Ayhan Karabulut
Bio
Ayhan Karabulut served in the Turkish Army as a heavy weapons soldier. Growing up as one of four siblings, he lost his father, a carpenter, when he was just eight. In 1951, at age twenty, he deployed to Korea, where he fought on the front lines and was wounded in six different places during intense battles. He also lost many friends, memories of whom still appear in his dreams. Despite these hardships, Karabulut takes pride in his military service and holds out hope for a unified Korea. His experiences in Korea continue to shape his life and perspective.
Video Clips
Children Helped
Ayhan Karabulut recalls the deep despair he witnessed upon arriving in Inchon in 1951. He describes the slow train journey to Seoul, noting it might have been faster to walk due to the devastated infrastructure. He vividly remembers women and children begging soldiers for food, yet offering help to them whenever possible. In one memorable moment, he describes seeing a child standing protectively over a wounded soldier to shield him from further harm.
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Constant Danger
Ayhan Karabulut vividly recalls the intense battle at Sand Bag Castle, where he served under constant threat. He describes being wounded in six places while many of his friends suffered severe injuries or lost their lives. One memory stands out: a friend died in his lap while attempting to cross a minefield. This tragic experience has remained deeply etched in his mind.
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Some Nights It Comes in My Dreams
Ayhan Karabulut shares that he can’t forget the memories of the men he served with who lost their lives, admitting, "some nights it comes in my dreams." He describes the lingering fear he felt upon hearing planes overhead even after returning home. Seeing South Korea’s development fills him with admiration. He shares his message to the Republic of Korea is, "May Allah give them long life," and he hopes to see both Koreas reunited one day.
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