The Film: "Hacivatla Karagöz Neden Öldürüldü"

Hacivat Karagöz Neden Öldürüldü?" film, Turkish cinema's notable works.

Directed by Ezel Akay, was released in 2006. It serves as the first installment in the "Anatolian Middle Ages Trilogy," and was filmed in the district of Orhaneli in Bursa. The screenplay is written by Levent Kazak, with Hayk Kirakosyan as the director of photography. The film features a strong cast, with Beyazıt Öztürk and Haluk Bilginer in the lead roles, supported by Şebnem Dönmez, Güven Kıraç, Levent Kazak, and Ayşen Gruda in secondary roles. The movie is available for viewing on platforms like YouTube and other online streaming services.
The film begins by narrating the lives and socio-psychological situations of the contrasting characters, Hacivat and Karagöz, eventually bringing them together in the city of Bursa. The story is set in the year 1330 in Anatolia, primarily in Bursa during the era of Orhan Gazi.
The opening sequence of the film depicts Karagöz's shaman mother (Kam Ana) reading fortunes in a tent. Kam Ana asks the spirits, "Who is the person that will become famous in the world of celebrities?" The spirits indicate that it will be Karagöz and another man, connected by a bond, and that they will achieve fame if they meet. Karagöz enters the tent during the fortune-telling, informing his mother that the Tatars have come again for taxes and are demanding their beloved calf, Altun, this time.


Karagöz and his mother are migrants passing through the Eşrefoğulları Beylik, constantly pressured by the Tatar governor allied with the Mongols, who even extorts taxes from migrants. Karagöz, with hearing difficulties since birth, easily misunderstands words and quickly succumbs to anger. He is physically strong, naive, and well-intentioned. In the film, Karagöz opposes the tax collectors, threatening to beat them if they persist, scaring them away, and then embarks on a journey to Bursa with his mother.


Simultaneously, Hacivat, an educated, intelligent, and flirtatious envoy living in the Eşrefoğulları Beylik, faces imprisonment after angering Pervane, the judge of the principality, upon his return to the palace. Pervane is a crucial character in the film, a clever and cunning statesman who seeks the best for the principality and himself, willing to get his hands dirty for it. Later, Pervane visits Han Süleyman of the Eşrefoğulları Beylik, urging him to attack the Tatars. However, Süleyman Khan, a bey who dislikes war and is attached to pleasure and comfort, believes they can negotiate with the Tatars. Despite the people's inability to pay more taxes, he orders the famous Kafinur diamond, a symbol of the principality, to be given to the Tatars, entrusting Hacivat with the task of delivering the diamond and a praising letter.
During his journey to deliver the diamond and letter to the Tatars, Hacivat finds himself in Bursa, where the paths of Hacivat and Karagöz intersect, setting the stage for the main story.
Even with this introductory part, the film is rich in narrative and has a fairy-tale-like quality, showcasing the excellent work of the screenwriter Levent Kazak. The period is authentically portrayed throughout the film. The cultural complexity formed by the coexistence of Muslims, Christians, and Shamanism believers in the city is beautifully depicted with set designs and music.


Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the film. For example, the depictions of the spirits shown at the beginning are inspired by the drawings of the famous artist Mehmet Siyahkalem. The dialogues in the film are profound and well-thought-out. Even the banter between Karagöz and Hacivat contains words that not only provide humor but also provoke thought due to the underlying subtexts. The film also makes references to the present day, offering a reexamination of an old legend and criticizing the system while delving into the roots of historical wrongs. For instance, Pervane's statement "humor is a punch" and the scene where he defines bribery are emblematic of the film in this regard.
The film's only drawback, according to some, is the sound issue. The dialogues are written in the language of the time, providing a historical authenticity that enhances the film's enjoyment. In summary, "Hacivat Karagöz Neden Öldürüldü?" is a film that captivates with its storytelling, pays attention to historical accuracy, and explores the depths of an old legend while making relevant social critiques. Enjoy watching!


Hacivat Karagöz Neden Öldürüldü?" film's music is composed by Ender Akay, the brother of Ezel Akay, and it greatly contributes to the film being considered a masterpiece in its genre. The vocals in the songs are mostly performed by Haluk Bilginer and Şebnem Dönmez. Below, you can find the film's music with short reviews:

1- "İndik Rum'da Kışladık" :

This song is composed based on the poetry of Yunus Emre. Additionally, the detail that Yunus Emre's death date precedes the period depicted in the film by a year or two adds a captivating layer.
"İndik Rum'u kışladık, çok hayır şer işledik
Uş bahar geldi geri, göçtük elhamdülillah"

2- "Dört Kitabın Manası" :

Similarly, this song is composed based on the poetry of Yunus Emre.

3- "Kam Ana" :

4- "Şah'a Doğru Giden Kervan" :

5- "On Kere Demedim Mi Sevme Dokuz Yar" :

6- "Yürürün" :

These musical pieces not only enhance the atmosphere of the film but also contribute to the narrative, creating a captivating auditory experience for the audience. Enjoy the music!