Arka Sokaklar: Turkish TV Series - Genre, Characters, Cast, and Legacy

Berfin Ceren Meray
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'Arka Sokaklar' is a popular Turkish television series that has captivated audiences with its intriguing blend of police procedural, action, drama, and comedy. With its first episode airing on July 31, 2006, the show has become a remarkable presence in the Turkish television landscape. Led by an accomplished cast and skillful production teams, 'Arka Sokaklar' has marked its place as one of the longest-running weekly TV series in Turkish television history, spanning 18 seasons and a total of 638 episodes.

Genre and Production:

'Arka Sokaklar' is an enthralling blend of police procedural, action, drama, and comedy genres. The show has been produced by Erler Film from 2006 to 2022, followed by D Media from 2023 onwards. The series boasts the directorial prowess of Orhan Oğuz and features an accomplished writing team including Ozan Yurdakul, Sinan Yurdakul, and Metin Arslan, among others.

Longevity and Legacy:

One of the most remarkable aspects of 'Arka Sokaklar' is its impressive and uninterrupted run. With a total of 18 seasons and 638 episodes, the series stands as one of the most enduring and beloved Turkish TV shows. This longevity places it among the longest-running weekly TV series in the history of Turkish television, capturing the hearts of viewers over the years.

Plot and Setting:

Set within the Istanbul Police Department's Asayiş Şube Müdürlüğü (Public Order and Crime Prevention Department), 'Arka Sokaklar' offers a captivating narrative that delves into the lives and adventures of a specialized team of police officers. As they fulfill their duty, the team encounters a diverse array of human stories that range from heartwarming to heart-wrenching. The show provides a unique lens into the personal and professional lives of these officers, guided by the experienced and paternal Istanbul Police Chief Rıza Soylu, portrayed by Zafer Ergin.

Filming Locations:

The show's production has carefully selected filming locations to enhance its authenticity. For indoor scenes, the production often utilizes the Istanbul Emniyet Müdürlüğü (Istanbul Police Department) located on Vatan Caddesi in the Fatih district. Meanwhile, outdoor scenes are skillfully shot in various areas of Istanbul, including Beyoğlu, Şişli, Kadıköy, and Beykoz.

Challenges and Renewal:

The series faced a temporary halt in production due to the unfortunate hip bone fracture of producer Türker İnanoğlu. This led to a pause in filming for a duration of 45 days. Following the 638th episode, the show's future was uncertain. However, Kanal D stepped in, acquiring the broadcast rights and securing the show's continuity. With a new production company, D Media, on board, agreements were reached with key cast members such as Zafer Ergin, Özgür Ozan, İlker İnanoğlu, and Ozan Çobanoğlu to continue their roles. This transition solidified the show's future.

Main Characters and Cast:

The cast of 'Arka Sokaklar' comprises a diverse ensemble, each contributing to the show's dynamic narrative. The main characters include Rıza Soylu (Zafer Ergin), Hüsnü Çoban (Özgür Ozan), Engin Balkan (İlker İnanoğlu), Hakan Çınar (Ozan Çobanoğlu), Aylin Aydın (Özlem Çınar), Arif Sağlam (Can Başak), Arda Atik (Tunç Oğuz), Emre Gürbüz (Oğuz Peçe), Alper Gündüz (Ali Haydar Çataltepe), Kadir Korkmaz (Hasan Denizyaran), Ünal (Cansu Fırıncı), and Birce (Sinem Reyhan Kıroğlu), among others.

International Reception:

The impact of 'Arka Sokaklar' extends beyond Turkish borders, with international broadcasts in countries such as Northern Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Iraq.

Awards and Recognition:

The series has garnered multiple accolades, including the 2011 Antalya Televizyon Ödülleri (Antalya Television Awards) for Best Police Procedural Series, the 2016 MGD Altın Objektif Ödülleri (MGD Golden Objective Awards) for Special Achievement, and acknowledgment as the Best Police Procedural Series in the 2019 Engelsiz Yaşam Vakfı (Engelsiz Life Foundation) Awards. Furthermore, the show has been honored with the title of 'Yılın En Uzun Soluklu Televizyon Dizisi' (Longest-Running Television Series of the Year) in the Best of Year Awards.

'Arka Sokaklar' stands as a testament to its genre-blending narrative, enduring presence, and international resonance. The series continues to capture the hearts of viewers as it explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of its engaging characters within the backdrop of the Istanbul police force.