European Side (Series)

"Avrupa Yakası" is one of the most beloved comedy series in Turkish television history, premiering on ATV on 11 November 2004 and concluding on 24 June 2009. Written by Gülse Birsel, the series reached a wide audience by humorously exploring urban life and traditional family structures in Türkiye.

The series is set in the Nişantaşı neighborhood of Istanbul and revolves around the Sütçüoğlu family and the people around them.

"Avrupa Yakası" centers on the Sütçüoğlu family, a middle-to-upper-class household living on Istanbul’s European Side. This family, headed by the traditionalist Tahsin Sütçüoğlu, is enriched by a complex narrative woven through the modern and Westernized lifestyle of their daughter Aslı, the irresponsibility of their son Volkan, and the diverse personalities surrounding them. One of the series’ central themes is the conflict between modern life and traditional values. Aslı is an educated, independent woman devoted to her career, while her family, especially her father Tahsin, remains firmly attached to traditional values. Volkan, on the other hand, is a spoiled young man who dislikes work and is obsessed with leisure.

The series is further enlivened by supporting characters such as Burhan Altıntop, Şesu, Gaffur, and Sacit, each embodying and satirizing social stereotypes. Burhan Altıntop is a proud, uncouth yet inwardly lonely and helpless man, while Gaffur is a cunning figure who simultaneously embodies traditional culture and sharp wit.

The series also drew attention for its portrayal of the magazine industry where Aslı works, offering critiques of the media world and making references to the popular culture of the era.

^{Avrupa Yakası Series. (}atv Official Website

The main cast of the series includes Gülse Birsel, Ata Demirer, Engin Günaydın, Gazanfer Özcan, Hümeyra, Peker Açıkalın, Binnur Kaya, Hasibe Eren, Tolga Çevik, Yıldırım Öcek, Şenay Gürler, Hale Caneroğlu and Vural Çelik. While some actors remained throughout all seasons, others departed after specific seasons.

Actors such as Vural Çelik, Binnur Kaya and Ata Demirer portrayed multiple characters across the series, appearing in varied roles. Additionally, some actors like Didem Erol regularly appeared as guest stars due to narrative requirements, while many other names made single-episode appearances.

The success of the series is significantly attributed to the depth of its characters and the quality of the acting performances. The naturalness the actors brought to their roles enhanced the comedic tone and deeply engaged the audience.

• Aslı Sütçüoğlu (Gülse Birsel): A grounded, career-focused character influenced by feminist ideals who frequently clashes with her family’s traditional structure.
• Volkan Sütçüoğlu (Ata Demirer): The younger son of the family, who loves fun and easy money; somewhat lazy but endearing.
• Burhan Altıntop (Engin Günaydın): Although holding a managerial position, he is constantly the subject of ridicule due to his absurd behavior; he sees himself as more valuable than he truly is, yet is profoundly lonely.
• Tahsin Sütçüoğlu (Gazanfer Özcan): The patriarch of the family, devoted to traditional values, with a stern temperament but good intentions.
• İffet Sütçüoğlu (Hümeyra): The family matriarch, more moderate than her husband, deeply affectionate toward her children, yet occasionally opposes their choices.
• Şesu (Bülent Polat): Volkan’s closest friend, representing neighborhood culture; cunning yet entertaining.
• Gaffur (Peker Açıkalın): The family’s employee, whose humorous dialogues and reactions have made him one of the most unforgettable characters in the series.

In addition to these main characters, numerous secondary and guest actors appeared in the series, each included to contribute meaningfully to the storyline.

"Avrupa Yakası" reached a broad audience during its broadcast and its characters became iconic in Turkish popular culture. In particular, Burhan Altıntop’s lines are frequently shared on social media.

The series humorously addressed urban life in Türkiye, modernization, traditional family structures, and the media world, offering viewers both entertainment and thought-provoking content. Additionally, several phrases used in the series gained popularity among the public and became part of everyday language.

"Avrupa Yakası" remains one of the first series that comes to mind when referring to comedy series in Türkiye.

1. 32nd Golden Butterfly Awards (2005):

• Best Comedy Series: Avrupa Yakası
• Best Female Comedy Actress: Gülse Birsel
• Best Male Comedy Actor: Ata Demirer

2. 33rd Golden Butterfly Awards (2006):

• Best Comedy Series: Avrupa Yakası
• Best Female Comedy Actress: Gülse Birsel
• Best Male Comedy Actor: Engin Günaydın

3. 34th Golden Butterfly Awards (2007):

• Best Comedy Series: Avrupa Yakası
• Best Female Comedy Actress: Hasibe Eren
• Best Male Comedy Actor: Peker Açıkalın

4. 35th Golden Butterfly Awards (2008):

• Best Female Comedy Actress: Binnur Kaya
• Best Male Comedy Actor: Tolga Çevik

5. 1st Beyaz İnci Television Awards (2005):

• Best Comedy Series: Avrupa Yakası
• Best Male Actor (Comedy): Ata Demirer
• Best Supporting Male Actor (Comedy): Gazanfer Özcan
• Best Supporting Female Actor (Comedy): Hümeyra

6. Jetix-Kido Children’s Awards (2005):

• Best Series: Avrupa Yakası
• Best Female Actress: Gülse Birsel
• Best Male Actor: Ata Demirer

7. Galatasaray University "Best of the Year" Awards (2008):

• Best Series: Avrupa Yakası
• Best Female Film and Television Actress of the Year: Binnur Kaya

8. Bonus Card International Comedy Films Festival:

• Comedy Honorary Award: Gazanfer Özcan

9. Radio and Television Journalists Association (RTGD) Awards:

• Female Actress of the Year: Binnur Kaya