Once Upon a Time in Istanbul (Series)

Bir Zamanlar İstanbul is a Turkish television series that premiered on TRT 1 on 7 February 2025. The action, drama and romantic series centers on a story set in 1990s Istanbul. Produced by Bozdağ Film, the project was conceived by Mehmet Bozdağ. It is directed by Metin Günay and Volkan Keskin, with a screenplay written by Mehmet Bozdağ, Birol Tezcan and A. Kadir İlter. The series is also available to viewers on the TRT Tabii platform alongside its broadcast on TRT 1.

The series explores a quest for justice set against the backdrop of social issues and the criminal underworld of 1990s Istanbul. Ali Tuna, a student at the Faculty of Literature at Istanbul University, continues his education with the goal of becoming a teacher. After his family becomes the target of an armed attack, he embarks on a transformative path that leads him into a pursuit of revenge and justice. His path crosses with Seher Nazar, a fellow student at the same faculty, during a debate. The topic of the debate — “Is it society that drives a person to crime, or are their own choices to blame?” — lays the foundation for both intellectual and emotional connections between Ali and Seher. As Ali steps into the world of organized crime in an attempt to change it from within, Seher stands by him guided by the sense of justice instilled in her by her police officer father. The series is described as a modern “Köroğlu Epic” and captures the atmosphere of 1990s Istanbul.

^{Scene from Bir Zamanlar İstanbul (}TRT1⁾

The main themes of the series revolve around justice, revenge, love and social struggle. The political uncertainties, economic hardships and public order challenges of 1990s Istanbul form the historical backdrop of the narrative. The pursuit of justice by Ali and Seher interrogates the conflict between the individual and society, as well as the consequences of personal choices. Family bonds, friendship and human values also hold significant weight in the series. The show reflects the social dynamics of the era and the struggles of individuals within them.

Bir Zamanlar İstanbul is produced by Bozdağ Film. Filming took place on specially designed sets across various districts of Istanbul to recreate the atmosphere of the 1990s. Period-appropriate costumes, accessories and locations were carefully selected to enhance the authenticity of the story. The production process included approximately one year of preparation, during which details such as cars and streets from the decade were meticulously recreated to evoke the 1990s ambiance. The series premiered on TRT 1 on 7 February 2025 at 20:00 and releases new episodes every Friday.

• Ali Tuna (Cihangir Ceyhan): A literature faculty student who continues his education with the dream of becoming a teacher. After an attack on his family, he enters the world of organized crime in search of justice.
• Seher Nazar (Alina Boz): A student aiming for a career in radio. Guided by the sense of justice inherited from her police officer father, she supports Ali.
• Çetin Nazar (Hüseyin Avni Danyal): Seher’s father, a police director.
• Fidan Atik (Didem Balçın): A character connected to Ali’s family, playing a supportive role in the story.
• Nermin Sencer (Şebnem Dönmez): An influential figure in Seher’s circle.
• Gökhan Atik (Kaan Taşaner): A character involved in the world of organized crime.
• Emin Tuna (Deniz Celiloğlu): A member of Ali’s family.
• Jale Nazar (Özge Özder): A character from Seher’s family.
• Ogün (Ümit Kantarcılar): Plays a supporting role in the story.
• Özlem Tuna (İpek Karapınar): A member of Ali’s family.
• Kenan Sencer (Murat Daltaban): A mafia leader involved in arms trafficking and one of the main antagonists of the story.
• Serpil Tuna (Nihal Koldaş): A member of Ali’s family.
• Külhan (Mirza Bahattin Doğan): A figure within the world of organized crime.
• Celal (Serdar Özer): Kenan’s man, playing an antagonistic role in the story.
• Mert (Yılmaz Kunt): Joins the cast in episode 13, Nermin’s nephew who arrives from America.