Yeditepe Istanbul

When Olcay's husband commits suicide and leaves a huge debt behind, Olcay and her teenage daughter, Duru, are forced to move to a slum in Istanbul. They find themselves financially dependent on Olcay's only remaining friend, so Olcay starts to look for a job. Without any degree or experience, she tries to survive doing all sorts of odd jobs. Meanwhile, her neighbors, who are completely different from the people in Olcay's old world, begin to get to like the mother and daughter. Some even fall in love.

Yeditepe Istanbul (2001-2002) is a Turkish national-television family drama series created by Ali Ulvi Hünkar and broadcast on TRT 1. Zuhal Olcay plays Olcay Turan, a widow who, after her husband's suicide leaves the family buried in debt, moves with her teenage daughter Duru into a slum in Istanbul. With no degree and no work experience, Olcay takes on a string of odd jobs while depending on her one remaining friend for shelter. Uğur Polat plays Ali, Emre Kınay plays Yusuf Gülseçen, and Oktay Kaynarca plays Ferhan, all neighbors whose lives differ sharply from the world Olcay left behind. The engine of the show is the daily friction and gradual warmth between the newcomers and the people of the district, as each episode tangles pride, poverty and small kindnesses. Spanning two seasons and forty-seven episodes, it is a character-driven, episodic melodrama rather than a plot-heavy saga. Its tone is warm and wistful, with gentle humor and a sincere, hopeful undercurrent. Set in contemporary Istanbul, it unfolds across crowded streets and close-knit apartment life. Viewers who enjoy the neighborhood warmth of Gecekondu and the family melodrama of Acı Hayat will find resonance here.

• Gecekondushared tones of melodramatic family hardship and class contrast, neighborhood ensemble warmth
• Acı Hayatshared soap opera style family drama with a mother facing financial collapse and new community bonds
• Full Houseshared fish-out-of-water premise of a displaced family adapting to a new neighborhood with warm ensemble humor

Created by

Ali Ulvi Hünkar

Release Date

2001-05-18

Episode runtime

45 min

Rating

8.6 / 10 (19)

What is Yeditepe Istanbul about?

After her husband's suicide leaves debts behind, a widow and her teenage daughter move into an Istanbul slum and find unexpected family among their neighbors.

What is Yeditepe Istanbul like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Yeditepe Istanbul as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Yeditepe Istanbul violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Yeditepe Istanbul.

Which shows are like Yeditepe Istanbul?

Shows with a similar feel include Gecekondu, Acı Hayat, and Full House.

How long is Yeditepe Istanbul?

Yeditepe Istanbul: 2 seasons, 47 episodes.

Is Yeditepe Istanbul still running?

No, Yeditepe Istanbul has ended.