The Clerk

Set during the Ottoman era, the film tells the story of a young clerk living in Üsküdar with his mother. Well educated and polite, he is known by everyone simply as “Katip.” Despite graduating at the top of his class, Katip is unable to secure a government position due to the lack of political connections. Passionate about music since childhood, his beautiful singing voice captivates the women of his neighborhood, though his heart belongs only to his neighbor, Nazlı. One day, Katip’s singing earns him sudden fame that reaches the palace itself. Praised by the court, he is finally granted a clerical post in the ministry. However, when he rushes to share the good news with Nazlı, he discovers that her family has been exiled by order of the sultan. Unable to reunite with his beloved, Katip continues his rise through the ranks of public service—until one day he is summoned back to the palace, where fate awaits him once more.

Directed by Ülkü Erakalın, The Clerk leans on a strong ensemble — Zeki Müren, Sezer Güvenirgil, Gülistan Güzey — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1968.