed me so far.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy.
Now we've addressed these issues,
we also need battery-powered cars, wheelchairs, and patient beds
for our physically disabled citizens, Mr. Deputy.
We thought of organizing a charity amongst ourselves regarding this issue.
All right. You make the necessary arrangements,
I will start working on the governorate permission
and the other necessary procedures.
On top of that, I'll be directing some of my friends your way
for press and social media work.
-Thank you, Mr. Deputy. -So, shall we drink some tea on it?
Of course, Mr. Deputy. Hasan! Bring us some tea.
Good evening, Ms. Sena, how are you?
Thank you, Mr. Serkan, let's just say I'm okay.
There's no change in Sarp's condition,
and under these circumstances, I can't feel good.
Of course, I totally understand.
Sarp needs support in order to get through this situation.
Mr. Serkan, actually, I'm trying my best.
I want to take him to a psychologist but he won't even leave his room.
He doesn't eat anything proper and sleeps all the time.
So, whenever I try to talk to him, we always end up fighting.
I really don't know what to do.
Ms. Sena, if you allow me, I have a friend who could assist us in this situation.
Well, I'm open to any kind of help.
I'll talk to her then.
Okay. Thank you very much for your help.
Please don't mention it.
I wish I could do more, Ms. Sena.
I hope you overcome this situation as quickly as possible.
-God willing. -God willing.
Have a good night. I'll give you another call soon.
DAY 21
INTENSIVE CARE
Emine…
you guys don't need to wait here.
We'll let you know if anything happens.
No way…
I can't leave my son alone.
But, my dear, you've been sitting on the benches,
and staying up all night in the cafeteria.
It's been days. You have a life too.
Thank you, sister Fatma, but thank God, we don't have any problems.
All right then, if you say so.
However, if you ever need anything, let me know, all right?
Sister Fatma…
I know it's forbidden.
But, if you could show me my Serkan just once,
I'll pray for you for the rest of my life.
I'll just be in and out real quick. No one will see me, I promise.
Just five minutes, please.
I won't even hold him.
It would be enough for me to see him once from a distance.
No, Emine, that's impossible.
There is a risk of infection.
I'll follow the same procedures as you do.
I'll wear and use whatever you say.
Sister Fatma, just five minutes?
I just need to see him once.
Only five minutes, please!
Okay.
But only one of you can go in.
You do it.
I'll wait here.
Come on then.
God bless you.
Hello, how can I help you?
Hi. I'm Ayse, I believe we spoke over the phone.
Oh, Ms. Ayse, please come in.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I am so sorry…
No problem at all, I can take it myself.
Let me help you with that.
I apologize, Ms. Ayse. I'm so sorry,
I couldn't recognize you at once.
My head is all over the place, you know.
I am so sorry.
Sena, let's drop the formalities, please.
I am Ayse and I came here to help you.
Thank you.
Serkan mentioned a little bit about your situation
but I'd like to hear the whole story from you.
Could you perhaps tell me from the very beginning?
Okay.
So…
Okay. So, Sarp had just started high school this year.
It was new school, new friends, and new surroundings,
everything was going for him.
Every evening,
he would share what happened at school and his experiences with his friends.
I have one question though, why are you whispering?
Okay, sorry.
Like I said, every evening, he would share his excitement
about what he did at school and with his friends.
He made the school basketball team,
and he was going to have practice twice during weekdays and the whole weekend.
You see, everything was fine.
Then one evening, Sarp didn't come home.
I thought he was hanging out with his friends or something.
I didn't dwell on it.
But as the hours passed by, there was no news from Sarp.
Then, I called Sarp.
He didn't answer.
Then I called him again.
This time, a police officer answered Sarp's phone…
and he told me that Sarp was hospitalized.
When I…
went to the hospital,
they had Sarp in surgery.
The whole operation lasted about seven to eight hours.
The doctor who performed the surgery said
that Sarp's life was not in danger,
but his spinal cord was completely severed.
Of course, I didn't understand the situation at first,
I mean, I couldn't…
I thought Sarp would be treated
and then we would go back home.
After that, he had four more surgeries but…
Did you and Sarp ever talk about this situation after the accident?
No, we didn't. Every time I try to talk to him, we end up fighting.
He never listens to me.
What about you? Do you think you listen to him?
What do you mean? Of course, I am listening.
Sena…
You should be listening not to what Sarp is telling you verbally,
but to what he is trying to tell you on the inside.
Let me put it this way.
You are a mirror to him,
and every time he looks at you, he sees his reflection.
If you pity him, he'll end up pitying himself.
Please don't get me wrong, I am not trying to blame you.
You are his mother.
This situation hurts you the most,
I completely understand that.
Ms. Ayse, I…
I really don't know what to do,
how to behave… I don't know anything.
That is exactly where it all begins.
Before we can help Sarp,
we need to help you first.
Mom, how many times have I told you that I just want to be alone?
I came to tell you you're going to be alone for a few hours.
I'm going out.
Where are you even going?
I'm busy, son, Aunt Ayse is in the living room.
Give her a call if you need anything, okay?
Mom, wait.
Mom, who is Aunt Ayse? And where are you going?
What am I going to do here all alone?
Didn't you want to be alone in the first place?
I just want him to be well and happy.
Ms. Sena, to help Sarp, you need to be well first.
When you feel good and strong,
he can hold on to you and continue his life.
High tempo, keep the pressure, bravo Ömer.
Keep it going, Volki, bravo.
Keep it going!
Come on, Aziz. Good job, Ercü. Bravo.
-Good luck with these, Ahmet. -Mr. Deputy, welcome.
-How nice to see you here again. -Thank you.
-I've been utterly busy with work. -I completely understand, Mr. Deputy.
-I apologize for neglecting you all. -Don't even mention it, Mr. Deputy.
Ahmet, I have a favor to ask you.
Favor? We are at your service, Mr. Deputy.
Thank you.
-By the way, the team looks sharp. -Yes, Mr. Deputy.
DAY 30
Serkan?
You wait here, I will check it out now.
Please don't block the entrance, you need to wait.
Stay calm.
Brother, has anyone's condition gotten worse in there or something?
My son is in there too.
For God's sake, please say something.
The doctor will be here soon. You should ask him your questions.
I don't want to misinform anyone.
Brother, I was going to say…
They won't say anything.
They say the doctor will inform us.
Doctor, no! Doctor!
I'm sorry for your loss, we couldn't save the child.
Mom!
Who am I even talking to here?
You can tell me what it is, Sarp.
Is my mom not here yet?
How about you tell me?
No, I can't do that.
Your choice.
Wait, what I mean by can't is…
I can't hold it for that long.
Come on then.
You've got to help me.
Really?
You expect me to carry you like this?
I can't do it.
-Where do you think you're going? -Wait for it.
Mom, for God's sake.
Is this the best help you could find?
She can't even do anything.
Call me when you're done,
all right?
What? Are you kidding me?
Mom! How can you really…
Are you kidding me, Mom?
Dammit!
DAY 41
Mr. Mustafa! The doctor is waiting for you.
-May God bless us with good news. -I hope so.
Let's go.
The lab results of the patient in room 12.
Much better than the previous ones.
The blood work looks good.
Let's get a urinalysis from this patient.
Of course, Doctor.
Mustafa…
How many days has it been?
Thirty?
Thirty-nine…
Wait…
Forty, Mr. Doctor.
Forty-one.
Today is the 41st day.
The 41st day has its charm then!
I see now where Serkan got his stubbornness from.
Serkan.
He managed to hold on to life.
Serkan will live.
God be praised.
God, thank you!
Doctor, thank you so much!
Don't mention it. Come on now.
God bless you, Doctor.
It is over now.
May God bless you, sir.
God bless you too, my daughter.
There is nothing to worry about.
Now that Serkan has won this battle,
he won't go down easily.
-I wish all of you the best. -Thank you, Doctor, thank you so much.
Emine…
did you hear what he said?
Our son will live!
He'll live!
Sarp, my son.
I'm home!
What are you up to?
Sarp, what's going on, son?
Nothing, Mom. It's okay, I'm fine.
Why are you crying then?
I'm telling you, Mom, I'm fine. Please don't.
You are getting a lot of messages, why don't you take a look?
You can beat this, Sarp Dikmen.
We've done it and now it's your turn.
Believe in yourself and overcome your obstacles.
You can do it!
Look, Mom!
They made a special video for me.
That's right, my dear, all for you.
Here, let me take a look.
Look at all these comments.
I can't believe it.
Yeah, check out this comment, read it.
Good afternoon, Ms. Sena.
-Mr. Serkan, are you free? -Of course, please go ahead.
To be honest, I called you to offer my thanks.
Both for Ms. Ayse and the video you had prepared for Sarp.
I mean, I saw Sarp laughing for the first time in a long time.
I really don't know how to thank you.
How am I ever going to repay you?
Don't mention it. Making Sarp smile is all that matters.
This is just the beginning, I hope we'll have better days.
I hope so too.
Again, I can't thank you enough for everything that you've done.
Thank you so much.
You're welcome, have a good day.
I think there are two types of obstacles for disabled people…
ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF LAW
…that prevent them from leading a normal life.
The first is in their own mind, a barrier that echoes "I can't do it."
And the second one
is a barrier that those around you create whether it is intentional or not.
Filled with prejudice and it echoes in your mind, "You can't do it."
All the other obstacles, we can overcome one way or another
as long as we wish to do so.
Disabled people indeed have physical disadvantages.
However, certain approaches that don't work for them
cause them to become even more passive
and make them feel useless and worthless in society.
Now, I am asking you…
what makes a person valuable?
In other words, what is the most obvious feature
that distinguishes us from other living creatures?
Our ability to think.
Our ability to think about a problem and provide an effective solution, right?
How about another one?
Our ability to empathize.
That is, putting oneself in someone else's shoes,
thinking like them, feeling like them.
Actually, what I want is simple.
On the bus, at school, or on the street,
put yourself in the shoes of any of my disabled brothers and sisters,
try to think like them, feel like them,
and maybe then, you will be convinced that they have the right to live just like you.
Thank you for listening.
-Very well said. -Thank you.
Hi.
Hello, I'm Nazli, I'm a literature student.
Your speech was amazing.
Hello, I'm Serkan. Pleasure to meet you.
Nice to meet you too.
If you could excuse me.
They listen, but do they actually comprehend, I wonder?
My name is Ayse.
I was born with cerebral palsy.
Contrary to appearances, I have no mental disability.
Hello, Ayse.
Pleased to meet you.
Likewise.
Here, there is a river.
All the little lambs will eventually drink water from it.
And here, there's a dog.
So, is this dog here guarding the lambs?
No, he's the friend of the lambs, they all play together.
All right, guys, who wants to solve the problem on the board?
Serkan, come here.
Let's give it a try.
Go on then.
This was great, my dear Pınar. Good job!
Oh, hello there! Come in.
Hello.
-Welcome, Sarp! -Thank you.
Ms. Sena, welcome. Please have a seat.
Thank you.
Where is our warm welcome, kids?
Welcome!
Thank you.
So, I guess introductions are in order.
Ömer.
I'm Ömer. I am 12 years old.
I mean, I'm going to be 12 next month.
Hello, Ömer. I'm Sarp, I'm 16 years old.
Hi. I'm Serap, I'm ten years old.
Hello, Serap.
Sarp, are you paraplegic too?
Yes, Serap, I'm paraplegic, too.
Well, what you just witnessed is called the "acceptance" process.
First, he will face the reality and accept the situation.
Then, he will try to overcome it.
He will soon realize that this situation
is not only happening to him.
Don't you worry, Ms. Sena. Sarp is a strong boy.
He'll get through this.
He just needs some help right now,
which we are here to provide.
Thank you so much. I really don't know what to say.
All the things you've done for us…
You don't need to say anything.
This is something that comes from the bottom of my heart.
Therefore, you don't need to feel grateful.
This is simply a duty that I've taken upon myself.
I just wish I could do more, touch more lives.
THE ONE WHO IMPLEMENTS AND THE ONE WHO EXECUTES
IS INFINITELY MORE POWERFUL THAN THE ONE WHO MAKES THE DECISIONS.
MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATÜRK.
God bless you, Mr. Attorney.
My dear teachers, you have been familiar with the practices of law for many years.
Sometimes, even though it is not in the law,
you have also encountered problems that victimize people
due to misinterpretation or incomplete interpretation of the law.
Take me, for example, I was disqualified from the justiciary interview
because of the article about having a socially unacceptable disability
that would label me as "unfamiliar in society."
Now I am asking you, my esteemed legal colleagues and teachers,
what is this criterion of social acceptance and familiarity?
Do you find me socially unacceptable and "unfamiliar to society" now?
No.
No, of course not.
Or what would we do if I was "socially unacceptable"
because I had long hair while performing my duty in a vast corner of Anatolia?
That's right. Thank God
that we have started the process of amending the law today,
and God willing, it will be amended as soon as possible.
However, will all our problems magically disappear
with a single change in an article?
Of course not. For this reason,
I would like your support on another work in progress.
Let's identify the articles of law that cause such disadvantages in the system
and try to regulate them in such a way that there is no need for interpretation.
When we prepare this bill, I believe that
we will have the full support of the Ministry of Justice.
I have a dream, my dear teachers.
I dream of a world where no one is victimized
because of their physical disabilities.
My son!
Morning, Mom.
Good morning.
What are you up to?
I guess if I'm going to live like this, I have to learn to deal with it.
That's my boy!
Well done, my son.
Please, carry on with your exercises.
And I'll get the breakfast ready, all right?
-Okay. -Have a good one, my son.
-Suleyman, welcome! Long time no see. -Thank you.
This one is for you. The doorman handed it to me.
ERZURUM ATATURK UNIVERSITY
So aren't you going to open it?
They declined my application.
Why don't you just let go of this dream of serving the public sector?
Look. You've opened your office, you're a successful attorney
and you have zero financial problems.
It's not about that, Suleyman.
Do you even know why I practiced law in the first place?
How would I know? You never told me.
I think everyone has a purpose in this world.
Take my mother, for example. She always wanted me to be a doctor.
She never meant to offend me with it but I always knew.
My father, on the other hand, never wanted me to feel incomplete
and that's what he strived for, Suleyman.
Me? I wanted to help people and touch their lives.
I wanted to be the judge to ensure that justice is delivered.
but I couldn't do it.
Then, I wanted to become a teacher so that I could teach them something.
But that didn't work either.
You know this is not about you, right?
This is simply because of the outdated ideas that belong to the past.
Look at that sign.
Maybe you should try to follow that path.
Then, you could be the change that you always wanted
and touch people's lives.
-Hello, how are you doing? -Welcome.
Get me a wheelchair here.
Come on, come on…
Lower it down.
How do you like your new vehicle, my dear?
There you go. It looks wonderful.
Come on.
Give me that one too.
God bless you.
Enjoy it, my sister. Thank you.
With the valuable contributions of our municipality,
we are proud to launch the 20th rehabilitation center in Istanbul
and the 100th one in Turkey
We are delighted to extend our helping hand
to our disabled brothers and sisters.
May this be an auspicious occasion for our country,
our nation, and our disabled brothers and sisters.
Shall we?
Friends, please join me in touring our new facility.
I would like to invite Mr. Serkan Bayram, attorney-at-law, onto the stage
to share his valuable views and suggestions with us.
First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming.
We are gathered today
to protect the legal rights of orthopedically disabled citizens
whose numbers have nearly hit two million,
and to work on how we can improve their living conditions.
Our joint efforts with other disability federations and associations
that have been struggling with this issue for years
have finally started to bear fruit.
On top of that, there are major improvements
regarding our complaints in the violations of rights
and the right to be equally represented.
However, these are certainly not enough.
I think we need to change our perspective towards these issues.
There are people among us who have
the merit and ability to work at all levels of the state.
Attorneys like me, economists, and people of the state.
I am asking you now.
Why shouldn't a disabled citizen become a governor
or even an ambassador?
You can find examples of this all around the world.
Almost 70 years ago,
the president of the United States was a disabled person.
That's right, I'm talking about Roosevelt.
He ruled the country for twelve years!
And won elections four times.
That is considered a record among US presidents,
and he was the only one who accomplished all of this in a wheelchair.
Now I am asking you again,
why can't we do
what an American had already done 70 years ago?
I believe that we can.
Do you know why?
Because states are governed not with hands or feet
but with a clear mind and a heart.
I have invited you here today to get your opinion
regarding the physical criteria applied in the justiciary exams.
Thank you for coming on such short notice.
You're welcome, Mr. Deputy.
However, I wondered why you want to know our opinions in the first place.
As far as I know,
judges and prosecutors have been selected
according to the same criteria for 40 years.
Exactly, maybe this is one of our problems.
We simply don't live in the Turkey of 40 years ago,
but we still behave the same.
Now let me be frank with you.
Since you are actively working as a judge or a prosecutor,
you are more familiar with this situation than most people.
What do you think would be the problem
for a physically disabled person to become a judge or a prosecutor?
Mr. Deputy, the criteria that you mentioned
are actually related to the representation of the state.
As you know, we represent the state even in the remotest corners of the country.
You are right about that, Mr. Prosecutor.
But do you really think a physically disabled person
would represent the state incompletely or incapably?
No, of course not, Mr. Deputy.
But this is something that the public is not used to. They might find it…
strange.
Come on now, find it strange?
As of today, there are almost ten million disabled citizens in Turkey.
In other words, this number corresponds to
one disabled person in almost every family.
So you are telling me they won't find it strange within their families,
but they will when they see this person as a judge or a prosecutor?
My dear friends, if we want to move this country forward,
we must first get rid of the shackles that have been attached to us in the past.
-Welcome, Mr. Deputy. -Mr. Deputy, how are you today?
Thank you, please have a seat.
Could I offer you something to drink?
No, thank you.
I don't want to take too much of your time.
I am here to talk to you about an important issue.
I am all ears.
Mr. Zeynel, you may have heard of this.
We are preparing a proposal for an amendment to an article of law.
An article about people with disabilities becoming judge and prosecutor candidates.
-Is that so? I didn't know about this. -Let me summarize it for you.
This is a law amendment that aims to remove the obstacles that prevent
people with physical abilities from becoming judges and prosecutors.
I'd really like to get on board with this. How can I be of assistance?
Mr. Deputy, this is more of a call for unity rather than assistance.
As you can appreciate, this situation is non-partisan.
I'd very much like this law to be passed with a unanimous decision.
Definitely, you can be sure that I'll do my best to support this matter.
-Thank you, thank you so much. -You're welcome.
-Welcome, Mr. Sarp. -Hello, Auntie Ayse.
Hello, how are you?
Same old same old, you know. How about you?
We are pretty good, right, Mom?
Definitely.
Shall we start our first session, then?
Come on now, this way.
Come on.
-Hello, Doctor. -Hello.
Dr. Fatih, this is Sarp.
Sarp, this is Dr. Fatih.
-Pleased to meet you. -Pleased to meet you too, Sarp. Welcome.
Thank you.
You guys go ahead and start,
me and Ms. Sena will be having coffee.
All right. Come on now, Sarp.
-Good luck. -Thank you.
Since this is Sarp's first session, Dr. Fatih won't push him too hard, right?
Don't worry, Dr. Fatih knows exactly how much pressure
he needs to apply.
Sarp is doing so well.
He wakes up early in the morning, he is cheerful.
I don't know. It almost feels like before the…
Sena.
Let me stop you right there. Nothing will ever be the same.
Let's just agree on that, okay?
Yeah, I know, but…
Look, people who go through this kind of trauma
will have good days as well as bad ones.
You have to be prepared for that.
I understand that,
but he sees a psychologist regularly as well, so it should…
Listen,
sometimes it will be hard for him to continue.
He might want to give it all up.
Sometimes, he'll get furious
because he'll think that he has been wronged.
I'm not saying this will be the case,
but there is a possibility.
You need to stand your ground.
You are all we have.
You are the one to lift him up when he needs it the most.
I understand.
I hope so.
It's been a long time, Serkan, we didn't have the chance to get together.
Definitely,
although we are literally under the same roof, we don't get together.
Getting together aside,
there is something really important that I'd like to discuss with you.
As you all know, I have been working on a bill for quite some time.
Isn't it about disabled people not being able to become judges and prosecutors?
That is correct.
Frankly, this has become a matter of honor for me.
Most of you may see this as a simple article of law, but I see it as much more.
This is something that degrades human dignity,
another version of discrimination.
Just imagine, a well-educated young person cannot fulfill his dreams
simply because he is physically disabled.
Simply because someone said disabled people can't represent the state.
I'll do whatever it takes to amend this law.
What I ask from you is to put aside the opposition and power affairs
and let's ensure that this law is passed unanimously.
Of course. I'd be on board.
We'll do our best.
-Don't you worry about a thing. -Thank you.
-My son! How is it going? -It's fine, Dad. How about you?
I'm all good. I'm quite tired today so I came here to rest a bit.
Hang on, let me show you.
Wow, it looks really nice. Dad, when are you taking me to Ankara?
How about the mid-term break, okay?
Sure.
So tell me, how was school?
It was good. We had math, art, and history.
Dad, you know what? I love mathematics.
That's my boy.
It's time for bed.
Dad, I need to go to bed. We'll talk later, okay?
All right, my son, have a great night.
One more thing, Dad. I'm so proud of you.
Where did that come from?
Because today, our topic at school was GNAT.
That's why. Good night, Dad.
Good night, son.
I swear on my honor before the great Turkish nation
that I will protect the existence and independence of the state,
the indivisible integrity,
the unconditional sovereignty of the nation.
I will adhere to the rule of law, the democratic republic,
and Atatürk's principles and reforms.
I will strive for the peace and prosperity of society,
national solidarity and justice,
the ideal of human rights
and fundamental freedoms, as well as the constitution.
Congratulations, Mr. Deputy.
Mr. Deputy.
Ayse!
How are you doing?
Welcome! I'm fine, thank you. How about you? It's great to see you.
As your fans, we couldn't wait for you to return to Istanbul
so we wanted to congratulate you in person.
Music to my ears.
Welcome, all of you!
-Congratulations. -Thank you, thank you so much.
On that note, happy 41st birthday!
Ayse, you and your surprises. You shouldn't have. Thank you.
Serkan, God willing,
I hope your success will continue for many years to come.
God willing.
Thank God that after 41 years, I was given the opportunity
to serve the land I was born in as a member of the parliament.
Thank God.
Mr. Deputy, we also have this gift for you.
You shouldn't have.
Thank you.
THE ONE WHO IMPLEMENTS AND THE ONE WHO EXECUTES
IS INFINITELY MORE POWERFUL THAN THE ONE WHO MAKES THE DECISIONS
We wanted you to feel at home.
Thank you, Ayse.
Thank you so much.
Do you like it?
Of course I do! How could I not?
Mr. Deputy, your opinions and suggestions
on the amendment of this law are quite valuable.
But I am sure you'll agree that it is imperative to reach an agreement
with the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors.
Just as you think that all parties should support this law unanimously,
it is very important for all of us to know
that our judges and prosecutors in the high council support this law.
I am sure that our Minister of Justice would also like to see
a full consensus on this issue.
You are quite right. I couldn't agree more.
Thank you for your time.
-Thank you. -See you soon.
Good evening, everyone.
First of all, I would like to thank all of you
for accepting my invitation and attending this special gathering.
As some of you already know,
we are preparing a bill to make changes
on the selection process of judges and prosecutors.
We are here today to clarify all possible doubts
and ensure our unity regarding this sensitive matter.
Dear fellow judges, prosecutors, and attorneys,
as you all know, I am also a legal expert.
I strongly believe that we,
whose only goal is to ensure that justice is fulfilled in all aspects of the law,
do not show the same justice
when it comes to choosing our own colleagues.
While we should pave the way for our well-educated,
dedicated young people
and provide guidance to them,
we are creating more and more obstacles than solutions
due to these outdated laws.
I am aware that our state has traditions of representation.
I am also aware that our society is prone to label these things as "strange."
Well, I am asking you now.
Is it not our duty to give credit when it's due
to those people who successfully passed every single exam that they have taken
while having zero "obstacles" to conduct this profession?
Now, I'd like to show you a few photos I have compiled
from different parts of the world.
For those who don't know, the person before you is David Blunkett
who, in addition to his many achievements,
has been the Minister of Internal Affairs in the UK,
and currently, he is the Minister of Labor and Pensions.
He is visually impaired since birth.
The lady in the wheelchair is Karine Elharrar,
the Israeli Minister of Energy.
This person is Wolfgang Schäuble,
the head of the federal parliament in Germany.
As you can see, he is also in a wheelchair.
It is quite possible to see such examples in the countries that we call "developed."
Now, what do they have that our people, our youth don't have?
Or is there really an answer to this question?
Wow, look at that pass.
It went in!
What a shot, wow.
Sarp!
My son.
I made you your favorite cookies.
Thanks, Mom.
Son, come on, stop this for now, I'm sure you could watch it later.
All right, Mom, give me a minute.
Sarp, aren't you listening? Come on.
Sarp?
All right, Mom, all right. But look at them, they're amazing.
You should see the moves they can make in the wheelchair!
I'm sure you can do anything that you put your mind to.
Yeah sure, I can be at their level at around 30 years old or something.
Come on now, Sarp. That's not true.
Yes it is.
Think about it, if I work one hour a day, that's barely 30 hours a month.
I wonder what you do in the remaining 23 hours
since there are 24 hours in a day?
Well…
because the last time we worked with Dr. Fatih for an hour,
it took me all day to recover.
Let's talk to your Auntie Ayse about this,
maybe they can pull some strings for you.
-No, no. Don't you even… -Wouldn't it be better?
You could start exercising as soon as possible
-and get stronger in the process. -No way.
-Hello. -Hello, Ms. Sena. How are you?
We're good. Thanks for asking. How about you?
We're also well, thank you.
The reason why I disturbed you is to find out about Sarp's condition.
You didn't disturb us. Sarp is in great condition.
That's wonderful. I know you must be going through a difficult time.
However, Sarp's doctors' report period will end in ten days.
What does Sarp think about continuing school this year?
Actually…
we haven't really talked about this.
How about I give you a call next week?
Of course, Ms. Sena, as you wish. Hope Sarp feels better.
Thank you, have a nice day.
-What does that woman want again? -Would you calm down a little bit?
"That woman" is your teacher.
She was just wondering when you were coming back to school.
I'm not!
-I'm not going back to school. -Really?
I don't remember us coming to a decision about this. Do you?
How do you expect me to go to school like this?
Can you calm down a bit, son?
If you keep talking like this, we can't reach an agreement.
There is nothing to agree on. It's my decision. It's my life.
Son, do you even realize what you are saying?
Slow down, come on.
Leave me alone, Mom, leave me alone!
-Good evening, Mr. Deputy. -Good evening.
Mr. Minister would like to talk to you now. Please stay on the line.
Of course, I'll hold.
Good evening, Mr. Deputy, how are you?
Good evening, Mr. Minister. Thank God, I am fine, how about you?
Likewise, Mr. Deputy.
The bill has been presented to me and I was delighted.
I wanted to congratulate you personally on this
and tell you that it will be one of the first items on the agenda
to discuss in the next meeting with Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Minister.
-You're welcome, have a good night. -Good night, Mr. Minister.
You and your cafe…
Oh! Hello dear, how are you?
Thank you so much.
You didn't sound so well over the phone, what happened?
I feel better now, thank you so much for coming.
You know me, Auntie Ayse 24/7.
What shall we drink?
I don't know, I really don't feel like drinking anything, to be honest.
Trust me. The macchiato here is to die for.
Let's order that, huh?
All right.
My dear Irfan!
Yes?
Could we please have two macchiatos?
Of course, coming right up.
I am all ears.
Sarp…
It's about Sarp, we had another argument.
What's the reason? What are you fighting about?
Well… Sarp doesn't want to go to school.
My guess is that he doesn't want his friends to see him like this.
Maybe it would be better to switch schools.
If you ask me,
Sarp has to face this now, Sena.
Otherwise, no matter the school,
he will always get hurt.
Or even worse, there will always be someone to make fun of him.
How about a school for children with disabilities?
Are you sure you want to make him
spend his whole life with disabled people?
Is that what you want?
No, no…
Look, I know you want to protect him from the world.
However, by doing this,
you are making him even more vulnerable.
Sarp has to learn to live his life
as a disabled person.
You cannot teach him that.
He needs to fall to rise again. Do you understand?
Thank you for the coffee, Irfan.
Thank you.
Enjoy.
Thanks.
It scares me to see how quick Sarp's anger escalates.
I mean, if he gets this angry this quick, even to me,
I don't know how he will react to the things he will face at school.
Controlling his anger
and choosing his battles
is also a crucial part of this process.
In the past, I was always angry when I got on the bus
because I used to hear old women
talking behind my back.
That doesn't affect me anymore.
There were also some people asking to take my seat on the bus,
but this also doesn't affect me anymore.
However, I have to tell you this,
it still triggers me to see those so-called human beings
who sit on the seats for disabled people
even though they have no disabilities.
So, you are telling me… take a step back and let Sarp fall?
What I am saying is
he needs to fall to rise again.
Don't get me wrong, he needs your support.
But only when he needs it.
He doesn't need you to carry him on your back.
UNIMPEDED LIFE CENTER, PENDIK
We haven't talked about Sarp for a while.
He is responding quite well to the treatment.
He sees a psychologist regularly
but he is not very eager to go back to school.
I think he is afraid to face his old routine.
If you ask me, this is pretty normal for a kid that age, don't you think?
That's right, but if Sena doesn't intervene soon,
his fear could escalate.
Sarp needs to find his place in social life.
Enjoy.
You are right about that.
Sena needs to be able to convince him.
Let's see what we can do, Ayse. Maybe we could help him.
Definitely.
Do you need any help?
Not really, I got them covered. I didn't want to burn the meat, you know.
Just a couple more.
Shall we? Let's go then.
Let's enjoy it while it lasts.
Come on now.
Here you go. There's more where that came from.
Enjoy.
Ömer, come on.
How about you, pretty girl, aren't you eating?
Welcome back! Great to see you guys.
Thank you. How are you?
I'm fine, my dear. Welcome!
Thank you, Auntie Ayse.
Enjoy, Ömer come on now.
Ece, are you finished with the food?
-No. -Why not? Didn't you like it?
-No, I liked it. -That's good then. Enjoy!
How are you? Welcome.
Little princess, how about you?
Come on, guys, have some meatballs. Eat while they're hot.
Enjoy, everyone!
Sarp, welcome.
Hello.
-Welcome! -Thank you so much.
What a lovely organization!
That's how I like my picnics, whenever I get the chance from work.
We just get together and have fun.
By the way, let me introduce you to my wife, Rabia, and my son, Kerem.
-Hello there. -Welcome.
-Hello, little man. How are you? -I'm good.
Kerem, why don't you say hi to your brother Sarp?
Hello.
-All of you, please have a seat and enjoy. -Come on, Sarp.
Ayse, my dear, have a seat.
-So, Sarp… -Dad, why don't we play some football?
Football, really? Did you eat your meatballs, son?
Yeah.
-Is that so? -Yeah, he did.
Come on then.
We're going to play some football. You guys carry on eating, please.
-How are we even going to play? -You be the goalkeeper.
Goalkeeper! How can I even do that? I never liked being a goalkeeper.
If anyone has finished eating, we can play football together. Anyone?
So, Sarp. Give me some details, huh? How is it going?
Not bad. I mean… good, I guess.
The situation that you're facing is really difficult for most people to comprehend.
No one really gets it. They think it's too easy.
Trust me, they know it hasn't been easy.
Even if they don't show it most of the time,
they are also proud of you.
But they know it in their hearts that you cannot quit.
No matter how difficult it gets, you have to carry on. You get that?
You simply don't have the luxury to get tired.
No, no. I'm not tired.
I'm just a little…
A little what?
Afraid, huh?
Sarp, a person is usually afraid of the unknown.
But I know what's going to happen. They will end up making fun of me,
they will not want to be friends with me and will treat me badly.
You might be right, maybe they will but maybe they won't.
You can't really know this.
What you are expressing right now is the thing that you are afraid of.
What am I going to do then?
Face your fears, whatever they are. What do you have to lose anyways?
If there are people who treat you badly, you are ready for it.
But trust me, not all of them can be bad.
There will be good people among them as well, and you'll find them.
Do you understand?
Thank you.
YENIDOGAN HIGH SCHOOL
Good morning, everyone.
Good morning, teacher.
Have a seat, everybody.
There you go, Sarp.
Everyone, Sarp is a newcomer to our classroom.
He used to be in 9B.
Our school administration wanted to make sure
that there are no problems for Sarp in reaching the classroom.
That is why he is here. Please introduce yourself to us.
Hello, everyone. My name is Sarp Dikmen.
I had a car accident.
I couldn't come to school because I've been in treatment for eight months.
Finally, before you even ask…
That's right. I'll never be able to walk again.
Sena, over here, my dear!
-Welcome. -Thank you.
-Welcome, Ms. Sena. -Hello there!
Hello, my dear.
I came here unannounced
but when Sarp went to school, I didn't know what to do.
So I was just thinking, maybe I could do something to help you guys.
I'm not interrupting anything, am I?
We were just about to order coffee.
Let's drink together, shall we?
Sure.
They are calling from Sarp's school.
-Hello. -Hello. My name is Talat.
I'm calling from Sarp's school. Are you available?
Hello, Mr. Talat.
Is everything okay with Sarp? He is fine, right?
Sarp is fine. Don't worry.
But he got into a fight and that's why I want to talk to you.
Fight? I'm on my way.
I'll be right there!
Okay. Thank you.
Sarp was involved in a fight and they're calling me from the school.
-Let me accompany you there. -No, no, no.
Please don't bother, I'll go myself.
Not at all, I'll accompany you to the school, let's go.
-Okay then. -Keep me posted, guys, all right?
Okay, I will. Please excuse me.
Are you okay?
If you are asking about the fight, I hit them first.
Did you at least win?
-No. -What if the same thing happens again?
I'd do the same.
Then you haven't lost, to say the least. Not yet anyways.
You only lose when you give up, not when you make a mistake, Sarp.
-You're telling me you've never given up? -No, I always chose to believe it.
All of this happened to me for a reason.
Everything in life happens for a reason.
There is a grander plan beyond our minds, we call it fate.
At least, that's what I believe in.
My life changed in one day.
It was like yesterday, I was training here…
and the next day,
I was lying in the hospital with no sense of feeling in my legs.
I still can't accept this.
Can you change it, though?
You can't, can you?
Whether there is a specific reason or not, this is the situation you are in now.
You have to accept that first.
You don't have to say it out loud
but you have to accept it in your heart and soul.
How can one run towards their dreams without legs?
Same way I realized my dreams without my hands, Sarp.
If you want it… if you truly want it, you can do it.
Come on now, there's someone I want you to meet.
Who is it?
Someone who can teach you how to run towards your dreams.
Come on. Let's go.
Keep the pressure, come on!
Faster! Push it forward, Recep.
All right, that's good tempo.
-Welcome, Mr. Deputy. -Thank you, Coach, how are you?
Alive and kicking, you know. How about you?
I'm all good, thank God. This is Sarp, the kid I told you about.
Welcome, Sarp.
Hello, Coach.
Whoa! Hold it right there, I'm not your coach, yet.
How long have you been playing basketball?
-Primary school, secondary school… -I mean, how many years, son?
-Seven years. -Not bad…
Then, how long have you been in a wheelchair?
Nine months.
That's not really good.
Are you at least clever?
One must know themselves. Are you intelligent or not?
I am smart.
Are you sure? You paused a little there.
Come on, I'm just kidding. Okay. You're going to start tomorrow.
Prove yourself in the training and then we'll see what we can do with you.
Do we have a deal?
-Yes, sir. We have a deal. -It's coach to you now.
We have a deal, Coach.
It is the red team's turn!
You're looking a lot better. You liked the food?
-Thank you. -Enjoy.
Not just about the food, but for everything you've done.
You're welcome. I wish I could do more.
After all, you are a member of the parliament…
you must be quite busy.
That is correct.
With all the things you must be doing, why did you choose to help me?
Maybe it was you who chose me, huh?
What do you mean by that?
If you hadn't had an argument with your mother that night,
your mother wouldn't have seen my phone number on TV and social media
and wouldn't have the need to call me.
In return, none of this would have happened.
I've never thought of it like that.
Of course, I shouldn't have gone against my mother
but in that case, it turned out to be a good thing.
Try not to resist the changes that come your way.
Let life live through you. Don't worry that your life is turning upside down.
How do you know the side you're used to is better than the one to come?
So said Shams Tabrizi.
Mr. Deputy, the President's Chief of Staff is on the line.
Put it through.
I hope you're having a good day, Mr. Deputy.
I am, sir.
The bill you have prepared
has been approved by the President to be included in the fifth judicial package.
It will be discussed and enacted in parliament as soon as possible.
Mr. President asked me to convey this information personally
and congratulates you on your work.
You have no idea what this means to me.
-Thank you very much. -I wish you a good day.
Have a good day.
Today, we will remove the obstacles
in front of the dreams of hundreds, if not thousands
of well-educated, meritorious, disabled young people, God willing.
I would like to thank our Mr. President,
who has the biggest share in realizing this dream
and guided us with the silent revolution he started for the disabled,
and our last Prime Minister, Mr. Binali, whose support I always feel with me,
to all our ministers, especially our minister of justice,
to all our party chairmen, all my deputy friends
and to my family who never withhold their support,
and finally, to all our teachers,
especially the chief teacher, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
I am sure that under the leadership of our President,
we will overcome all the obstacles that were once called insurmountable.
I would like to thank Mr. Serkan Bayram, MP of Istanbul, for his eloquent speech.
We will now proceed to vote on the bill.
The voting will take place in an open procedure.
Those who vote in favor?
The bill is adopted unanimously.
I am asking you now. Why don't we have a disabled governor,
a disabled ambassador, or a disabled rector?
Let's overcome these obstacles together, through cooperation.
Let our disabled brothers and sisters take part in the executive areas.
States are not governed with hands and feet,
but with intellect, heart and soul and thoughts.
The important thing is that there are no obstacles in those areas.
Why don't we have a ministry for the disabled?
The parliament must work on this with unity.
True success is overcoming the fear of being unsuccessful.
I hope that one day, disabled people will prevail.
Translated by Bahadır AYKUT