Baba Turkish Drama: A Deep Story of Family, Power, and Change
The Turkish drama Baba (which means “Father”) first aired on Show TV in February 2022.
Starring Haluk Bilginer and Tolga Sarıtaş, it tells the story of how a simple, traditional family’s life changes completely after they suddenly become rich — and how that wealth tests everything they believe in.
It’s a drama filled with emotion, conflict, and questions about love, loyalty, and what really matters in life.
The Story: From Simple Life to a Complicated World
The series focuses on the Saruhanli family, who live a modest, disciplined life in a small town near İzmir.
Their father, Emin Saruhanli, is a strict but respected man who values honesty, tradition, and control.
One day, everything changes.
Emin’s estranged brother — one of the richest men in Turkey — dies unexpectedly.
Emin inherits his entire fortune and business empire, forcing the family to move from their quiet hometown to the busy, glamorous city of Istanbul.
At first, it seems like a dream — but soon it becomes clear that money brings more problems than peace.
The family struggles to adapt to their new lifestyle, and the unity that once held them together begins to fall apart.
Main Characters
Emin Saruhanli (Haluk Bilginer)
Emin is the father and head of the family. He’s strong, proud, and deeply traditional. But in the world of business and luxury, his authority starts to weaken. His hidden battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease makes his journey even more emotional, as he tries to hold his family together while slowly losing control of his memory.
Kadir Saruhanli (Tolga Sarıtaş)
Emin’s youngest son, Kadir, has just been released from prison. He’s brave, emotional, and often clashes with his father’s strict rules. Kadir tries to protect his family from the dangers that come with wealth, even when it means standing up against his own father.
Büşra Saruhanli (Özge Yağız)
Emin’s daughter, Büşra, starts off as quiet and innocent. Over time, she grows into a strong, independent woman. Her emotional and complicated relationship with İlhan Karaçam (Hakan Kurtaş) — a powerful rival of the family — becomes one of the most loved parts of the show.
İlhan Karaçam (Hakan Kurtaş)
İlhan is charming but dangerous. He’s connected to the family’s business world, and his bond with Büşra blurs the line between love and manipulation. His character adds both romance and tension to the series.
Main Themes in Baba
Family and Loyalty:
The series shows how love and loyalty can be tested when money and power enter the picture.
The Impact of Wealth:
Baba explores how sudden success can change people — sometimes in ways they never expect.
Old vs. New Values:
Emin represents the older generation and its traditional beliefs, while his children represent a modern way of thinking. Their differences create constant conflict.
Redemption and Forgiveness:
Kadir’s story, in particular, shows that everyone deserves a second chance, even when the world doesn’t easily forgive.
What Viewers Think
When Baba first started, it received a lot of praise for its original idea, strong acting, and emotional storytelling.
Fans loved the chemistry between the main characters and the way the show handled serious family themes with sensitivity.
Haluk Bilginer and Tolga Sarıtaş were especially praised for their intense and heartfelt performances, and the emotional bond between Büşra and İlhan quickly became a fan favorite.
However, not everyone was happy with the second season.
Many viewers felt the story lost focus, becoming repetitive and less meaningful compared to the first season.
Still, a loyal audience continued watching for the strong acting and emotional moments that defined the show.
Why You Should Watch Baba
If you enjoy emotional family stories with deep characters and meaningful conflicts, Baba is worth watching.
It’s not just about wealth and drama — it’s about people trying to stay true to who they are when life changes everything around them.
The show has everything: powerful performances, touching relationships, and moments that make you think about your own family and values.
In the end, Baba reminds us of one powerful truth:
“Money can change your life, but it can never replace love and understanding.”
That’s what makes Baba special — a story that feels real, relatable, and unforgettable.
