Hello, everyone! Hope you’re doing well. Today, I’m diving into the Turkish crime drama Eshref Ruya (Eşref Rüya), which debuted on Kanal D and is currently streaming on Prime Video. The series unfolds a captivating story of childhood romance, criminal syndicates, and perilous secrets that will keep you glued to the screen.
First aired on March 19, 2025, on Kanal D Turkey, this gripping drama is brought to life by Tims&B Productions under the direction of Uluç Bayraktar. The series features Çağatay Ulusoy as Eşref and Demet Özdemir as Nisan/Rüya, with Necip Memili and Tolga Tekin in supporting roles. With each episode running around 133 minutes, the show provides a cinematic storytelling experience that delves into the complex realms of love, crime, and redemption.
Set against the backdrop of modern-day Turkey, Eshref Ruya intricately intertwines themes of lost childhood affection, organized crime, and covert operations, crafting a narrative that’s both deeply personal and broadly dramatic. The series adeptly balances elements of romantic tension with the thrills of a crime drama, catering to fans of both genres while offering genuine Turkish drama storytelling.
Mafia King’s Forgotten Dream: Eşref’s Shadowy Path
The core of the story revolves around Eşref (played by Çağatay Ulusoy), a formidable mafia leader who established his criminal empire while searching for his childhood love, whom he referred to as “Rüya” (which means “dream” in Turkish). Eşref, orphaned early in life, was drawn into a world of crime yet never let go of the innocent affection that once defined his existence. His character embodies the tragic figure of a man whose quest for love led him down a perilous path of violence and authority.
Ulusoy portrays Eşref with a commanding presence, illustrating him as a ruthless mafia boss and a vulnerable romantic, tormented by memories of a pure love starkly contrasting his harsh present reality. The series delves into how his criminal actions were always driven by his fervent search for Rüya, rendering each violent act a distorted display of dedication.
Nisan/Rüya: The Musician with Hidden Dangers
Demet Özdemir infuses depth and complexity into her dual role as Nisan, an idealistic musician who becomes ensnared in Eşref’s world after performing at a wedding in his hotel. Unbeknownst to Eşref, Nisan is actually the grown-up Rüya he has been searching for all these years. To add another layer of risk, she is also working undercover as a police informant, gathering evidence against the man who cherishes her.
Özdemir’s portrayal captures the inner turmoil of a woman torn between several identities: the innocent girl from Eşref’s memories, the independent musician striving to survive, and the undercover agent risking everything for justice. Her chemistry with Ulusoy lays the emotional groundwork for the series, as viewers witness two people who seem destined for each other navigate through impossible situations.
Love Amidst Betrayal: The Ultimate Challenge
The series escalates to dramatic showdowns as Eşref’s criminal domain collides with Nisan’s covert mission. The central tension revolves around whether love can endure when built on deception, and if redemption is possible for someone who has committed heinous acts in the name of love. The series boldly explores the moral intricacies of both characters’ decisions.
Supporting characters, including Necip Memili and Tolga Tekin, enrich the criminal underworld and police operations, crafting a diverse ensemble that reflects varied perspectives on justice, loyalty, and survival. Their interactions with the main characters offer both hurdles and opportunities for the central romance to develop.
The Reckoning: Crime, Love, and Tough Decisions
The climactic episodes push Eşref towards a harsh confrontation with both his criminal empire and his feelings. As the truth about Nisan’s identity and her mission emerges, the series examines whether a love rooted in childhood purity can withstand adult betrayal and violence. The supporting cast plays significant roles in these final encounters, representing the myriad forces pulling Eşref and Nisan in opposite directions.
The series manages these explosive revelations with the dramatic intensity expected by Turkish audiences while preserving the emotional authenticity that renders the characters’ struggles genuine and impactful.
Success on Prime Video and Kanal D
Since its premiere on March 19, 2025, on Kanal D Turkey, Eshref Ruya has captivated audiences with its blend of crime drama and romantic tragedy. The show’s presence on Prime Video has broadened its international audience, introducing viewers worldwide to the compelling storytelling of Tims&B Productions and director Uluç Bayraktar. With each episode spanning approximately 133 minutes, the series offers production values and character development akin to feature films. The show has sparked significant discussions around themes of love versus justice, redemption versus revenge, and the cost of obsession, establishing itself as a standout Turkish drama of 2025.
If you’re a fan of crime dramas that mix intense romance with psychological depth and moral ambiguity, Eshref Ruya is the perfect series to binge on Prime Video.
A brilliantly crafted Turkish drama that examines how childhood love can both inspire and ruin, creating one of the most emotionally intricate crime stories on television.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: Ongoing (Weekly episodes)
- Platform: Prime Video (International), Kanal D (Turkey)
- Rating (IMDb): 7.8/10
- Genre: Crime Drama, Romance, Thriller
- Protagonists: Çağatay Ulusoy (Eşref), Demet Özdemir (Nisan/Rüya)
- Antagonist: The criminal underworld and conflicting loyalties