Born in 1964 in Diyarbakır, Niyazi Tayfur Özkaynak grew up in Turkey as the son of an engineer. After graduating from Istanbul University’s Department of Geography, he participated in foundation and political party activities and embarked on various entrepreneurial ventures. His final project in Turkey was launching the Lalezar Mansions in the construction sector.
However, the political turmoil in Turkey deeply affected him. During the February 28 process, his 9-year-old daughter’s plea—"Dad, please don’t send me to school; they are beating our older sisters with batons"—led him to make the life-changing decision to leave the country. Seeking freedom, he moved to Canada, where he began selling furniture from Turkey. As his business grew, he expanded into the U.S. market and established a company in New Jersey.
But life’s greatest challenge came with his son, Ahmet. At just two years old, Ahmet was diagnosed with lymphoma. He overcame cancer, but a genetic muscle disease left him unable to walk. Doctors predicted he would not live past 20. His final words were forever etched in his family’s hearts: "I caused you so much trouble."
This is the story of a man’s struggle for freedom, justice, and his family.
Niyazi Tayfur Özkaynak: @harputist
Production & Filmmaking
Produced by: Filmographer CO (Washington DC)
Director: Kaan Ozturk
Producers: Kaan Ozturk & Mahmut Şenyuva
Editing: Kaan Ergüven
Social Media: Buse Yağmur Ergüven
📽 Filmographer CO: www.filmographer.co
Follow Us on Other Platforms
📸 Instagram: @SeyirHikayem
🎵 TikTok: @seyirhikayem
📘 Facebook: Join Our Group
#February28 #Migration #Seyir