Baba Turkish Drama: A Deep Dive into Family, Fortune, and Conflict
The Turkish drama Baba (which means “Father”) first aired on Show TV in February 2022 — and from the very first episode, it pulled viewers into a story that felt raw, emotional, and heartbreakingly real.
Led by two incredible actors — Haluk Bilginer and Tolga Sarıtaş — the series looks at what happens when a simple, close-knit family suddenly finds itself drowning in money, power, and secrets.
It’s not just another family drama — Baba is a reminder of how fragile love, pride, and loyalty can become when life changes overnight.
The Premise: From Modesty to Madness
At the center of the story is the Saruhanli family, a proud, traditional household from a small town near Izmir. Their father, Emin Saruhanli, is a man of rules — strong, strict, and respected by everyone around him.
For years, the family lived quietly, guided by discipline and old-fashioned values.
But their world shatters when a shocking truth comes to light: Emin’s estranged brother — one of Turkey’s richest men — has died, leaving behind a massive inheritance and a powerful company in Istanbul.
Emin, suddenly thrust into the role of head of Saruhanli Holding, has no choice but to move his family from their simple town to the high-stakes, glittering chaos of Istanbul.
That’s where everything starts to fall apart.
The wealth they thought would save them begins to test their morals, their patience, and their love for each other.
The Characters Who Carry the Story
Emin Saruhanli (Haluk Bilginer)
He’s the heart — and the weight — of this story. Emin is a man who believes that family means control, that love must come with authority. But as the world around him changes, and his memory begins to fade due to early-onset Alzheimer’s, his grip on both his family and his identity begins to slip. Haluk Bilginer delivers this with quiet pain and power — a performance that feels almost too real.
Kadir Saruhanli (Tolga Sarıtaş)
Kadir, Emin’s youngest son, is a fighter — both literally and emotionally. Recently released from prison, he wants to protect his family, but he can’t escape the tension with his father. Tolga Sarıtaş brings a fierce vulnerability to Kadir, showing us a man torn between rebellion and responsibility.
Büşra Saruhanli (Özge Yağız)
Büşra starts off as innocent and sheltered, but her journey is one of strength. She transforms into an independent woman caught between love and family duty. Her complicated, emotional bond with İlhan Karaçam (Hakan Kurtaş) — a man both charming and dangerous — adds another emotional layer to the show.
İlhan Karaçam (Hakan Kurtaş)
He’s more than just a rival — he’s a man trying to balance his hunger for power with the pull of love. His connection with Büşra gives the story tenderness amidst all the chaos.
The Bigger Picture: What Baba Is Really About
Baba isn’t just about wealth and power — it’s about what happens to people when their lives change faster than their hearts can handle.
Family vs. Ambition:
Every character in Baba is tested — how far can you go for your dreams before you lose your family?
Wealth and Corruption:
The series shows how money can twist values and relationships. The more the Saruhanlis gain, the less they recognize themselves.
Tradition vs. Change:
Emin’s old-fashioned beliefs collide with his children’s modern reality — especially Kadir, who refuses to live by his father’s rules.
Redemption and Forgiveness:
Despite all the chaos, Baba still finds room for hope. It’s about second chances — for Kadir, for Emin, and for a family learning how to heal.
How Viewers Reacted
When Baba first aired, it became an instant hit.
The first season was praised for its originality, deep emotional storytelling, and powerful performances.
Viewers especially loved the intensity between Haluk Bilginer and Tolga Sarıtaş, and the unexpected chemistry between Hakan Kurtaş and Özge Yağız.
However, by the second season, the series divided its audience.
Some fans felt the story lost direction — that the drama became repetitive and chaotic.
Still, many stayed loyal, drawn by the sheer emotional weight and strong acting that Baba never failed to deliver.
Even with its ups and downs, Baba left a lasting mark — a story that made people feel, think, and reflect on their own families.
Why Baba Is Worth Watching
If you love stories about family, pride, and redemption, Baba is a must-watch.
It’s not perfect — few families are — but that’s exactly why it works.
It shows the beauty and pain of trying to hold a family together when life throws everything at you.
The performances are unforgettable, the emotions are real, and the themes hit close to home.
At its core, Baba is about what it means to be human — flawed, proud, loving, and lost.
It asks a question that stays with you long after the final episode:
“If life gave you everything you ever wanted, would you still recognize yourself?”
And that’s why Baba stands out — not just as a Turkish drama, but as a reflection of every family that’s ever tried to hold on to love in a world full of change.
