The first behind-the-scenes photo of Cihangir Ceyhan and Burcu Özberk from the set of Anne Yarısı has sparked even greater anticipation for this highly awaited new series on NOW.
Produced by NTC Medya and brought to life under the supervision of producer Mehmet Yiğit Alp, the show marks the first time Ceyhan and Özberk take center stage together. Ceyhan stars as Ali Altay, while Burcu Özberk plays Zeynep, an optimistic teacher whose life takes a dramatic turn following a heartbreaking family tragedy.
The title Anne Yarısı is inspired by a Turkish proverb, “teyze anne yarısıdır,” which translates to “an aunt is half a mother.” This saying perfectly encapsulates the emotional core of the story, focusing on Zeynep and her niece Ege.
Sources indicate that the series kicks off in Germany with an incident set to change multiple lives. Zeynep loses her sister Zeren and then becomes the guardian of her young niece, Ege. She eventually takes the girl to Cappadocia, where she becomes embroiled in a significant conflict involving the powerful Altay family.
Ceyhan’s character, Ali Altay, hails from the prominent Altay family based in Cappadocia. Having suffered his own profound loss, Ali is eventually reunited with his daughter after years apart. Raised by her aunt Zeynep, Ege’s reunion with her father sets off a complex web of emotional and familial conflicts.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Esra Dermancıoğlu plays Meryem, while Selen Uçer portrays Altın. Fatih Gühan joins as Kadir. Merve Şen appears as Sibel, Yeliz Korkmaz as Nazlı, and Dilşah Demir joins as Fidan, Ali’s sister. Cansu Fırıncı plays the role of Fidan’s husband, Asım.
The series features young actress Melisa Duru Ünal as Ege, the central child of the story. Other cast members include Umut Kaplıca as Osman, Kadir’s son, with Berkay Akdemir, Mert Denizmen, Deniz Gürkan, Abdurrahman Yunusoğlu, Ürüncan Keskin, Selin Dumlugöl, and Ali Tarık Fındık also part of the ensemble.
Directed by Semih Bağcı, the screenplay is penned by Melis Civelek, Zeynep Gür, and Merve Göntem—writers also recognized for their work on Kızılcık Şerbeti, adding further excitement to the project.
Promotion for the series highlights the emotional and familial themes, emphasizing secrets, loss, and the ongoing conflicts in Cappadocia’s picturesque landscape. Turkish reports note that filming began on August 1st, initially taking place in İzmir before shifting to Cappadocia. The cast reportedly held their script readings in late July, signaling the start of production.
With the release of the first images of Cihangir Ceyhan and Burcu Özberk on set, expectations are soaring for their on-screen chemistry. The combination of a heartfelt family story, a robust cast, and the unique Cappadocia setting has already made Anne Yarısı one of the most anticipated Turkish dramas set for the 2026–27 season.
