In Turkey, in the 1920s, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, an army officer, unleashed the challenge to the decadent Ottoman Empire from Anatolia. His motivation was no longer religious. His principles were secularism, patriotism, and the Westernisation of society. With his victory, Turkey became a Muslim country with a lay leader. The two factions regularly faced in violent confrontations. A dynamic Muslim opposition opposed the Kemalist republic. There were numerous revolts, such as those of the dervishes and other brotherhoods.

In 1996, this competition was won by the secular. They dominated schools. In educational institutions, young religious people were viewed with repulsion. It is the historical period of the film Yurt – Dormitory by director Nehir Tuna presented at the 80th Venice Film Festival.

Reviews, news and analysis from 80 Venice International Film Festival, Venice, 30.08 - 09.09 2023

A selection of the most important films from the popcinema.org editorial team.