History and Technology Met at the Loyalty Night: the Short Film “1918: Kurtuluş” Screened for the First Time

On 11 April 2025 the loyalty night held to mark the 61st anniversary of the founding of the Çaykara ve Dernekpazarı Kültür Yardımlaşma Derneği brought respect for the past and responsibility towards the future together on the same ground. This special evening, which honoured roots, togetherness and a local history written through struggle, reflected a strong will to keep collective memory alive. A culture of solidarity and a shared sense of belonging were at the forefront throughout the event.

One of the highlights of the evening was the first screening of the short film “1918: Kurtuluş”, coordinated by Yasin Yavuz and produced by Dada İstanbul. Made with the support of artificial intelligence, the work examines the occupation and liberation of Çaykara and Dernekpazarı between 1916 and 1918 in the light of historical records. The film is regarded not merely as a visual narrative but as a tangible result of the effort to make a community’s memory permanent in digital form.

In this work Yasin Yavuz adopted an approach that brings historical narrative together with the technological possibilities of the age. The film’s audience was defined as viewers interested in the region’s history, together with the younger generations who wish to connect with the past in the digital age. By combining artificial intelligence technology, archive-based content and a contemporary narrative language, the liberation struggle was conveyed to today’s viewer in a clear and compelling way.

The work produced in the process coordinated by Yasin Yavuz stood out as an important example in terms of protecting cultural heritage, bringing digital transformation together with social impact, and making local history visible. Plaques were also presented during the evening to those who had contributed to the event and the project, giving concrete expression to a culture of loyalty. The event was regarded as an inspiring gathering for similar cultural and digital projects.