Billy Hayes (1947) is a convicted cannabis smuggler whose story inspired the film Midnight Express. Hayes, an American student, was caught trying to smuggle hashish out of Turkey in 1970. He was originally sentenced to four years in a Turkish prison, which was later extended to a life sentence. He escaped in 1975 to Greece, and then home. Hayes wrote a book on his ordeal, Midnight Express, which later became the film hit Midnight Express, released in 1978, starring Brad Davis in the title role. The film was directed by Alan Parker, with a screenplay by Oliver Stone.
The following is an interview with Billy Hayes on some details of his years as a prisoner in Turkey and on the debated movie "Midnight Express".
This was the second general meeting of the year where all members were invited to get together and enjoy each other’s company. We played backgammon and okey, listened to Turkish music and took pleasure in having barbequed hot dogs and hamburgers. There was also an exchange of ideas for future events and some serious political debate.
Party organized in collaboration with the Persian and Arab Student Organizations. The purpose was to offer a variety to the party scene in Durham and present our culture to fellow students. Our DJ played Arabic, Persian and Turkish music, along with American popular music. Hookahs were served.
Four TSA members spoke at “Cultural Lunch”, a 1.5 hour workshop for Duke Staff hosted by the International House to give knowledge about cultures around the world. We shared our perspectives on our values, beliefs, customs, manners and, basically our everyday lives.
