Hugh Jackman reveals Turkish, Ottoman identity

Australian actor Hugh Jackman revealed his Ottoman-Turkish identity prior to his performance titled 'An Evening with Hugh Jackman' in Istanbul.

Jackman gave an interview to Turkish daily Hürriyet, and said that his ancestors had immigrated to Australia from the Ottoman lands.

"My father and uncle went to the place where my grandfather immigrated from, and from what they say, that region which is in Greece today belonged to the Ottoman Empire at that time," Jackman said.

"So I am the descendant of an Ottoman grandfather. Do not think that I'm saying this because I'm coming to Turkey, but I am a Turk. Yes, I think I may say that I'm a Turk."

Answering to the question regarding Russell Crowe's recent movie based on the Battle of Gallipoli and its aftermath, The Water Diviner, "That battle was a turning point for Australia. It represents a kind of transition to getting old, being mature and being a country from being a colony of England. The absurdity of this war, the death of that many people from both sides… And for what? On what purpose? It is a tragedy that we understood that we shouldn't follow our 'Mother England' blindfolded on everything. That battle thought us to take our own decisions" Jackman said.

The famous actor stated that he had prepared a very personal show for Turkey, and he is very excited to share it outside of the U.S.