ALBAWABA - Turkish actress Burcu Özberk is officially returning to prime-time television after being cast as the female lead in Anne Yarısı (Half a Mother), a new NOW drama that is set to begin filming in Cappadocia this summer.
According to Turkish entertainment journalist Birsen Altuntaş and other local media outlets, Özberk will play Zeynep, a dedicated teacher whose life is turned upside down after a family tragedy forces her into an unexpected battle over her young nephew's future.
The series is being produced by NTC Medya, one of Türkiye's leading production companies, with Semih Bağcı directing. The screenplay has been written by Melis Civelek, Zeynep Gür, and Merve Göntem, bringing together a creative team known for emotionally driven family dramas.
The title Anne Yarısı, which literally translates to Half a Mother, reflects the Turkish saying that "an aunt is half a mother," a theme that forms the emotional core of the story.
At the center of the series is Zeynep, a strong, compassionate teacher whose sister Zeren dies unexpectedly in Germany. Following the tragedy, Zeynep travels to Cappadocia to protect and care for her nephew Ege, who has been left behind after his mother's death.
Her arrival, however, draws her into a fierce family conflict that extends far beyond a simple custody dispute. Turkish media describe the story as an emotional drama exploring family loyalty, sacrifice, grief, justice, and the lengths a woman will go to protect the child she loves.
Opposite Burcu Özberk will be Cihangir Ceyhan, who has been cast as Ali Altay, one of the story's central male characters. Although producers have not yet revealed the full details of Ali's role, the pair are expected to form the series' main on-screen partnership.
The casting marks the first television collaboration between Özberk and Ceyhan, creating one of the most anticipated new pairings of the upcoming Turkish television season.
Preparations for the production are already underway. Reading rehearsals are expected to begin during the final week of July, while principal photography is scheduled to start on August 1.
The production will be filmed in Cappadocia, one of Türkiye's most visually distinctive regions. Famous for its fairy chimneys, valleys, cave homes, and historic villages, Cappadocia has become an increasingly popular filming location for Turkish dramas because of its unique natural scenery. Producers are expected to use the region not only as a backdrop but also as an important part of the story's atmosphere.
For Burcu Özberk, Anne Yarısı marks another significant step in a career that has made her one of Türkiye's most recognizable television stars. She first gained widespread attention through Güneşin Kızları before starring in popular series including Afili Aşk, Aşk Mantık İntikam, Ruhun Duymaz, and Kraliçe. Known for portraying determined and emotionally layered characters, she now takes on another challenging role centered on family, resilience, and responsibility.
Meanwhile, Cihangir Ceyhan continues to build on the success of productions including Sıfır Bir, Alev Alev, Camdaki Kız, and Yalı Çapkını, establishing himself as one of Türkiye's leading dramatic actors.
With an experienced creative team, a powerful family-centered story, and two of Turkish television's most popular stars leading the cast, Anne Yarısı is already attracting considerable attention ahead of its premiere. As filming prepares to begin in Cappadocia, the drama is expected to become one of NOW's flagship productions for the upcoming television season.
