On the Wing of Sevda (Series)

Sevda Kuşun Kanadında is a Turkish television series produced by Sonart Medya, which premiered on TRT 1 on 29 April 2016. It belongs to the historical, drama and romance genres. The series explores student movements and the political atmosphere of Turkey between 1968 and 1972 through the lens of a love story. Directed by Ayhan Özen and produced by Mesut Uçakan, the screenplay was written by Oktay Berber, Mustafa Burak Doğu, Selma Hacıosmanoğlu and Alp Emre. The series, which spanned two seasons, concluded with its 31st episode on 28 March 2017. It is also available for viewing on the TRT Tabii platform.

Plot and Theme

The series addresses the political and social upheavals that took place in Türkiye between 1968 and 1972. Arif, a law student, stands out for his rational and balanced stance during a period of intense ideological conflict. Tümay, also a law student, clashes with her father Zafer as she actively participates in political actions. Their paths cross in the polarized environment of the era, giving rise to an impossible love story.

The series examines the Turkish manifestations of the 1968 generation, the efforts of dominant powers to manipulate youth, and the resistance of a group of young people against these provocations. Political events, coup attempts and social dynamics of the period form the backdrop of the narrative.

The main themes of the series are love, brotherhood, resistance and social polarization. The student movements and ideological conflicts in Türkiye between 1968 and 1972 highlight the potential for young people to unite around shared values. The impossible love story reflects individuals’ efforts to sustain personal relationships under political and social pressures. While drawing attention to the political manipulations and origins of coup attempts of the era, the series emphasizes messages of reason and peace.

Scene from Sevda Kuşun Kanadında (TRT1)

Characters

• Arif (Murat Ünalmış): A law student, a rational and peaceful young man who strives to remain neutral amid the political turmoil of the era and is in love with Tümay.
• Tümay (Deniz Baysal): A law student and an idealistic young woman who participates in political actions and frequently clashes with her father Zafer.
• Zafer (Yavuz Bingöl): Tümay’s father, an influential figure in the political atmosphere of the time. His relationship with his daughter is tense.
• Aslı (Sevtap Özaltun): A character close to Arif who adds emotional depth to the story.
• Hüseyin (Ufuk Bayraktar): Arif’s close friend who plays an active role in the events of the period.
• Leyla (Müge Boz): A character who assumes a supportive role and stands out through her emotional connections.
• Tarık (İlker Kızmaz): An important figure in the political movements, present in the circles of Arif and Tümay.
• Özlem (Özge Sezince): A character introduced in the second season.
• Ceyda (Ceyda Olguner): A character involved in the youth movements of the era.
• Bahadır (Bahadır Yenişehirlioğlu): A figure involved in political intrigues.
• Alparslan Türkeş (Mustafa Yıldızdoğan): A historical figure who appears as a guest actor in episode 14.

Viewership Performance

As a television series, Sevda Kuşun Kanadında does not have box office performance data. Airing on TRT 1 on Friday evenings at 8:00 PM, the series developed a dedicated but modest audience, with uneven ratings. Due to failing to attract the expected level of interest, it concluded after 31 episodes. Promotional trailers gained attention on social media platforms, and the series also found an audience on TRT Tabii.

Production

The series was produced by Sonart Medya. Filming took place in carefully selected locations in Istanbul to reflect the atmosphere of the period. Costumes, sets and accessories were designed to accurately represent Turkey in the 1960s and 1970s. The music for the series was composed by Ender Gündüzlü and Metin Arıgül, with the opening theme being Cem Karaca’s song “Sevda Kuşun Kanadında”. After a two-year preparation process, production began with the series’ premiere on TRT 1 on 29 April 2016.