The Turkish Armed Forces are the second largest standing military presence in NATO, right after the U.S. Armed Forces. Even to this day, Turkey does not recognize conscientious objection and does not offer a civilian alternative to military service.

Citizens who are called to the military service suffer heavy restrictions inflicted by the state and lose all personal freedom.

"The Road Less Traveled" is a documentary about Conscientious Objectors in Turkey. During the better part of a year we traveled all over the country and met with several members of this movement to learn about how their lives had changed ever since they declared themselves to be anti-militaristic.

They are seen as deserters because they reject military service and thousands have fled Turkey in search of a new life in other European countries. Through this documentary we also hope to shed a light on the ethnical conflicts and sexual apartheid in the Turkish army.

Several of our case studies include movement leaders and representatives Mehmet Tarhan, Osman Murat Ulke, Mehmet Bal, Halil Savda and Sahin Ozbay.