The Cast of Netflix’s ‘Ethos’ (with Pictures)

Created, written, and directed by Berkun Oya, the acclaimed Turkish drama series ‘Ethos’ explores the complex social, cultural, and psychological dynamics shaping contemporary Istanbul. The narrative connects individuals from starkly different socio-economic and ideological backgrounds through serendipitous meetings and therapy sessions.

Returning to deepen its examination of Istanbul’s intersecting lives, the production continues to explore the internal conflicts and emotional landscapes of its characters. The ensemble brings together a distinguished group of Turkish stage, television, and film performers who portray these intricate character studies.

Öykü Karayel

Öykü Karayel stars as Meryem, a young, devout Muslim woman living on the outskirts of Istanbul who works as a domestic cleaner. After experiencing repeated and unexplained fainting spells, she begins attending psychotherapy sessions that set the overarching narrative of ‘Ethos’ in motion. Her character serves as the central bridge connecting diverse social circles across the metropolis, from conservative suburban enclaves to affluent secular residences. Karayel’s extensive screen credits also include leading roles in popular Turkish television productions such as ‘Kuzey Güney’ and ‘Kara Para Aşk’.

Fatih Artman

Fatih Artman portrays Yasin, Meryem’s protective and quick-tempered older brother who works as a nightclub security bouncer. A former soldier dealing with financial hardship, Yasin struggles to communicate with his family while caring for two young children and an emotionally distant spouse. His storylines in ‘Ethos’ explore the psychological burdens of traditional masculinity and familial duty in modern Turkish society. Artman previously gained widespread recognition for his breakout role in the long-running crime series ‘Behzat Ç. Bir Ankara Polisiyesi’ and has frequently collaborated with creator Berkun Oya.

Funda Eryiğit

Funda Eryiğit plays Ruhiye, Yasin’s deeply depressed wife who lives in a prolonged state of emotional withdrawal. Her psychological distress is rooted in severe past trauma experienced in her ancestral village prior to her marriage in Istanbul. Over the course of ‘Ethos’, Ruhiye embarks on an agonizing personal journey back to her hometown to confront the lingering unresolved grief of her youth. Eryiğit is a veteran stage and screen actress known for her roles in notable television dramas such as ‘Karadayı’ and ‘Son Yaz’.

Defne Kayalar

Defne Kayalar portrays Peri, an educated, secular psychiatrist from an affluent background who treats Meryem following her fainting episodes. Despite her professional training, Peri discovers her own unconscious biases and discomfort when interacting with conservative, headscarf-wearing patients. She regularly visits her own therapist colleague to dissect these deeply ingrained prejudices and navigate personal loneliness. Outside of ‘Ethos’, Kayalar has appeared in prominent Turkish television series such as ‘Medcezir’ and the streaming drama ‘Kuş Uçuşu’.

Tülin Özen

Tülin Özen plays Gülbin, Peri’s trusted colleague and therapist supervisor who serves as an intellectual confidante during clinical consultations. Outside of her practice, Gülbin faces intense familial strain caused by ideological clashes with her conservative sister over politics and religion. She also maintains an emotionally detached, casual relationship with Sinan that complicates her private life. Özen is an accomplished Turkish actress who achieved international acclaim for her performance in the award-winning feature film ‘Bal’ and has starred in series like ‘Ufak Tefek Cinayetler’.

Alican Yücesoy

Alican Yücesoy portrays Sinan, a wealthy bachelor living in a minimalist Istanbul penthouse where Meryem is employed as a cleaner. Sinan maintains an unattached lifestyle characterized by superficial social interactions and casual romantic encounters, including a regular involvement with Gülbin. Despite his economic privilege and modern comforts, he experiences deep existential emptiness, loneliness, and emotional numbness. Yücesoy has built an extensive portfolio across theatre, television, and film, including prominent roles in series such as ‘Kördüğüm’ and ‘Menajerimi Ara’.

Nur Sürer

Nur Sürer appears as Feray, Peri’s affluent, secular mother whose worldview embodies the older generation of Turkey’s Westernized elite. Living in a secluded residential compound, Feray struggles to cope with the declining health and eventual passing of her long-time partner. Her tense domestic dynamic with Peri highlights the generational origins of her daughter’s rigid cultural perspectives. Sürer is a revered figure in Turkish cinema with a career spanning over four decades, having starred in acclaimed classics such as ‘Uçurtmayı Vurmasınlar’ and the drama series ‘Camdaki Kız’.

Bige Önal

Bige Önal plays Hayrünnisa, the educated and independent daughter of Ali Sadi, the neighborhood’s respected Islamic hodja. While maintaining respect for her traditional family household, Hayrünnisa secretly embraces electronic club music and explores her identity away from conservative community oversight. Following a profound personal bereavement, she takes decisive steps to pursue higher education and assert her own autonomy. Önal has earned prominent roles in several major Turkish productions, including the romantic comedy series ‘Sen Çal Kapımı’ and the fantasy drama ‘Hakan: Muhafız’.

Settar Tanrıöğen

Settar Tanrıöğen portrays Ali Sadi, the neighborhood’s devout spiritual leader whom local residents frequently consult for religious and ethical advice. Subverting conventional stereotypes of dogmatic clerics, Ali Sadi is depicted as a gentle, soft-spoken, and compassionate father who quietly tends to his garden. He navigates his own deep sorrow following the terminal illness of his wife while maintaining unconditional love for his daughter Hayrünnisa. Tanrıöğen is a celebrated Turkish character actor renowned for classic films such as ‘Eşkıya’ and ‘Vavien’, as well as the television series ‘Kızılcık Şerbeti’.

Onur Saylak

Onur Saylak is a prominent Turkish actor and filmmaker who joins the narrative ensemble of ‘Ethos’. Beyond his work in front of the camera, Saylak has achieved substantial critical success as a director, helming the award-winning feature ‘Daha’ and the acclaimed miniseries ‘Şahsiyet’. His acting filmography features commanding performances in major television dramas, including ‘Hatırla Gönül’ and ‘Çukur’. His addition to Berkun Oya’s production unites two of the most distinguished creative figures in contemporary Turkish storytelling.

Berkun Oya

Berkun Oya is the creator, sole writer, and director of ‘Ethos’, who also appears on screen as part of the performing cast. He originally established a significant reputation as an innovative playwright and the founder of the Istanbul theatre collective KREK. His screen storytelling is characterized by deliberate pacing, uninterrupted long takes, and a meticulous deconstruction of socio-political polarization in Turkey. Oya’s cinematic catalog as a filmmaker and screenwriter also includes the acclaimed feature film ‘Cici’ and the drama series ‘Masum’.

Cihat Süvarioğlu

Cihat Süvarioğlu is an accomplished Turkish actor who joins the expanded ensemble cast of ‘Ethos’. He gained widespread public popularity for his leading portrayal of Ramazan in the long-running television series ‘Gönül Dağı’. Süvarioğlu previously worked with director Berkun Oya on the surreal original comedy-drama miniseries ‘Kuvvetli Bir Alkış’. His formal background in classical theatre provides him with versatile comic timing and dramatic range across diverse screen genres.

Gökhan Yıkılkan

Gökhan Yıkılkan portrays Hilmi, a neighborhood resident whose daily paths continually intersect with Meryem in their local suburban community. Hilmi is an eccentric, introspective thinker who frequently recites philosophical maxims and spiritual reflections during casual grocery shop conversations. He develops a subtle, respectful romantic interest in Meryem while wrestling with his own personal direction and existential questions. Yıkılkan has built a diverse screen career in Turkey, featuring in the comedy film franchise ‘Hep Yek’ and various independent drama projects.

Oğulcan Arman Uslu

Oğulcan Arman Uslu is a recognized Turkish stage and screen actor who enters the narrative universe of ‘Ethos’. He earned widespread critical acclaim and international film festival honors for his leading role in the feature film ‘Görülmüştür’. Uslu has honed his craft through numerous contemporary theatre productions, earning a reputation for disciplined and nuanced character work. His casting continues creator Berkun Oya’s tradition of recruiting distinguished independent theatre talent for complex ensemble drama.

Eda Akalın

Eda Akalın is an emerging Turkish actress and performer who joins the ensemble of ‘Ethos’. She has steadily established her presence across independent stage plays and digital productions in Turkey’s performing arts landscape. Her addition to the roster broadens the network of interpersonal encounters that drive the continuation of the drama. Akalın’s involvement reflects the production’s continued commitment to spotlighting promising new dramatic talent alongside veteran performers.

Share your thoughts on which storylines and character returns you are most looking forward to following in ‘Ethos’ in the comments.