Gönül Dağı (Series)

Gönül Dağı is a Turkish television series produced by Köprü Film and first aired on TRT 1 in 2020. The screenplay is inspired by the steppe stories of Mustafa Çiftçi. Yahya Samancı serves as director, while the script is written by Ali Asaf Elmas, Mustafa Becit, Teoman Gök, Emel Çokçalışkan, Simge İçten, and Beyzanur Sevimli.

Plot

The series centers on the lives and dreams of three orphaned cousins—Taner, Veysel, and Ramazan—who grow up in the fictional village of Gedelli. Set against the backdrop of the Anatolian steppe, the story portrays the daily lives, traditions, loves, sorrows, and joys of the village community. The main character, Taner, reunites after many years with his childhood love, Dilek, and their relationship becomes one of the series’ central narratives. Known in the village as “inventors,” the cousins strive to realize their dreams through various scientific and practical inventions, while simultaneously highlighting the importance of social solidarity and family bonds.

Characters

The main cast includes Berk Atan (Taner), Gülsim Ali (Dilek — first three seasons), Melis Sevinç (Selma), Ecem Özkaya (Zahide), Ferdi Sancar (Sefer), Cihat Süvarioğlu (Ramazan), Semih Ertürk (Veysel), Nazlı Pınar Kaya (Cemile), and Eser Eyüboğlu (Selami).

Principal Characters: Ramazan, Veysel, Taner (Anadolu Agency)

Themes

Gönül Dağı reflects the culture, values, and way of life of Anatolia. The series explores the following themes:

• Family Bonds: The strong connection among the cousins, familial solidarity, and the guidance provided by elders play a central role.
• Love and Separation: The romance between Taner and Dilek, along with the relationships and challenges faced by other couples in the village, are prominently featured.
• Dreams and Reality: The aspirations of the village youth to escape to big cities, their efforts to invent, and their struggles to realize their dreams form the core of the narrative.
• Tradition and Modernity: The interaction between traditional Anatolian life and the modern world, as well as shifting societal values, is observed throughout the series.
• Nature and Humanity: The natural beauty of the steppe and its harsh living conditions are portrayed alongside their impact on human character.
• Hope and Resilience: The characters’ perseverance and unwavering hope despite adversity are strongly emphasized.

Production and Filming

Produced by Köprü Film, the series is noted for its use of expansive natural landscapes. It is filmed in Eskişehir.

Still from Filming (Anadolu Agency)

Achievements and Awards

Gönül Dağı has reached a wide audience since its first episode and has consistently achieved high viewership ratings.

2022 Festiculture Most Loved Awards (Lyon, France)

• Most Loved Female Actress: Gülsim Ali — Won
• Most Loved TV Couple: Gülsim Ali & Berk Atan — Won

47th Golden Butterfly Awards (2021)

• Best Series: Gönül Dağı — Nominated
• Best Screenplay: Ali Asaf Elmas, Mustafa Becit, Teoman Gök — Nominated

2024 Best Of Rumeli Awards

• Best Series: Gönül Dağı — Won
• Best Male Actor: Berk Atan — Won

Berk Atan, Winner of Best Male Actor at the Best Of Rumeli Awards (TRT1)