Aile (The Family): A Deep Dive into Show TV's Crime Drama Phenomenon
Introduction
"Aile" (The Family), which concluded its run on January 30, 2024, after 30 gripping episodes, stands as one of Turkey's most compelling crime dramas in recent years. Premiering on March 7, 2023, on Show TV, this Ay Yapım production masterfully blended elements of drama, action, and romance while exploring the complex dynamics of family ties within Istanbul's criminal underworld. With acclaimed director Ahmet Katıksız at the helm and a screenplay by Hakan Bonomo, the series managed to capture the Turkish audience's imagination through its sophisticated storytelling and top-tier performances from some of the country's most celebrated actors.
Star-Studded Cast and Character Dynamics
At the center of "Aile" is Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, one of Turkey's most internationally recognized actors, portraying Aslan Soykan—the charismatic and calculating leader of the formidable Soykan crime family. Tatlıtuğ, known globally for his roles in series like "Aşk-ı Memnu" (Forbidden Love) and "Cesur ve Güzel" (Brave and Beautiful), brought a multi-dimensional quality to Aslan, balancing ruthlessness with vulnerability in a performance that critics widely praised.
Opposite Tatlıtuğ is Serenay Sarıkaya as Devin Akın, a principled psychologist whose professional ethics and personal values are challenged when her path crosses with Aslan's. Sarıkaya, who rose to prominence with "Medcezir" (Turkey's adaptation of "The O.C."), portrayed Devin with a nuanced combination of strength and emotional depth. The chemistry between Tatlıtuğ and Sarıkaya became one of the series' most talked-about elements, marking their first on-screen collaboration since working together in advertising campaigns years prior.
The supporting cast features some of Turkey's most respected actors, with Nejat İşler delivering a particularly memorable performance as Cihan Soykan, Aslan's volatile older brother whose unpredictability constantly threatens the family's stability. Canan Ergüder's portrayal of Leyla Soykan, the family's sophisticated but morally compromised lawyer, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.
The Soykan family matriarch, Seher, played by veteran actress Emel Göksu, represents the old guard of the criminal dynasty, while Ayda Aksel as Nedret Soykan (Aslan's aunt) embodies the family's dangerous political connections. The younger generation of the family is represented by Ushan Çakır as İbrahim, Meriç Aral as Cemre, and Emir Benderlioğlu as Kadir, each carrying their own ambitions and resentments that complicate the family's operations.
Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan, a fixture in quality Turkish productions, rounds out the cast as Celal, a longtime family associate whose loyalty becomes increasingly questionable as the series progresses.
Plot and Narrative Development
"Aile" begins with Aslan Soykan attempting to legitimize portions of his family's criminal empire while maintaining their dominance in Istanbul's underworld. His carefully orchestrated plans are disrupted when circumstances force him to seek psychological counseling from Devin Akın following a traumatic incident. Their initial professional relationship quickly evolves into mutual fascination, despite the moral chasm separating their worlds.
The narrative skillfully balances several interconnected storylines: Aslan's growing relationship with Devin and his struggle to protect her from his dangerous lifestyle; internal power struggles within the Soykan family as brothers Cihan and Aslan clash over business decisions; external threats from rival criminal organizations; and corruption investigations that threaten the family's political connections.
As the series progresses, it explores how Devin's presence fundamentally changes the dynamics within the Soykan family. Her outsider perspective forces family members to confront the moral implications of their actions, particularly Aslan, who begins questioning the legacy he has inherited. This internal conflict forms the emotional core of the series, elevating it beyond typical crime drama fare.
The show's writers demonstrate particular skill in creating morally complex scenarios where characters must choose between family loyalty, personal desires, and ethical principles. The 30-episode format allows for substantial character development, with even secondary characters receiving meaningful arcs that contribute to the overarching narrative.
Production Values and Visual Style
Under Ahmet Katıksız's direction, "Aile" developed a distinctive visual identity that sets it apart from other Turkish dramas. The series employs a moody, atmospheric cinematography that emphasizes Istanbul's duality—contrasting the opulent mansions along the Bosphorus where the Soykans reside with the gritty neighborhoods where their criminal activities take place.
Ay Yapım, known for producing some of Turkey's most internationally successful series including "Ezel," "Medcezir," and "İçerde" (Inside), maintained their reputation for high production values. The series features impressively choreographed action sequences, elegant set designs, and a memorable musical score that enhances the emotional impact of key scenes.
The costume design deserves particular mention, with each character's wardrobe reflecting their position within the family hierarchy and personal evolution throughout the narrative. Aslan's impeccably tailored suits serve as armor in his professional life, while Devin's wardrobe subtly evolves as she becomes more entangled with the Soykan world.
Themes and Cultural Impact
"Aile" explores several recurring themes that resonated deeply with Turkish audiences. The concept of "family above all" is constantly questioned, particularly as characters discover that blind loyalty to family can lead to moral corruption. The series also examines how trauma and childhood experiences shape adult behavior, with several characters' actions explained through carefully revealed backstories.
The relationship between crime and legitimate business in contemporary Turkey forms another important thematic thread, reflecting real social concerns about corruption and economic power. Through its narrative, "Aile" implicitly questions whether true redemption is possible for those deeply embedded in criminal enterprises.
The series generated substantial cultural conversation in Turkey, particularly regarding its portrayal of powerful women within traditionally patriarchal structures. Characters like Leyla and Nedret demonstrate how women can wield considerable influence within criminal organizations, though the series is careful not to glamorize their morally compromised positions.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Critical response to "Aile" was largely positive, with particular praise directed at the performances of the lead actors and the sophisticated writing. The series consistently maintained strong ratings during its run, performing especially well in the crucial 18-49 demographic. Its relatively short run of 30 episodes (compared to some Turkish dramas that extend beyond 100 episodes) allowed it to maintain narrative tightness and avoid the repetition that sometimes plagues longer series.
Internationally, "Aile" has been sold to several territories, continuing the global success of Turkish dramatic content. The series' focus on universal themes of family, love, and moral compromise, combined with its stylish production values, makes it particularly attractive to international distributors.
As "Aile" concluded its run in January 2024, it left behind a legacy as a thoughtfully crafted exploration of how family ties can both sustain and destroy individuals caught in impossible situations. For Turkish television, it represents another example of the industry's capacity to produce complex, character-driven narratives that can compete with global content in terms of quality and emotional resonance.