Director: Osman Nail Doğan
Cast: Deniz Baysal, Osman Sonant, Alper Saldıran, Saadet Işıl Aksoy, Meriç Rakalar
Ayse is a 2026 Turkish drama series directed by Osman Nail Doğan, telling the real story of a pioneering screenwriter who broke free from privilege to carve a place for herself in the male-dominated world of Turkish cinema, ultimately shaping its golden age from behind the scenes.
What is Ayse about?
Born into a comfortable, well-connected family, Ayse could have lived a quiet, conventional life. Instead, she turns her back on expectation and throws herself into the rough-and-tumble world of Turkish filmmaking at a time when women were rarely seen — let alone heard — behind the camera. Episode by episode, the series follows her climb through resistance, professional setbacks, and personal sacrifice, showing how a young woman with a stubborn creative vision slowly transforms the stories her country tells about itself. The series takes care not to romanticize the struggle; the industry she enters is competitive and dismissive, and the victories Ayse wins are hard-earned and credible.
Cast & crew
Lead actress Deniz Baysal anchors the series with a measured, emotionally grounded performance as Ayse, conveying determination without melodrama. Osman Sonant and Alper Saldıran appear in key supporting roles, while Saadet Işıl Aksoy, Meriç Rakalar, and Oktay Oy round out an ensemble that keeps the period world feeling lived-in and real.
Context & significance
Turkish television has built a massive audience among Persian-speaking viewers worldwide, and Ayse fits naturally into that tradition of character-driven historical dramas the diaspora has long embraced. The series offers something extra: a story about creative ambition and a woman refusing to be sidelined, themes that resonate deeply with Iranian viewers who know firsthand what it means to fight for space in a restrictive cultural landscape. Ayse is available with a full Persian dub, so you can follow every nuance in the language you live in, and Persian subtitles are also included for those who prefer the original Turkish audio.
Where & how to watch
Ayse is available now on K-Time with a full Persian dub and Persian subtitles. Watch on your web browser, TV, or phone with no VPN needed and no geo-blocking. Subscribe once, cancel anytime.