The Migration Trilogy

The Migration Trilogy is a collection of three films that hold significant historical importance within Turkish Cinema. Produced between 1973 and 1974, the trilogy examines the profound societal shifts resulting from a large-scale migration of people from rural villages to urban centers. These films explore themes of the changing relationship between village and city life, traditional values and modern realities, and the struggles faced by this newly urbanized population. The trilogy specifically focuses on the challenges of survival encountered by those migrating, with explorations into topics such as worker organization, informal settlements, and the evolving capitalist landscape of Turkey. Spanning a total runtime of 261 minutes, the collection consists of three distinct films: Gelin (1973), Düğün (1973), and Diyet (1974). The trilogy’s production had a total budget of zero and generated no revenue. The films were created during a period of intense public discussion surrounding these societal changes, positioning them as a key contribution to the history of Turkish filmmaking. The Migration Trilogy is recognized for its depiction of the perceived "death of the peasantry" as a consequence of this migration wave, emphasizing the new population's fight for stability within urban environments. Through their narratives, the films opened avenues for exploring complex issues related to social and economic transformation in Turkey during this era.