“Aşk-ı Memnu” Series: Complete Introduction, Story, and Controversies

Frequently Asked Questions about the “Aşk-ı Memnu” Series

Who is Adnan’s real wife in the “Aşk-ı Memnu” series?

In the series’ story, Adnan Ziyagil’s wife is Bihter Yöreoğlu. Adnan originally lost his first wife many years ago and is single at the start of the series. He then marries Bihter (the young daughter of a well-known businessman), and Bihter becomes Adnan’s second wife and the lady of the Ziyagil mansion. If by “Adnan’s real wife” you mean the actor’s wife: Selçuk Yöntem (who plays Adnan) is actually married to Cihan Yöntem in real life and has been living with her since 1987.

Is the story of the “Aşk-ı Memnu” series real?

No; the story of “Aşk-ı Memnu” is not based on a specific historical fact but is an adaptation of a literary novel. Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil created this story as a novel in 1900, which was purely a product of the author’s imagination and his observations of the aristocratic society of his time. Some say that Halit Ziya was inspired by a real incident in the Ottoman era when writing the novel, but overall, this tale is fictional and contains a moral message, and never actually existed. Therefore, the series is also a fictional drama, not a documentary or a reenactment of real individuals’ lives.

Biography of Adnan in the “Aşk-ı Memnu” series

The main male character of the series is a wealthy and respected merchant in Istanbul. Adnan is about 50 years old, a widower (his first wife died many years ago), and has two children named Nihal (a teenage daughter) and Bülent (a young son). He is a family-oriented man, calm and noble, who devoted himself to raising his children after his first wife’s death. Adnan also took custody of his orphaned nephew Behlül and raised him like his own child. At the beginning of the story, Adnan falls in love with a young girl named Bihter and, despite the large age difference, marries her. Adnan is a kind husband but sometimes naïve, unaware of the secret love between Bihter and Behlül. His excessive trust and pure love for his wife ultimately deal him a severe blow, confronting him with a bitter reality. Adnan represents a generation that upholds family values and considers infidelity unforgivable. Selçuk Yöntem, the actor of this role, has delivered such a solid performance that Adnan remains memorable.

Biography of Beşir in the “Aşk-ı Memnu” series

Beşir is one of the young servants of the Ziyagil mansion. He is an orphan boy from distant relatives of Adnan’s family who grew up in Adnan’s home from childhood and works there as the family’s driver and servant. Beşir is a simple-hearted, loyal, and taciturn young man. He has fallen in love with Nihal (Adnan’s daughter) and has kept this one-sided love in his heart for years. Throughout the story, Beşir becomes aware of the secret relationship between Bihter and Behlül. Since he is genuinely concerned about Nihal’s happiness and grateful for Adnan’s kindness, he decides to reveal the truth to prevent a bigger disaster. Despite suffering from a severe illness (it is revealed late in the series that he has an incurable disease), he plays a key role in exposing the secret with self-sacrifice. Beşir’s character symbolizes the awakened conscience in the Ziyagil household, showing that honesty and loyalty are not entirely dead yet. Baran Akbulut, who plays Beşir, has portrayed this character with an innocent face and unassuming acting, making him extremely endearing.

What is the name of Samar’s sister in the “Aşk-ı Memnu” series?

By “Samar,” the reference is actually to Bihter (known by the name Samar in the Arabic dub). Bihter’s older sister is named Peyker Yöreoğlu. Peyker is more sensible and calmer than Bihter, and at the beginning of the story, she marries Nihat Önal. After her marriage, Peyker leaves their mother’s house (Firdevs) and starts an independent life, but she remains concerned about her sister Bihter. In some Persian sources, Peyker’s name might be translated in other ways such as “Peyman,” but her original name in the story is Peyker. This character is played by Nur Fettahoğlu, who appears sporadically in the series, but her role is significant in showing Bihter’s family background and the impact of past relationships (her previous relationship with Behlül).

The official poster of the “Aşk-ı Memnu” series, produced by Ay Yapım, which aired between 2008 and 2010 on Kanal D in Turkey.

Introduction to the “Aşk-ı Memnu” series

“Aşk-ı Memnu” is a Turkish romantic drama television series based on a novel of the same name by Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil. The series was directed by Hilal Saral and produced by Ay Yapım (Kerem Çatay). It was broadcast for the first time from September 4, 2008, until June 24, 2010, on Turkey’s Kanal D. Across its two seasons, “Aşk-ı Memnu” had 79 episodes, each 90 minutes long, and became one of the most-watched series in the history of Turkish television, thanks to its captivating story and strong production.

The series features prominent actors such as Beren Saat as Bihter Yöreoğlu, Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ as Behlül Haznedar, Selçuk Yöntem as Adnan Ziyagil, Nebahat Çehre as Firdevs Yöreoğlu, and Hazal Kaya as Nihal Ziyagil. (Character names may vary in non-Turkish dubbing; for instance, Bihter may be called “Samar” and Behlül “Mehnad” in the Arabic dub.) The story revolves around the wealthy Ziyagil family in Istanbul, focusing particularly on a forbidden love that develops between Bihter (Adnan’s young wife) and Behlül (Adnan’s adopted son).

With a compelling blend of romance and family drama, addressing social themes such as age differences, infidelity, and class pressures, this series garnered a wide audience in Turkey and other countries. In addition to the unparalleled reception by viewers, “Aşk-ı Memnu” was praised by critics and won prestigious awards. Among them, at the 36th Altın Kelebek (Golden Butterfly) Awards, it was chosen as the best series of the year, and Beren Saat and Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ respectively won Best Actress and Best Actor for their performances. Moreover, the final episode set a historical record by attracting about 74% of Turkish television viewers. The popularity of “Aşk-ı Memnu” was such that after it ended, it was rebroadcast numerous times on various networks (including annual reruns on Kanal D) and continues to draw a large audience. Below, we review the series’ story and its intriguing highlights.

Series Plot Summary (Without Spoiling the Ending)

Adnan Ziyagil is a fifty-year-old wealthy and reputable man in Istanbul who lost his wife to an illness many years ago. He leads a peaceful life in his luxurious mansion on the shores of the Bosphorus with his two children—his teenage daughter Nihal and his young son Bülent. Living with them is Behlül Haznedar (Adnan’s adopted son, who is a distant nephew), who was taken in by Adnan as a child after his parents’ death and has lived in the mansion as a family member. Behlül is an attractive, carefree young man who is mostly interested in pleasure, partying, and fleeting romantic relationships rather than studying or working. Also in Adnan’s home, there is a kind French nanny, Mademoiselle Deniz de Courton, who is the children’s tutor and caretaker; after Adnan’s wife died, she became like a family member. Mademoiselle has secretly harbored feelings for Adnan for years, hoping he will one day propose marriage.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city, the beautiful Bihter Yöreoğlu, daughter of one of Istanbul’s influential businessmen (Meliḥ-bey), finds her life thrown into crisis. Bihter’s father passed away some time ago after a heart attack triggered by her mother’s betrayal. Bihter blames her mother, Firdevs Hanım, for her father’s death and resents her, because Firdevs is an ambitious woman infatuated with wealth and status, and her secret affair broke her husband’s heart (Bihter’s father). After her father’s death, Bihter and her mother faced financial troubles, and Firdevs is seeking a way to maintain their social position. Bihter’s older sister, Peyker (who in some dubbed versions might be called “Peyman” or something similar), married a businessman named Nihat Önal and left her mother’s house. Interestingly, Behlül previously had a romantic relationship with Peyker for a while but eventually left her, which caused Bihter’s anger and hatred toward Behlül at the start of the story, as she perceives him as a playboy who hurt her sister.

Things reach a peak when Adnan Bey becomes acquainted with Bihter. At the wedding ceremony of Peyker and Nihat, Adnan and Bihter (both grieving the loss of loved ones) talk to each other, and their shared sorrow creates an emotional bond. Adnan becomes enchanted by Bihter’s youth and beauty and quickly falls for her. Meanwhile, Firdevs Hanım (Bihter’s mother), sensing Adnan’s interest, fantasizes about marrying him herself to secure the family’s status and claim his wealth. However, contrary to Firdevs’s expectation, Adnan directly proposes to Bihter. Bihter, who is hurt by her mother’s behavior and betrayals and is also worried about financial security and her family’s future, accepts Adnan’s proposal despite the significant age difference. Perhaps for Bihter, Adnan is less of a lover and more of a father figure and reliable support she has needed since her father’s death.

Adnan and Bihter’s marriage takes place swiftly, and Bihter moves into the grand Ziyagil mansion as the new bride. In the early stages of their married life, everything seems to go well. Adnan is deeply in love with his young wife, and Bihter tries to establish herself as the new lady of the house and win over the family. She makes efforts to be a caring stepmother to Nihal and Bülent, filling the void left by their deceased mother. But naturally, Nihal the teenager does not accept her young stepmother so easily. Nihal feels jealous and suspicious of Bihter and does not want a stranger to replace her mother; thus at first, she treats Bihter coldly and stubbornly, seeing her presence in the house as a threat to her mother’s memory.

Meanwhile, Behlül—who had previously perceived Bihter as merely a beautiful but arrogant and ambitious woman (similar to her mother)—gradually changes his view of her as he sees her kindness and efforts for the family. Behlül is a single, pleasure-loving young man with multiple girlfriends (including a famous model named Elif), and he is also receiving attention from Nihal. Nihal, who has known Behlül like an older brother since childhood, begins developing romantic feelings toward him as she enters adolescence, becoming infatuated by his behavior. However, at first, Behlül does not take this seriously.

As time goes on, a hidden attraction forms between Behlül and Bihter. Behlül, who sees the charming and captivating Bihter under the same roof every day, becomes attached to her despite himself. He feels guilty for loving his kind uncle’s wife and tries to suppress these feelings, but the fire of forbidden love blazes in his heart, growing stronger day by day. Bihter, who initially detested Behlül for his past with Peyker, gradually becomes drawn to his demeanor and charms. Her emotional loneliness in marrying a much older man, along with the gradual cooling of her relationship with Adnan, subconsciously drives her toward Behlül. At first, Bihter tries to resist the temptation of loving Behlül and remain faithful to Adnan, but she ultimately surrenders to her heart.

Thus, a clandestine and forbidden love begins between Bihter and Behlül—a passionate affair that both feel guilty about but cannot abandon. They meet secretly in corners of the mansion or in the garden house at the far end of the property (the glass house), while Adnan and other family members remain ever watchful. This forbidden affair carries a great deal of risk and stress for the lovers and can be exposed at any moment. Firdevs Hanım soon notices her daughter’s changed behavior and discovers Bihter and Behlül’s hidden relationship. Once a transgressor herself, Firdevs now, in her role as mother, tries to prevent the scandal, fearing this affair will destroy the family’s name and respect. She encourages Nihal to grow closer to Behlül, even arranging the preliminary steps for their engagement.

For a while, Behlül, to escape his guilt, pays attention to Nihal and even gets engaged to her. But his burning love for Bihter cannot be extinguished by such ploys, and their secret relationship continues. Finally, tensions reach a peak, and by fate—or perhaps bad luck—the secret of the forbidden love is uncovered. One of the home’s loyal servants named Beşir (an orphaned boy raised in the Ziyagil household who has fallen for Nihal) accidentally discovers evidence of Bihter and Behlül’s hidden affair. Because he both loves Nihal and is grateful to Mr. Adnan’s kindness, he cannot turn a blind eye to this betrayal. Quietly, he collects proof of their relationship, awaiting the right moment to expose the truth.

Revealing this secret leads to disaster and blows everyone’s life apart like a bomb. Betrayal, distrust, anger, and sorrow sweep over the Ziyagil family, and each character pays a heavy price for this forbidden love. The tragic fate at the end of the story, although not detailed here to avoid a complete spoiler, is faithful to Halit Ziya’s classic novel; just as the original novel had an unforgettable tragic outcome for the forbidden love. Overall, the story of “Aşk-ı Memnu” is filled with intense romantic moments, family strife, tears, smiles, and valuable lessons about the consequences of deception and betrayal. The series powerfully illustrates how a secret love can undermine a family’s foundation and drag everyone into a whirlpool of misery. Its gripping, unpredictable narrative holds the viewer’s attention to the very last moment, and the combination of brilliant performances, emotional music, and the aristocratic setting creates an unforgettable experience for the audience.

Interesting Facts and Highlights about the Series and Actors

Below are some lesser-known or interesting facts about the making of “Aşk-ı Memnu,” its actors, and behind-the-scenes points:

Adaptation of an old novel: The series is based on the famous novel “Aşk-ı Memnu” by Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil (a notable writer of the Ottoman period). This novel was published in 1899 and is more than a century old. Interestingly, the series’ tragic ending perfectly aligns with the ending of the novel written over 100 years ago. While the storyline has been modernized, it retains the core themes and moral message of the original novel.
A record-breaking production: “Aşk-ı Memnu” became the most-watched Turkish series at the time it was aired. Its final episode captivated nearly 27 million viewers, around 74% of Turkey’s television audience, a historic record. During the finale, the streets of Istanbul were empty because everyone was at home watching the fate of Bihter and Behlül. Such a massive reception cemented “Aşk-ı Memnu” in Turkish television history.
The Ziyagil Mansion location: The luxurious mansion where Adnan’s family lives is an actual historic location in Istanbul, situated in the Sariyer district (by the Bosphorus). It was originally the summer residence of one of Turkey’s famous industrial figures, Vehbi Koç. Now, this mansion is open to the public as the “Büyükdere House – Vehbi Koç” museum. The mansion’s beauty and grandeur, with its lavish halls and picturesque garden, provided an unforgettable setting for the series, and many fans visit the filming site during their trip to Istanbul.
Impactful music: The series’ soundtrack was composed by Toygar Işıklı, a renowned Turkish composer. The opening theme and the emotional instrumental pieces (such as the romantic theme for Bihter and Behlül) played a crucial role in conveying the atmosphere of the scenes. These melodies were so popular that the series’ music album was released multiple times, becoming a bestseller, and listening to it still evokes the show’s memories for fans.
A leap in the actors’ fame: Broadcasting “Aşk-ı Memnu” served as a major launching pad for its actors. Before this series, Beren Saat was relatively new, but by playing Bihter, she achieved international fame and later excelled in numerous leading roles. Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, who was already known in the Middle East from the series “Gümüş,” doubled his popularity with the role of Behlül and was dubbed “the golden star of Turkish series.” Hazal Kaya, in her role as Nihal, also had her first serious appearance and subsequently rose to stardom in other successful series. This series also brought veteran actors like Nebahat Çehre (as Bihter’s mother) back to prime fame; with her superb portrayal of an ambitious and strict mother, Nebahat Çehre became the benchmark for similar characters in later series.
Awards and honors: As mentioned, “Aşk-ı Memnu” won significant awards, including Best Drama Series at the 2009 Golden Butterfly Awards. Several TV magazines also named it the best melodrama of the year. The Bihter-Behlül couple was recognized as the most popular TV couple of those years, and many fans still consider them the most romantic couple in Turkish series.
International success and dubbings: After airing in Turkey, “Aşk-ı Memnu” was broadcast in dozens of countries worldwide and became the gateway for many global viewers to discover Turkish series. In the Middle East, with an Arabic dub titled “العشق الممنوع,” it achieved unbelievable popularity, so much so that the names “Samar and Mehnad” (the Arabic counterparts for Bihter and Behlül) were on everyone’s lips at the time. In Iran as well, the series was shown with a Persian dub (on GEM TV) or with subtitles, captivating many Iranian viewers with its story.
Besides airing, the story of “Aşk-ı Memnu” inspired the creation of local adaptations in other countries. For instance, Telemundo in the United States produced a Spanish-language series called “Pasion Prohibida” in 2013, adapted from the same story, and in Romania a series called “Fructul Oprit” (Forbidden Fruit) was produced based on it.
Presence in popular culture and cyberspace: The series’ memorable dialogues and scenes have been etched into the collective memory of Turkish society and even neighboring countries for years. For example, Adnan’s famous “Bihter! Bihter!” shout in the climactic moment has become one of the most iconic scenes on Turkish television, often recreated or referenced humorously or in tribute. Each year on the anniversary of the final episode (June 24), fans take to social media with hashtags like #Bihter to keep the character’s memory alive, jokingly posting condolence messages for her date of death. This fan tradition went so far that on the thirteenth anniversary of the series’ conclusion, someone named Bihter in a Turkish city held a lokma dessert charity event in memory of “the late Bihter Ziyagil,” which went viral online! Such reactions show how real and influential the characters and story of “Aşk-ı Memnu” have become in viewers’ minds.
A new movie adaptation: The enduring popularity of “Aşk-ı Memnu” led to a new film adaptation of this story in 2023. A movie entitled “Bihter,” co-directed by Caner Alper and Mehmet Binay, starring Farah Zeynep Abdullah as Bihter and Boran Kuzum as Behlül, was produced and released on Amazon Prime on November 16, 2023. This film is another attempt to recreate Halit Ziya’s forbidden love story for a new generation. Even so, many fans believe that no new adaptation can replace the brilliant 2008 series.

Controversies and Scandals Surrounding the Series

Despite its immense popularity, the “Aşk-ı Memnu” series did not avoid controversy, and during and after its broadcast, it provoked many reactions and controversial events:

Authorities’ criticism of daring content: The series drew the attention of Turkish regulatory bodies due to its portrayal of an unconventional romantic relationship (a young woman with her husband’s nephew) and the presence of explicit romantic scenes. The Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) fined the broadcasting network for one scene containing a sexual relationship. Also, the Turkish Minister of Women’s and Family Affairs at the time publicly criticized the series for having overly sensual scenes and being contrary to family values. However, these criticisms and fines did not diminish the series’ popularity; rather, they sparked even greater curiosity among the public to see the show’s controversial story.
Bans in some countries: The theme of infidelity and forbidden relationships in “Aşk-ı Memnu” led some conservative countries to initially object to broadcasting it. For example, in Pakistan, after a while, foreign series (including Turkish ones) were restricted from prime-time slots because authorities believed their romantic content was incompatible with local culture. In Iran, while the series did not air officially on national television, a Persian-dubbed version reached the public through satellite channels and the internet, sparking reactions from Iranian officials. In 2013, releasing a translated version of the “Aşk-ı Memnu” novel and a storybook of the series at the Tehran Book Fair made headlines, and even the then-Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance warned against publishing content related to this series. Nonetheless, the show’s popularity among Iranian families was such that these deterrent measures did little to reduce its audience.
Cultural and social reactions: The contentious story of the series, depicting betrayal in a wealthy family, led to numerous debates in social and media circles. Some believed that by showing the painful consequences of a family betrayal, the series ultimately imparts an important moral lesson, warning young people about the outcome of immoral relationships. In contrast, others argued that the series encourages licentiousness. Some conservative Turkish critics claimed that depicting an illicit relationship under one family’s roof damaged the sanctity of the Turkish family and should not have been shown on public media. It was even reported that a few traditional families in rural areas of Turkey forbade watching the series so as not to be negatively influenced. However, these few instances were negligible compared to the series’ vast fan base.
Rumors about the actors: As the series heated up, the personal lives of the cast came under media scrutiny. One rumor was about a real-life romantic relationship between Beren Saat and Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ (who played Bihter and Behlül), rumored among the audience during the show’s airing. Enthusiastic fans considered their extraordinary on-screen chemistry as evidence of genuine feelings. However, this gossip was never confirmed, and Beren Saat was, during that time, dating the famous singer Kenan Doğulu and later married him. Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ likewise continued his personal life apart from the show’s controversies.
Other rumors included a backstage dispute between Beren Saat and Nebahat Çehre, allegedly over wearing stylish clothes and attracting attention in the scenes. However, neither actor confirmed such news directly, and it mostly remained in the realm of tabloid speculation.
Rebroadcasts and reminiscing: Years after “Aşk-ı Memnu” ended, its repeated showings on Turkish TV and in other countries still enjoy warm reception. Every time the series is rebroadcast, a wave of nostalgia appears on social networks. Memorable lines from the series re-emerge in gatherings, and new viewers are attracted to its gripping plot. Many television critics believe “Aşk-ı Memnu” has become a classic on TV, one that each new generation of viewers can connect with. In other words, the passage of time has not diminished the series’ appeal and freshness.

Overall, the controversies surrounding “Aşk-ı Memnu” did not undermine its popularity; rather, they positioned the series even more prominently in the realm of popular culture. Today, nearly 15 years after its conclusion, “Aşk-ı Memnu” still reminds audiences of one of the most dramatic and influential melodramas on television, etched in viewers’ minds.