Güneşi Beklerken, a captivating Turkish drama, mesmerized audiences with its compelling storyline and talented cast. Directed by Altan Dönmez and produced by D Productions, the series aired on Kanal D from July 2, 2013, to July 27, 2014, for a total of 54 episodes. With its unique blend of youth and drama, Güneşi Beklerken left a lasting impact on viewers before concluding with its final episode.
During its broadcast period, Güneşi Beklerken captivated viewers with its engaging narrative. From July 2, 2013, to July 27, 2014, the series aired on Kanal D, captivating audiences for 54 episodes. The show underwent a shift in its airing schedule, moving from Tuesdays to Sundays starting from the 13th episode on September 22, 2013. Each episode had a runtime of 120 minutes, allowing the viewers to immerse themselves fully in the story.
Güneşi Beklerken was a one-season television series that involved continuous and dedicated efforts from the production team. The filming took place uninterruptedly from May 28, 2013, to July 13, 2014, spanning a total of 334 days. The team diligently completed each of the 54 episodes within a span of 6 days per episode. This tireless commitment ensured the seamless execution of the series, capturing the attention of the audience throughout its runtime.
The series revolves around the life of Zeynep, portrayed by the talented Hande Doğandemir, a beautiful high school student leading a modest and ordinary life with her mother, Demet, played by Ebru Aykaç, in a small town. Zeynep has grown up without knowing her father, who was reported to be a sailor lost at sea. However, her thoughts are always consumed by the memory of her absent father.
When Demet faces financial difficulties, she decides to move to Istanbul with Zeynep, hoping for a fresh start. Their childhood friend, Jale, played by Deniz Türker, extends a helping hand as they arrive in Istanbul. Jale, the director of Sayer College, one of Istanbul's renowned private schools, assists Zeynep in enrolling. Despite the steep tuition fees, Zeynep is granted a scholarship to attend the prestigious institution.
Zeynep finds herself facing numerous challenges in her new life. As she tries to adapt to her new surroundings in Istanbul, she also has to navigate the shallow and privileged world of her wealthy classmates. Kerem, portrayed by the charismatic Kerem Bürsin, reigns as the school's king. No one, not even the teachers, dares to challenge him. Handsome and arrogant, Kerem becomes a relentless bully towards Zeynep, doing everything in his power to force her out of the school. Little does he know that Zeynep is a resilient and determined girl who never gives up easily. Meanwhile, Melis (Yağmur Tanrısevsin), who is infatuated with Kerem, goes to great lengths to please him, unaware of his true nature. On the other hand, Barış (İsmail Ege Şaşmaz), Kerem's close friend and a brotherly figure to him, disapproves of Kerem's behavior towards Zeynep. Consequently, Barış starts helping Zeynep and remains by her side, ultimately leading to a romantic relationship between them. The complex dynamics among Zeynep, Kerem, Melis, Barış, and their friends Can and Yagmür further intensify the storyline.
As the story unfolds, a shocking revelation emerges that Cihan (Emre Kınay), the school's sports teacher, is Zeynep's biological father. This long-buried secret not only changes Zeynep's life but also has a profound impact on Melis, who happens to be Cihan's daughter as well. Melis finds it difficult to share her father with another girl and struggles with the newfound truth.
Güneşi Beklerken explores the themes of friendship, family relationships, and the challenges of modern university life. Will Kerem's bullying persist, or will he undergo a transformation? Can two individuals from different worlds find love in each other? What happens when Zeynep discovers that her father is alive and standing right in front of her? Will Zeynep find happiness in her new life?
The success of Güneşi Beklerken can be attributed to the exceptional performances of its talented cast. Here are some of the main characters and the actors who portrayed them:
Emre Kınay as Cihan Güzel
Hande Doğandemir as Zeynep Yılmaz/Güzel/Sayer
Kerem Bürsin as Kerem Sayer & Güneş Sayer
Yağmur Tanrısevsin as Melis Güzel
İsmail Ege Şaşmaz as Barış Erdoğan
Ebru Aykaç as Demet Yılmaz/Güzel
Gökçe Yanardağ as Tülin
Deniz Türker as Jale
Merve Hazer as Yağmur
Efecan Şenolsun as Can Demircioglu
Hasan Şahintürk as Ahmet Sayer
Simay Küçük Tuna as Sevim Sayer
Ece Dizdar as Melda
Ozan Osmanpaşaoğlu as Aksel Varol
Hale Akınlı as Behice
Nilay Deniz as Begüm Varol
Emre Törün as Mehmet Varol
Yiğit Özyer as Sedat Arslan
Each actor brought depth and authenticity to their respective characters, contributing to the overall success of the series.
This Turkish drama explored the themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by young individuals in their journey towards adulthood. The engaging narrative, supported by skilled performances, kept audiences eagerly awaiting each episode.
The success of Güneşi Beklerken can be attributed to its ability to strike a chord with viewers, delving into universal emotions and experiences. The complex dynamics between the characters, particularly Zeynep, Kerem, and Barış, showcased the power of friendship and resilience in overcoming obstacles.