In the midst of the Korean War in 1950-1953, Turkey deployed troops as part of the United Nations forces to aid South Korea against North Korean and Chinese forces.

Sergeant Süleyman Dilbirliği, a member of the Turkish Brigade, encountered Kim Eun-ja, a young Korean orphan, in Busan in 1953. Süleyman, moved by compassion, named her Ayla and chose to care for her despite language and cultural barriers.

Amidst the chaos of war, Süleyman and Ayla developed a profound father-daughter bond. Ayla found a home within the Turkish Brigade, where soldiers embraced her as family. Süleyman, particularly devoted, ensured Ayla's well-being by sharing his rations and carrying her during military exercises.

Following the war, Ayla was adopted by a Turkish family and settled in Turkey. Their story remained cherished by those who served in the Turkish Brigade, symbolizing the enduring impact of kindness during adversity. In 2015, Ayla and Süleyman reunited, and she provided comfort as he passed away.

Their tale exemplifies the universality of compassion, transcending cultural and national divides, and underscores the resilience of the human spirit in challenging times.

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