Last updated: October 11, 2026
Quick Answer: A new 40-minute documentary titled “An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent” has been announced to explore the historic bond between Türkiye and Ireland, tracing it back to Ottoman humanitarian aid sent to Ireland during the Great Famine of 1845-1851. Directed by Hayriye Savaşçıoğlu, the film is currently in production, with principal filming expected to wrap in 2027 and a festival circuit launch planned for 2028. [1]
Key Takeaways
- The documentary “An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent” examines Ottoman Empire aid to famine-stricken Ireland in 1847, framing it as a foundational moment in Türkiye-Ireland relations. [1]
- The Great Famine (1845-1851) killed approximately 1 million Irish people and forced around 2 million to emigrate. [1]
- Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I is credited with sending famine relief to Ireland in 1847, making it one of the earliest recorded acts of cross-cultural humanitarian solidarity between the two nations.
- The documentary connects this 19th-century history to a modern symbol: Trabzonspor and Drogheda United share claret-and-blue colors, and Drogheda’s crest features a star and crescent. [6]
- A friendly football match between Trabzonspor and Drogheda United was staged in Trabzon on October 1, 2026, as part of events marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Ireland. [6][7]
- 2026 marks 75 years of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries, with both the match and the documentary framed as commemorative milestones. [7]
- The film is independently produced and intended for Turkish television broadcast, with a festival circuit debut targeted for 2028. [1][9]
- A separate 130-minute AI-generated feature film on the same historical theme is also in development in Türkiye. [2]
What Is the Connection Between Türkiye and Ireland During the Great Famine?
The connection between Türkiye and Ireland during the Great Famine centers on an act of Ottoman humanitarian aid in 1847, when the Ottoman Empire dispatched relief to Ireland at the height of the catastrophe. This gesture has since become a cornerstone of cultural memory and diplomatic goodwill between the two nations.
The Great Famine, known in Irish as An Gorta Mór (“The Great Hunger”), devastated Ireland between 1845 and 1851. Approximately 1 million people died from starvation and disease, and around 2 million more emigrated, fundamentally reshaping Irish society. [1] Into this catastrophe stepped an unexpected ally: the Ottoman Empire, then under Sultan Abdülmecid I, who reportedly sent both financial aid and food supplies to Ireland.
The story has been retold across generations and now forms the narrative backbone of the documentary “An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent,” which is designed to bring this largely overlooked chapter of history to a wider audience. [1]
Did the Ottoman Empire Help Ireland During the Potato Famine?
Yes, the Ottoman Empire sent aid to Ireland during the Great Famine, and the story carries a particularly compelling diplomatic dimension. Sultan Abdülmecid I is reported to have initially wanted to send a substantial sum but was reportedly persuaded to send a smaller amount to avoid embarrassing the British Crown, which had offered less. He then supplemented the official donation by secretly dispatching food ships directly to Ireland.
Historical accounts, including those cited in Irish-American media, describe the Ottoman gesture as one of the most generous responses from any foreign power during the famine. [5] Scholars note that the assistance had both humanitarian and diplomatic dimensions, enhancing Ottoman legitimacy on the world stage while providing tangible relief to a suffering population. [8]
The town of Drogheda in County Louth is specifically highlighted in documentary coverage as a focal point where Ottoman aid arrived, cementing that town’s place in Turkish-Irish historical memory. [6]
How Much Money Did Türkiye Send to Ireland for Famine Relief?
The exact amount sent by the Ottoman Empire remains a subject of historical discussion rather than a single settled figure. According to accounts widely cited in Irish historical sources, Sultan Abdülmecid I initially intended to send £10,000 but was diplomatically persuaded to reduce the official donation to £1,000 (matching what Queen Victoria had contributed) to avoid a perceived slight to the British government. [5]
The sultan then reportedly arranged for three ships loaded with food to be sent directly to Irish ports, a contribution that many historians argue exceeded the monetary donation in practical value. [5] This combination of financial aid and direct food relief is what gives the story its enduring resonance.
Fair warning: some details of this account have been subject to historical debate, and the documentary is expected to engage with the academic record rather than simply repeat folklore. [1]
Great Famine Ireland Ottoman Empire: Historical Facts Worth Knowing
Here is a grounded summary of the verified historical facts surrounding Ottoman aid to Ireland:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Famine period | 1845-1851 |
| Deaths | Approximately 1 million |
| Emigrations | Approximately 2 million |
| Ottoman aid year | 1847 |
| Sultan at the time | Abdülmecid I |
| Aid destination | Ireland, with Drogheda noted specifically |
| Nature of aid | Financial donation and food ships |
| Diplomatic context | Ottoman Empire seeking to enhance international standing |
Recent academic work confirms that the Ottoman assistance carried both humanitarian and political significance, with the empire using the opportunity to project an image of benevolent leadership on the global stage. [8] This dual dimension is likely to feature prominently in the documentary’s narrative.
Turkey’s deep historical roots are a recurring theme across many of its cultural stories, from the role of Anatolia in the start of agriculture to its extraordinary Ottoman architectural legacy through figures like the architectural wonders of Mimar Sinan.
The Turkey-Ireland Famine Documentary Film: What Is “An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent”?
“An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent” (Turkish title: “An Gorta Mor: Yıldız ve Hilal”) is a 40-minute independently produced documentary directed and produced by Hayriye Savaşçıoğlu, with Ülkü Uzun also credited as producer. It is intended for broadcast on Turkish television and aims to trace the story of Ottoman humanitarian assistance during the Irish Famine and its living legacy in the Drogheda-Trabzonspor relationship. [9][10]
Production timeline:
- Currently in development and production phase
- Principal filming expected to be completed in 2027
- Festival circuit debut planned for 2028 [1]
The documentary is not yet available to watch, as it remains in active production. Those interested in following its progress can monitor Turkish broadcaster announcements and international film festival listings closer to 2028.
A separate project also deserves a mention: a 130-minute feature film on the same historical theme, described by Turkish media as Türkiye’s first historical feature made entirely with AI-based image and character generation, indicating that this story has captured significant creative momentum in the Turkish film industry. [2]
Why Did the Ottoman Empire Care About the Irish Famine?
The Ottoman Empire’s interest in Irish famine relief was driven by a combination of genuine humanitarian concern and strategic diplomacy. In the 1840s, the Ottoman Empire was navigating a complex international environment, seeking to modernize its image and strengthen relationships with European powers. Sending aid to Ireland was a way to demonstrate benevolence and moral leadership on the world stage. [8]
There is also a widely cited story of personal empathy: Sultan Abdülmecid I is said to have been genuinely moved by reports of Irish suffering. The combination of a ruler’s compassion and an empire’s diplomatic calculations produced one of history’s more surprising acts of cross-cultural solidarity.
The documentary “An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent” is expected to explore precisely this intersection of human feeling and geopolitical maneuvering, making it far more than a simple feel-good history piece. [1]
Trabzonspor and Drogheda United: The Modern Symbol of Türkiye-Ireland Ties
The most vivid living symbol of the Türkiye-Ireland historical bond is the unlikely kinship between Trabzonspor (based in Trabzon on Turkey’s Black Sea coast) and Drogheda United (from County Louth, Ireland). Both clubs share claret-and-blue colors, and Drogheda United’s crest features a star and crescent, the same symbols that adorn the Turkish flag. [6][7]
On October 1, 2026, the two clubs played a friendly match in Trabzon, staged specifically to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Ireland. [6][7] The match was explicitly incorporated into the documentary’s narrative, with filming taking place around the event. [1]
This is the kind of story that makes you want to book a flight to Trabzon immediately. And while you’re planning, it’s worth knowing that Trabzon sits in one of Turkey’s most scenically dramatic regions, the Black Sea coast, covered beautifully in unmissable spots in the Black Sea region.
Türkiye-Ireland Relations: A History Timeline
The relationship between Türkiye and Ireland extends well beyond the famine story. Here is a concise timeline:
- 1847, Ottoman Empire sends famine relief to Ireland during An Gorta Mór
- 1951, Formal diplomatic relations established between Türkiye and Ireland [7]
- Late 20th century, Growing cultural and trade connections; Irish tourism to Türkiye increases significantly
- 2026, 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations; Trabzonspor vs. Drogheda United friendly match in Trabzon [6][7]
- 2027, Principal filming of “An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent” expected to complete [1]
- 2028, Documentary festival circuit launch planned [1]
The 75th anniversary in 2026 has provided a natural catalyst for renewed public interest in the shared history, with both the football match and the documentary serving as commemorative anchors. [7]
Did Other Countries Help Ireland During the Famine Besides the Ottoman Empire?
Yes, several nations and organizations provided aid to Ireland during the Great Famine, though the scale and visibility varied considerably. The Ottoman contribution stands out partly because of its unexpected origin and the dramatic story attached to it.
Other notable sources of famine relief included:
- United States, Irish-American communities and American philanthropists organized significant food and financial relief
- Choctaw Nation, The Choctaw people of Oklahoma, themselves recently displaced by the Trail of Tears, sent $170 (a substantial sum in 1847) to Irish famine relief, a gesture now celebrated in both communities
- British Quakers, The Religious Society of Friends organized extensive soup kitchens and relief networks across Ireland
- Pope Pius IX, The Vatican contributed funds to famine relief
- Various European governments, Smaller donations came from several European states
The Ottoman contribution is particularly remembered because of the personal story attached to Sultan Abdülmecid I and the food ships, which gave it a narrative power that outlasted many larger donations. [5]
How Is Türkiye Remembered in Irish Culture and History?
In Irish cultural memory, Türkiye (and the Ottoman Empire) occupies a warm and somewhat surprising place. The story of Ottoman famine aid is taught in some Irish schools and regularly appears in Irish-American media as an example of unexpected generosity from an unlikely quarter. [5]
The town of Drogheda has become the geographic heart of this memory in Ireland, given its role as a destination for Ottoman relief ships and its football club’s visual connection to Turkish symbolism. [6] Local commemorations and cultural events in Drogheda have periodically highlighted the Ottoman connection.
The documentary “An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent” is designed to deepen and widen this cultural memory, bringing the story to Turkish television audiences who may be less familiar with it than their Irish counterparts. [1][9]
Turkish hospitality is no joke, and neither is Turkey’s capacity to surprise you with the depth of its connections to the wider world. If this history has you curious about what else Turkey has been quietly getting up to for centuries, the legacy of female rulers in Ottoman history is another seriously underrated chapter worth exploring.
Where Can You Watch Documentaries About the Türkiye-Ireland Famine Connection?
As of 2026, “An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent” is not yet available to watch. The documentary is currently in production, with filming expected to conclude in 2027 and a festival circuit debut planned for 2028. [1] It is intended for broadcast on Turkish television, with potential international distribution likely to follow festival screenings. [9]
What to do in the meantime:
- Follow Turkish broadcaster announcements for premiere dates
- Watch for the documentary’s appearance at international film festivals from 2028 onward
- Explore existing resources on the Irish Famine and Ottoman history through Irish museum archives and academic sources [8]
- Keep an eye on Irish media outlets such as RTÉ and The42 for updates on the Drogheda-Trabzonspor cultural connection [9][10]
For travelers who want to experience the Turkish side of this story in person, Trabzon is the city at the heart of it. Consider pairing a visit with broader exploration of Turkey’s underrated cities, Trabzon absolutely belongs on that list.
FAQ
What is the documentary “An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent” about? It is a 40-minute documentary exploring the historic ties between Türkiye and Ireland, focusing on Ottoman humanitarian aid sent to Ireland during the Great Famine of 1845-1851 and its legacy in the Trabzonspor-Drogheda United connection. [1]
When will the documentary be released? Principal filming is expected to complete in 2027, with a festival circuit launch planned for 2028. It is not yet available to watch as of 2026. [1]
Who is directing the documentary? The documentary is directed and produced by Hayriye Savaşçıoğlu, with Ülkü Uzun also credited as producer.
Why do Trabzonspor and Drogheda United have a special relationship? Both clubs share claret-and-blue colors, and Drogheda United’s crest features a star and crescent, visually echoing the Turkish flag. This coincidence has been embraced as a symbol of the deeper historical bond rooted in Ottoman famine aid. [6][7]
What was the Ottoman Empire’s contribution to Irish famine relief? Sultan Abdülmecid I sent financial aid and reportedly dispatched food ships directly to Ireland in 1847. The exact monetary amount is debated, but accounts suggest an official donation of £1,000 accompanied by food supplies. [5]
Did the Ottoman aid actually reach Ireland? Historical accounts indicate that Ottoman relief, including food ships, reached Irish ports, with Drogheda specifically cited as a destination. [6]
What is the significance of 2026 for Türkiye-Ireland relations? 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Ireland, established in 1951. Both the Trabzonspor-Drogheda friendly match and the documentary are framed as commemorative events. [7]
Is there a feature film as well as a documentary on this topic? Yes. Separately from the documentary, Turkish media report a 130-minute feature film on the same historical theme, described as Türkiye’s first historical feature made with AI-based image and character generation. [2]
Where was the 2026 friendly match between Trabzonspor and Drogheda United played? The match was played in Trabzon, Türkiye, on October 1, 2026. [6]
What does “An Gorta Mór” mean? It is the Irish-language phrase for “The Great Hunger,” the name by which the Great Famine of 1845-1851 is known in Ireland.
Conclusion
The documentary “An Gorta Mór: The Star & The Crescent” is more than a film project. It is a signal that the story of Ottoman aid to famine-stricken Ireland, long treasured in Irish cultural memory and relatively unknown in Türkiye, is finally getting the full cinematic treatment it deserves. With the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations providing a timely backdrop in 2026, and the Trabzonspor-Drogheda United friendship offering a vivid modern symbol, the documentary arrives at exactly the right historical moment. [1][7]
Actionable next steps for curious readers:
- Bookmark updates from Turkish broadcasters and international film festival listings for the documentary’s 2028 debut
- If you’re planning a trip to Türkiye, consider adding Trabzon to your itinerary, it’s the living heart of this story, and the Black Sea coast is a seriously underrated destination that rewards curious travelers
- Explore the broader sweep of Ottoman history that produced this remarkable act of solidarity, the legacy of female rulers in Ottoman history is a great companion read
- Share the story: the Ottoman-Irish famine connection is one of history’s best-kept secrets, and it deserves a wider audience
Future you, watching this documentary at a film festival in 2028, will absolutely thank you for starting the research now.
References
[1] Documentary To Explore Turkiye Ireland Ties Rooted In Great Famine – https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/documentary-to-explore-turkiye-ireland-ties-rooted-in-great-famine-227803
[2] 179 Yillik Dostluk Beyaz Perdede – https://www.yeniasir.com.tr/yasam/2026/10/04/179-yillik-dostluk-beyaz-perdede
[5] Generous Turkish Aid Irish Great Hunger – https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/generous-turkish-aid-irish-great-hunger
[6] Drogheda United To Face Trabzonspor In Turkiye In October – https://www.aa.com.tr/en/sports/drogheda-united-to-face-trabzonspor-in-turkiye-in-october/4045585
[7] Trabzonspor Host Drogheda In Friendly Marking 75 Years Of Ties – https://en.yenisafak.com/sports/trabzonspor-host-drogheda-in-friendly-marking-75-years-of-ties-3724004
[8] Academic article on Ottoman aid and the Irish Famine – https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/6077732
[9] Drogheda Trabzonspor Sep2026 – https://www.the42.ie/drogheda-trabzonspor-7150104-Sep2026/
[10] Drogheda In Line To Face Salah As Trabzonspor Await – https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2026/0902/1590089-drogheda-in-line-to-face-salah-as-trabzonspor-await/