Leyla ile Mecnun is a Turkish television series blending absurd comedy with dramatic elements, aired between 2011 and 2023. It premiered on TRT 1 and later continued on the digital platform Exxen. The show was written by Burak Aksak and directed by Onur Ünlü.

^{A Scene from the TV Series Leyla ile Mecnun}

Plot Summary

The series follows the surreal love story of Leyla and Mecnun, two babies born in the same hospital on the same day and betrothed in the cradle. Years later, unaware of each other’s existence, they meet again. Mecnun reluctantly visits Leyla with his mother—only to fall in love at first sight. As he begins to pursue her, he starts seeing a wise old man named Ak Sakallı Dede in his dreams, who soon becomes a guiding figure in his waking life as well.

Style and Narrative

The show overturns classical love narratives through a unique style that blends absurd humor, emotional drama, philosophical references, and occasional fourth-wall breaks. At times it detaches from reality entirely. Despite relying on many local cultural elements, it successfully appealed to a wide audience and carved a unique place in Turkish television history.

^{A Clip from the TV Series Leyla ile Mecnun}

Main Cast

• Ali Atay as Mecnun
• Ezgi Asaroğlu as the first Leyla
• Serkan Keskin as İsmail Abi
• Osman Sonant as Yavuz
• Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan as İskender Baba
• Köksal Engür as Ak Sakallı Dede
• Cengiz Bozkurt as Erdal Bakkal

Production Details

• Runtime: Approximately 70–90 minutes per episode
• Total Episodes: 144
• Seasons: 3 seasons on TRT, continued seasons on Exxen
• Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
• Production Companies: Eflatun Film, Paradox Film
• Original Run: February 9, 2011 – 2023
• Filming Location: Kireçburnu, Sarıyer, Istanbul

^{A Clip from the TV Series Leyla ile Mecnun}

Impact and Reception

Leyla ile Mecnun was highly acclaimed by viewers, achieving a rating of 9.1 on IMDb. With its unconventional characters, original script, and memorable quotes, it became a cult classic in Turkish television. Alongside its comedic brilliance, the show left a lasting emotional impact, often being rewatched and widely discussed among fans.

Notes

The character “Dosto” is known to be an alter ego of the screenwriter Burak Aksak. The show’s soundtrack, especially songs performed by Mehmet Erdem, was also highly praised and became part of Turkish pop culture.