Journey of Hope (1990) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Haydar decides to migrate because the political and economic turmoil in Eastern Turkey makes it increasingly difficult to feed his family of seven children. He has heard stories of Turks thriving in Switzerland and believes that finding work there would give his family a safer, more stable future. The persistent poverty and lack of opportunities drive him to risk the dangerous journey.

• haydar
• migration
• switzerland
• poverty
• economic hardship
• hope

Siti is initially hesitant about the perilous journey but ultimately agrees to accompany Haydar. Her decision reflects both her support for Haydar's plan and the desperate situation at home. Her presence provides a glimmer of support for the family as they prepare to leave their village behind.

• siti
• haydar
• journey
• support
• migration decision

During the dangerous crossing over the Alps toward Switzerland, the smugglers abandon the family. A severe blizzard blankets the mountains, creating extremely dangerous conditions. The smugglers, unwilling to risk their own lives in the storm, leave Haydar, Meryem, and Mehmet Ali to continue alone, leading to their separation and isolation in the freezing mountains.

• smugglers
• alps
• blizzard
• abandonment
• crossing
• Switzerland

During the blizzard in the Alps, Meryem injures her leg while trying to navigate the treacherous snow. While she is incapacitated, she is rescued by Swiss police. Meanwhile, Haydar and Mehmet Ali are left to continue alone in the whiteout conditions, becoming separated from Meryem during this rescue.

• meryem
• separation
• injury
• alps
• blizzard
• rescue
• police

Mehmet Ali dies from hypothermia. After the smugglers abandon them and Meryem is rescued, Haydar and Mehmet Ali are left to survive the freezing Alpine night on their own. The brutal cold, combined with exhaustion and exposure during the blizzard, proves fatal for the young boy. His death occurs during the night while Haydar searches for help.

• mehmet ali
• hypothermia
• death
• alps
• cold
• freezing
• night

At the Swiss hospital, Haydar and Meryem are reunited after being separated during the blizzard. However, the reunion is devastating, Meryem learns that their son Mehmet Ali did not survive the night in the cold. The family is briefly reunited in their grief, facing both their physical recovery and the emotional devastation of losing their child.

• hospital
• reunion
• mehmet ali
• death
• grief
• switzerland

After being rescued and treated at the hospital, Swiss authorities take Haydar into custody. The authorities begin debating whether to deport the family back to Turkey. The family faces the possibility of returning to the poverty they fled, while also coping with the loss of their child, all while their legal status remains uncertain.

• swiss authorities
• detention
• deportation
• custody
• immigration
• fate

The film ends with the family's future hanging in the balance. Haydar and Meryem face potential deportation back to Turkey, which would mean returning to the poverty and struggle they attempted to escape. Despite the devastating loss of their son Mehmet Ali and the threat of being sent back, the couple clings to hope for a safer future. The ending remains uncertain, reflecting the ongoing struggle of migrants seeking a better life.

• deportation
• fate
• ending
• uncertain future
• return to turkey
• hope

The journey is perilous because the family must cross multiple borders through dangerous mountain terrain, rely on smugglers who control the migration routes, and face harsh weather conditions. The crossing over the Alps in particular exposes them to blizzards, freezing temperatures, and isolation. The smugglers' abandonment leaves them vulnerable to life-threatening conditions without guidance or support.

• dangerous journey
• alps
• smuggler
• borders
• weather
• crossing
• risk