Ayhan Karabulut
Bio
Ayhan Karabulut served in the Turkish Army as a soldier in the heavy weapons section. He grew up as one of four siblings and lost his father, a carpenter, at the age of eight. He went to Korea at the age of twenty in 1951. He served on the front lines and was eventually wounded at six different places in battle. He also lost many friends and the memories are something that have stuck with him in his dreams. He is proud of his military service and hopes to see a united Korea.
Video Clips
Children Helped
Ayhan Karabulut describes the despair of Korea when he landed in 1951. He describes taking a train from Incheon to Seoul even though it was faster to walk. He also details women and children begging soldiers for food. He remembers in one instance a child stood over a wounded soldier so he would not be further injured.
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Constant Danger
Ayhan Karabulut describes the battle that took place at Sand Bag Castle. Most of his service, he recalls serving under constant threat. He points out he was wounded in six different places while many of his friends were killed or wounded. He describes in detail one friend who died in his lap trying to cross a minefield.
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Some Nights It Comes in My Dreams
Ayhan Karabulut explains how he cannot forget the memories of the men he served with who lost their lives. He recalls "some nights it comes in my dreams." He also describes how he feared the sound of planes overhead after returning home. He is impressed with the development of South Korea. He has a special message for the Republic of Korea, "May Allah give them long life" and hopes both Koreas will reunite.
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/ayhan-karabulut#clip-3
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