Once Upon A Time in Cyprus (Bir Zamanlar Kıbrıs) is a Turkish historical drama series that premiered on TRT 1 in 2021. Inspired by real historical events, the series depicts the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of Turkish Cypriots during one of the most turbulent periods in Cyprus’s history. Combining family drama, romance, political conflict, and action, the series follows ordinary people whose lives are forever changed by violence and unrest on the island.
TV Series Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Original Title | Bir Zamanlar Kıbrıs |
| English Title | Once Upon A Time in Cyprus |
| Alternative Title | Kıbrıs: Zafere Doğru |
| Genre | Historical, Drama, Action |
| Broadcast Network | TRT 1 |
| Broadcast Period | April 1, 2021 – February 4, 2022 |
| Seasons | 2 |
| Episodes | 24 |
| Production Company | TMC Film |
| Director | Hakan İnan |
| Screenwriters | Emre Özdür, Başar Başaran |
| Filming Location | Northern Cyprus (Gazimağusa/Famagusta) |
Synopsis
The story begins in Cyprus in 1963, when Turkish and Greek Cypriots are living side by side. Kemal Dereli, a successful gum merchant, enjoys a peaceful life with his family. However, their lives are shattered when violence erupts across the island during a period known as “Bloody Christmas.” Like many Turkish Cypriot families, the Derelis are forced to leave their homes and struggle for survival amid the growing conflict.
As thousands of Turkish Cypriots seek refuge, Kemal emerges as a leader who helps guide and protect displaced families. At the same time, the Turkish government sends a secret intelligence officer known as Ankaralı to Cyprus. Working undercover, he gathers information, supports local resistance efforts, and fights against threats facing the Turkish Cypriot community.
While the island is consumed by political turmoil and violence, personal stories of love, sacrifice, and courage unfold. Ankaralı’s relationship with his fiancée, Dr. Ayşe İnan, faces constant challenges due to his dangerous mission. As the conflict intensifies, the destinies of the Dereli family and Ankaralı become closely connected in a struggle for survival and hope.
Main Cast
| Actor | Character |
| Ahmet Kural | Kemal Dereli |
| Serkan Çayoğlu | Ankaralı (Ali İhsan Cenkeri / Bereli) |
| Pelin Karahan | İnci Dereli |
| Gülper Özdemir | Dr. Ayşe İnan |
| Tayanç Ayaydın | Nikos Samson |
| Devrim Saltoğlu | Rauf Denktaş |
Supporting Cast
| Actor | Character |
| Hasan Küçükçetin | Derviş |
| Miray Akay | Pembe Dereli |
| Deniz Baytaş | Sıtkıye Dereli |
| Ahmet Mark Somers | Salahi Dereli |
| Sümeyra Koç | Sandy |
| Hakan Güner | Dr. Fazıl Küçük |
| Nebil Sayın | Georgios Grivas |
| Emre Törün | Makarios |
| Şanlı Baykent | Şef Tekin |
| Ömer Turan | Bekir |
| Umut Avcı | Hamit |
| Bade Arazlı | Mine Dereli |
Character Details
Kemal Dereli (Ahmet Kural)
Kemal is a hardworking gum merchant and devoted family man. When violence spreads across Cyprus, he becomes a symbol of strength and leadership, helping countless displaced Turkish Cypriots survive the crisis. His determination to protect his family drives much of the story.
Ankaralı / Ali İhsan Cenkeri (Serkan Çayoğlu)
Ankaralı is a highly skilled Turkish intelligence officer sent to Cyprus on a secret mission. Operating under a false identity, he works behind the scenes to gather intelligence and protect Turkish Cypriots. His bravery and strategic thinking make him one of the series’ most important characters.
İnci Dereli (Pelin Karahan)
İnci is Kemal’s loyal wife and the emotional center of the Dereli family. Despite the dangers surrounding them, she remains devoted to her family and supports them through difficult times.
Dr. Ayşe İnan (Gülper Özdemir)
Ayşe is a compassionate doctor and Ankaralı’s fiancée. She struggles with the uncertainty of his dangerous assignment while continuing to care for those affected by the conflict. Her love and resilience help her endure the challenges she faces.
Nikos Samson (Tayanç Ayaydın)
Nikos Samson serves as one of the primary antagonists in the series. His actions contribute to the escalating conflict on the island, creating obstacles for the Turkish Cypriot community and the main characters.
Rauf Denktaş (Devrim Saltoğlu)
Based on the historical political leader, Rauf Denktaş plays a significant role in representing and defending the interests of Turkish Cypriots during a critical period in Cyprus’s history.
Derviş (Hasan Küçükçetin)
Derviş is a trusted ally who supports the resistance efforts and helps protect those affected by the violence. His loyalty and courage make him a valuable member of the community.
Pembe Dereli (Miray Akay)
Pembe is Kemal and İnci’s daughter. Growing up during a period of conflict, she experiences the emotional and personal challenges that come with displacement and uncertainty.
Read: Time of Departure (Goc Zamani) TV Series.
Once Upon A Time in Cyprus (Bir Zamanlar Kıbrıs) is a powerful historical drama that combines real historical events with compelling fictional storytelling. Through the experiences of the Dereli family, Ankaralı, and other memorable characters, the series explores themes of courage, sacrifice, patriotism, love, and survival. With strong performances, emotional storytelling, and a rich historical backdrop, the drama offers an engaging portrayal of a significant chapter in Cyprus’s history.