Cast and Plot of the TV Series “Kizil Goncalar”
“Kizil Goncalar” is a Turkish drama series that faced challenges when it first aired in Turkey. The series, which focused on tarikats (Islamic mystic orders) and similar topics, stirred controversy in Turkey and was subjected to multiple broadcast bans by government-affiliated authorities. Despite these difficulties, “Kizil Goncalar” managed to continue airing by toning down its script. Since then, it has consistently broken Monday ratings records. The series stars veteran actors Özcan Deniz and Özgü Namal.
“Kizil Goncalar” is known for being bold and provocative, highlighting the increasing influence of tarikats in Turkey and the negative effects this has on society.
Kizil Goncalar Plot:
“Kizil Goncalar” tells the story of two individuals whose destinies intersect despite coming from different worlds. Meryem is a young woman living within a conservative tarikat, constantly under pressure from her family and the sheikh of the tarikat, unable to live a free life. Levent, on the other hand, is a secular psychiatrist who believes in scientific thought and logic, keeping his distance from tarikats.
Cast of Kizil Goncalar:
Levent (Özcan Deniz)
The son of a difficult father, Levent is a highly successful but idealistic psychiatrist who is criticized by those around him. As he strives to fulfill the ideals inherited from his father and not disappoint him, he overlooks what is happening closely around him. Meeting Meryem introduces him to compassion.
Meryem (Özgü Namal)
Naim’s wife and Zeynep’s mother, Meryem lives by the principle “Islam is good morals.” She is skilled in household chores and is a honest and compassionate woman. Her sole purpose is to ensure the happiness of her daughter, for whom she fights to avoid living out her own fate. However, in this struggle for her daughter’s happiness, she will confront the deep unhappiness she has been pushing aside for years and will encounter Levent, who will show her a completely different life.
Cuneyd (Mert Yazicioglu)
In need of treatment according to positive sciences, Cuneyd is seen as a charismatic and wise figure from the perspective of the tarikat world. His acquaintance with Levent, Zeynep, and Meryem will deeply affect his life.
Sadi Hüdayi (Erkan Avcı)
The spokesperson of the tarikat, expected to assume the leadership, Sadi Hüdayi is the lover of Hasna and Feyza’s father. His biggest priority is to protect his beloved and sometimes envied nephew, Cuneyd.
Beste Özdemir (Hazal Türesan)
Levent’s wife and Mira’s mother. With the arrival of Meryem and her family in Istanbul, all the secrets she has brought from the past will be revealed, and her whole life will change.
Naim Tezel (Mert Turak)
Meryem’s husband and Zeynep’s father. He has never had a real job, worked in temporary jobs that do not require merit, and has never appreciated the beauty of a woman like Meryem. He is a man always chasing small calculations, trying to come to terms with the sins he committed in the past.
Hasna Güneş (Selen Öztürk)
Sadi Hüdayi’s wife and Feyza’s mother. She holds the position of a “hanımanne” in the tarikat. She is in love with her husband Sadi Hüdayi, cheerful, and eager to betroth her daughter Feyza to Cuneyd, and influenced by Meryem’s arrival, she takes sides.
Suavi Alkanlı (Şerif Erol)
One of the influential academics of the 28th February era, he has fallen into the clutches of an incurable disease. He is Levent and Hande’s father. The great life change that Meryem and Zeynep will bring to him will push him to confront both his family and his past and to make decisions about the continuation of his life.
Hande Alkanlı (Duygu Sarişin)
Levent’s sister, Suavi’s daughter. She is a young, passionate journalist with problems with her father but attached to her brother’s views. She is respectful of what he does and has strong interpersonal skills. Meryem and Zeynep will open the door to a new world she is very curious about.
Seçkin Özarslan (Tuğrul Tülek)
Levent’s best friend. Despite all the belief clashes in the story, he has a materialistic perspective on life and does not take life too seriously.
Birgül Tezel (Sitare Akbaş)
Naim’s sister, Meryem’s sister-in-law, Zeynep’s aunt. Confident, pursuing her ideals, she is a young woman who loves Meryem and her niece Zeynep sincerely. She represents the modern Muslim woman.
Zeynep Tezel (Mina Demirtaş)
Meryem and Naim’s daughter, 16 years old. She has never seen a big city in her life and has never been to school. Coming to Istanbul means new possibilities for her.
Mira Alkanlı (Esma Yılmaz)
Levent and Beste’s daughter, 16 years old. The most important reality in her life is the high school entrance exam she will take at the end of the year. She will resort to desperate measures to succeed in this exam.
Production Credits:
- Genre: Drama
- Production Company: Gold Film
- Producer: Faruk Turgut
- General Coordinator: Ahsen Tüzün Baltepe
- Director: Ömür Atay
- Script: Şükrü Necati Şahin
Where to Watch “Kizil Goncalar”:
You can watch “Kizil Goncalar” on NOW TV’s official website. However, I recommend watching it on YouTube, as it does not have an option for English or any other foreign language dubbing. You can watch it with subtitles in any language you prefer on YouTube.
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