Lost City (Series)

Kayıp Şehir is a Turkish dramatic-thriller series consisting of 26 one-hour episodes, broadcast on Kanal D from 14 September 2012 to 25 March 2013. It was directed by Cevdet Mercan and Osman Taşçı, with a screenplay written by Yıldırım Türker, Murat Uyurkulak, Seray Şahiner, Tuğrul Eryılmaz and Yelda Eroğlu. The series was produced by D Productions (In D House).

Plot

The series follows the life of the Toptaş family, who migrate from Trabzon to Istanbul. The family struggles to survive in poverty and hardship in Istanbul’s Tarlabaşı neighborhood. The show explores dramatic events experienced by the family, as well as the social structures of Istanbul’s suburbs, and the lives of women, Roma people, and street children. It examines the impact of migration on the family, along with social discrimination and economic hardship. Additionally, the relationships and conflicts that develop among family members drive the narrative.

Theme

The theme of Kayıp Şehir centers on the effects of migration and urbanization on individuals and families. Poverty and economic hardship are central to the narrative, alongside themes of social discrimination and exclusion. The disintegration of the family and the testing of its bonds are portrayed in the context of life in Istanbul’s suburbs. While examining concepts such as identity, belonging and solidarity, the series also reveals the complex dimensions of human relationships, including love and intrigue.

Cast and Characters

• Gökçe Bahadır – Aysel: Forms a deep emotional bond with the Toptaş family; the love triangle between İrfan and Ethem emerges from this relationship.
• Tugay Mercan – İsmail: The eldest son of the family, the first to move to Istanbul; he is the primary provider.
• İlker Kaleli – İrfan: Passionate about becoming a footballer; he harbors strong feelings for Aysel.
• Nik Xhelilaj – Kadir: Responsible and employed in dry cleaning; he develops an interest in Zehra, a neighbor from Mardin.
• Taner Ölmez – Sadık: The son who dislikes studying and becomes involved with a gang-like group.
• Nazan Kesal – Meryem: Struggles to survive in Istanbul with six children and an elderly grandmother.