Ottoman's help to Irish during famine period adapts into screenplay

HAGUE- The movie called "Famine" (Kitlik) is about the Ottoman Empire's help which was sent to Ireland by ships.

The film will be directed by James Cameron and shootings will take place in Turkey and Ireland. Alongside world-famous actresses and actors, Turkish stars will be in front of the camera as well.

The 50 million USD budgeted film is expected to be screened in 2013.

Scriptwriter and the project manager of "Famine", Omer Sarikaya told AA that they signed the initial agreement with the Independent Film Development Corporation (IFDC), and they will start filming in October.

Sarikaya added that as well as world-famous Saoirse Ronan, Sean Bean, Colin Farrell, successful Turkish actors Burak Ozcivit and Kenan Imirzalioglu will be acting in the "Famine" too. He also stated that the "Famine" will be 'more effective than Titanic' and said that Turkish sailor Fatih and Irish Mary's love story will be told in the film.

Sarikaya also mentioned that what Ireland went through during the famine period was seen by Ottoman Empire and that is when Ottomans initiated the help they made. He said that the main story of the film will be covering this help.

"We are planning to enlighten the not well known this bit of history," Sarikaya said.

Famine period started in 1845 and continued until 1851 in Ireland. It caused the death of a million of people and immigration of more than two million citizens. At that time, potato was the main nutrition, however after finding a contagious sort of germ in all kinds of potato products, it caused the decrease of population which went down from 8 million to 5 million people.

Turkish Sultan Abdulmecid decided to send 10 thousand pounds help to Ireland after being informed about the famine. However, British Queen replied saying that they will be only accepting thousand pounds. In return, Sultan Abdulmecid sent five ships full of nutrition as well as cash to Ireland secretly.

Omer Sarikaya pointed that this bit of history between Turkey and Ireland was not well known and underlined, "I would like to show the world the magnificence and kindness of Ottoman Empire."

Sarikaya added that they will be signing the final agreement in a few days in U.S. with their production company the IFDC.

He highlighted that he came together with the Irish Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan in Dublin and said that the Irish minister supports the project fully.

Sarikaya expressed that both Turkish and Irish authorities were positive and they were all supportive. "This is a big and important project, I am inviting all Turkish investors and businessmen to be our sponsors in order to achieve our goals."