Midnight at the Pera Palace (Pera Palas’ta Gece Yarısı) is a Turkish mystery, historical drama, romance, and time-travel television series released on Netflix on March 3, 2022. Inspired by Charles King’s book Midnight at the Pera Palace: The Birth of Modern Istanbul, the series combines real historical events with a fascinating fictional story filled with suspense, adventure, and romance.
Set in Istanbul’s legendary Pera Palace Hotel, the drama follows a young journalist who accidentally travels back in time and becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy that could alter the future of modern Turkey. The series has gained international recognition for its unique storyline, strong performances, and stunning historical atmosphere.
TV Series Details
| Information | Details |
| English Title | Midnight at the Pera Palace |
| Original Title | Pera Palas’ta Gece Yarısı |
| Genre | Mystery, Historical Drama, Romance, Time Travel |
| Country | Turkey |
| Language | Turkish |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Production Company | Karga Seven Pictures |
| Directors | Emre Şahin, Nisan Dağ |
| Writer | Elif Usman |
| Based On | Midnight at the Pera Palace by Charles King |
| Premiere Date | March 3, 2022 |
| First Season Episodes | 8 |
| Filming Location | Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey |
Synopsis
Esra, a young journalist who grew up in an orphanage, is assigned to write an article about the famous Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul. During her research, she discovers a mysterious portal hidden within one of the hotel’s historic rooms. Accidentally stepping through the portal, Esra finds herself transported back to the year 1919, a critical period in Turkish history.
Soon, she becomes mistaken for a woman named Peride, who looks exactly like her. As Esra struggles to adapt to life in the past, she uncovers a dangerous conspiracy involving foreign agents and a plot that could change the future of Turkey. Together with Ahmet, the loyal manager of the Pera Palace Hotel, she must protect the course of history while searching for a way back home. Along the journey, Esra develops a complicated relationship with the charming yet mysterious Halit, making her mission even more challenging.
Main Cast
- Hazal Kaya as Esra / Peride
- Tansu Biçer as Ahmet
- Selahattin Paşalı as Halit
- James Chalmers as George
Additional Cast
- Engin Hepileri as Reşat
- Yasemin Szawlowski as Sonya
- Ahmet Varlı as Dimitri
- Nergis Öztürk as Eleni
- Osman Albayrak as Naim Efendi
- Ergün Metin as Fahrettin
- Hakan Dinçkol as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
- Clare Louise Frost as Agatha Christie
- Güven Murat Akpınar
- Nezaket Erden
- Tülin Özen
- Erol Babaoğlu
Character Details
Esra / Peride (Hazal Kaya)
Esra is an ambitious young journalist fascinated by history and mystery. After discovering the secret time portal within the Pera Palace Hotel, she becomes trapped in 1919 and is mistaken for Peride, a woman who shares her appearance. Esra’s determination, intelligence, and courage help her navigate the dangers of the past while protecting the future.
Ahmet (Tansu Biçer)
Ahmet is the dedicated manager of the Pera Palace Hotel and the guardian of its secrets. He understands the dangers of time travel and becomes Esra’s most trusted ally. Throughout the series, he helps her survive the challenges of the past and preserve the timeline.
Halit (Selahattin Paşalı)
Halit is a charismatic and mysterious nightclub owner whose true intentions remain unclear for much of the story. His charm and unpredictable nature draw Esra closer, creating both romance and conflict as secrets about his past emerge.
George (James Chalmers)
George is a British officer involved in a conspiracy that threatens the future of Turkey. As one of the main antagonists, he plays a crucial role in the political intrigue surrounding Esra’s journey.
Reşat (Engin Hepileri)
Reşat is a police officer living in 1919 Istanbul. Deeply connected to the unfolding events, he becomes an important figure in the struggle to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy.
Sonya (Yasemin Szawlowski)
Sonya is one of the key figures surrounding the mysteries of the Pera Palace and contributes to the complex web of secrets, loyalties, and betrayals that drive the story forward.
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Midnight at the Pera Palace (Pera Palas’ta Gece Yarısı) offers a captivating blend of historical drama, mystery, romance, and time-travel adventure. With its unique setting in Istanbul’s iconic Pera Palace Hotel, the series successfully combines real historical events with an imaginative fictional narrative. Strong performances from Hazal Kaya, Tansu Biçer, and Selahattin Paşalı, along with intriguing mysteries and emotional storytelling, make the series a must-watch for fans of historical fantasy and suspense dramas. Its exploration of fate, identity, and the consequences of changing history creates an unforgettable viewing experience that continues to attract audiences worldwide.