Ethos (Bir Başkadır) is a critically acclaimed Turkish drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2020. Created by Berkun Oya, the series explores the lives of people from different social, cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds in Istanbul. Through its realistic storytelling and complex characters, Ethos examines identity, prejudice, mental health, and human relationships while offering a powerful portrayal of modern Turkish society.
TV Series Details
| Details | Information |
| Original Title | Bir Başkadır |
| English Title | Ethos |
| Genre | Drama |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Episode Duration | 45–60 Minutes |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release Date | November 12, 2020 |
| Production Company | Krek Film |
| Director | Berkun Oya |
| Writer | Berkun Oya |
| Filming Location | Istanbul, Turkey |
Synopsis
Ethos (Bir Başkadır) follows Meryem, a young woman from a conservative family living on the outskirts of Istanbul. She works as a cleaning lady and leads a modest life while supporting her family. When she begins experiencing unexplained fainting spells, medical tests reveal no physical cause, and she is encouraged to seek psychiatric help.
Meryem starts therapy with Peri, a wealthy, highly educated psychiatrist whose lifestyle and beliefs are completely different from her own. As their relationship develops, both women are forced to confront their assumptions and prejudices. At the same time, the lives of several interconnected characters unfold, including family members, therapists, religious figures, and individuals struggling with personal trauma.
The series presents a thoughtful exploration of social divisions, cultural identity, religion, mental health, and personal healing. Through its diverse characters, Ethos highlights the complexity and diversity of Turkish society.
Main Cast
| Actor | Character |
| Öykü Karayel | Meryem |
| Fatih Artman | Yasin |
| Funda Eryiğit | Ruhiye |
| Defne Kayalar | Peri |
| Settar Tanrıöğen | Ali Sadi Hoca |
| Tülin Özen | Gülbin |
| Derya Karadaş | Gülan |
| Alican Yücesoy | Sinan |
| Bige Önal | Hayrunnisa |
Additional Cast
| Actor | Character |
| Öner Erkan | Rezan |
| Nesrin Cavadzade | Melisa |
| Gökhan Yıkılkan | Hilmi |
| Gülçin Kültür Şahin | Mesude |
| Esme Madra | Burcu |
| Nazmi Kırık | Civan |
| Nur Sürer | Feray |
| Taner Birsel | Orhan |
| Nihal Koldaş | Sinan’s Mother |
| Sinan Tuzcu | Soap Opera Actor |
| Özge Özel | Canan |
| Aziz Çapkurt | Ramazan |
| Cemre Zisan Sağbir | Esma |
| Göktuğ Yıldırım | İsmail |
Characters Details
Meryem (Öykü Karayel)
Meryem is a kind-hearted young woman from a conservative family. She works as a cleaning lady and becomes the central character of the story after seeking psychiatric treatment for her fainting spells. Her journey reveals the emotional and social challenges she faces in her daily life.
Peri (Defne Kayalar)
Peri is a wealthy and secular psychiatrist who treats Meryem. Although she is a professional therapist, she struggles with her own prejudices toward religious and conservative people. Her interactions with Meryem force her to examine her beliefs and biases.
Yasin (Fatih Artman)
Yasin is Meryem’s brother. He is protective of his family and tries to maintain order in his household while dealing with personal frustrations and responsibilities.
Ruhiye (Funda Eryiğit)
Ruhiye is Yasin’s wife and Meryem’s sister-in-law. She suffers from deep emotional trauma and rarely speaks. Her painful past and struggle with mental health form one of the most emotional storylines in the series.
Gülbin (Tülin Özen)
Gülbin is a therapist and Peri’s friend. She helps Peri understand her biases while also dealing with challenges related to her Kurdish identity and family relationships.
Ali Sadi Hoca (Settar Tanrıöğen)
Ali Sadi Hoca is a respected religious leader who provides spiritual guidance to many people in his community. His character represents the importance of faith and tradition in the lives of others.
Sinan (Alican Yücesoy)
Sinan is a wealthy and emotionally distant man who struggles with loneliness and personal dissatisfaction. His life becomes connected with several other characters throughout the series.
Hayrunnisa (Bige Önal)
Hayrunnisa is the daughter of Ali Sadi Hoca. Despite growing up in a conservative environment, she dreams of a different future and faces challenges balancing her personal desires with family expectations.
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Ethos (Bir Başkadır) is a remarkable Turkish drama that offers a deep and realistic look at the diverse social and cultural landscape of Turkey. Through its interconnected characters and emotionally powerful stories, the series explores themes of identity, prejudice, religion, mental health, and human connection. Praised by critics and viewers for its authentic storytelling and outstanding performances, Ethos has become one of Netflix’s most acclaimed Turkish productions and remains a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking drama.