Turkish lawmakers question TV producers on series' impact on youth and families

A Turkish parliamentary commission focused on digital risks and school incidents heard presentations from prominent film and TV production companies, including Ay Yapım, Miray Yapım, and Köprü Film. During the session, chaired by AKP Tokat Deputy Yusuf Beyazıt, lawmakers questioned representatives about the impact of their productions on youth and families. AKP Istanbul Deputy Yıldız Konal Süslü specifically raised concerns about the popular series "Aşk-ı Memnu," adapted from Halid Ziya Uşaklıgil's novel and produced by Ay Yapım. Süslü questioned the series' contribution to society, suggesting it depicted "distorted relationships" within families that could negatively influence viewers. "Do you have an assessment of how you have positively contributed to youth or families? For example, let me state what I encountered. The series Aşk-ı Memnu, although inspired by an old book, made people hesitate for a while to leave their spouses next to their nieces due to the distorted family relationships," Süslü stated. In contrast, Süslü praised Köprü Film's TRT series "Gönül Dağı," thanking producer Ferhat Eşsiz for integrating national values and codes into contemporary themes with a pedagogical approach. She appreciated the show's message that problems exist but solutions can also be found, blending sadness and humor. Ay Yapım's Deputy General Manager of Operations, Meltem Vargı, responded to the criticisms regarding "Aşk-ı Memnu" and another series, "Çukur." Vargı acknowledged that both series featured positive and negative characters but emphasized that "in the end, the good guys win and the bad guys lose." She assured the commission that their feedback would be considered for future productions. Vargı also addressed concerns about violence, stating, "In our series, women do not experience much violence, at least in terms of thought. Of course, there might be things that escape our notice from time to time. But we try to make our series by valuing the values we all live by."

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Do you have an assessment of how you have positively contributed to youth or families? For example, let me state what I encountered. The series Aşk-ı Memnu, although inspired by an old book, made people hesitate for a while to leave their spouses next to their nieces due to the distorted family relationships.