Leyla and Mecnun (2011–2013)
Leyla and Mecnun is a Turkish comedy, fantasy series broadcast on TRT 1, Exxen, first aired in 2011–2013. The impossible love of Leyla and Mecnun, two young people born in the same hospital and named after legendary lovers, unfolds amid the absurd and fantastical events of Istanbul’s Kireçburnu neighborhood. With help from his family, friends and Aksakallı Dede, Mecnun keeps trying to win Leyla’s heart.
Leyla and Mecnun cast: Ali Atay (Mecnun Çınar), Serkan Keskin (İsmail Abi), Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan (İskender Çınar), Cengiz Bozkurt (Erdal Bakkal), Osman Sonant (Yavuz Hırsız), Köksal Engür (Ak Sakallı Dede / Karabasan).
Detailed content was compiled from sources with AI; pending editorial review. Editor: Uğur Arı.
Plot
Leyla ile Mecnun follows two young people whose families connect their destinies after they are born in the same hospital. Their families arrange them as betrothed children, but years later Leyla’s family refuses Mecnun’s marriage proposal. Mecnun falls in love with Leyla at first sight and tries to win her affection. Aksakallı Dede appears as a guide, while Mecnun’s pursuit of love becomes intertwined with the everyday life, dreams and fantastical adventures of the Kireçburnu neighborhood. The story later expands through themes of loss, mourning, new encounters, identity and neighborhood solidarity.
Origins of the story
Adaptation status
The series is not documented as a direct adaptation of one specific classical text. Official TRT material presents it as a modern treatment of the legendary lovers’ impossible love, while academic analysis identifies intertextual links with the Leylâ and Mecnûn tradition.
Connection to reality
No reliable source found indicating that the series is based on specific real events, real people or a real-life love story.
Inspirations and influences
The Leylâ and Mecnûn tradition
Confirmed by a creator or official sourceAccording to TRT’s official introduction, the series brings the impossible love of the legendary lovers into a modern television story.
Documented by official source
Limit of the evidence: This does not establish a direct adaptation of one specific classical text.
Aksakallı Dede → Burak Aksak’s creative idea
Confirmed by a creator or official sourceBurak Aksak said that Aksakallı Dede emerged in his mind during a difficult period when he wished for a guide.
Confirmed by creator
Limit of the evidence: This describes the character’s creative origin, not inspiration from a real person.
Trailer
Details
- Year
- 2011–2023
- Channel
- TRT 1, Exxen
- Genre
- comedy, fantasy
- Seasons
- 7
- Episodes
- 144
- Rating
- 8.1
Cast
Character Map
Hero
- ↳ Leyla — partner
Supporting
- ↳ Mecnun Çınar — parent
- ↳ Mecnun Çınar — friend
- ↳ Mecnun Çınar — friend
What's in this series?
A contemporary absurd reworking of the classical love story
The series retains the names Leylâ and Mecnûn and the idea of impossible love, but it is not structured as a direct retelling of one specific classical text. The story moves the legendary romance into contemporary Istanbul, combining neighborhood life with absurd and fantastical events.
Neighborhood life and fantasy
The series builds its world around everyday locations and relationships in Istanbul’s Kireçburnu neighborhood, then places fantastical figures and reality-bending events within that social setting. This does not establish a basis in specific real events.
The continuing visibility of locations and music
TRT notes that locations such as Mecnun’s home, Erdal’s grocery store and the Kireçburnu shore continue to be visited by viewers. The series’ music and opening themes have also been made available through TRT Dinle.
Burak Aksak and the creative origin of Aksakallı Dede
Writer Burak Aksak said that he conceived Aksakallı Dede during a difficult period when he wished for a guide who could help him make decisions. He also described how the script reached director Onur Ünlü and began their collaboration.
Frequently asked questions
How many episodes is Leyla and Mecnun?
Leyla and Mecnun has 144 episodes across 7 seasons.
When did Leyla and Mecnun air?
Leyla and Mecnun first aired in 2011–2013 on TRT 1, Exxen.
Who is in the cast of Leyla and Mecnun?
The main cast includes Ali Atay (Mecnun Çınar), Serkan Keskin (İsmail Abi), Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan (İskender Çınar), Cengiz Bozkurt (Erdal Bakkal), Osman Sonant (Yavuz Hırsız), Köksal Engür (Ak Sakallı Dede / Karabasan).
Sources
- Efsane âşıkların dizisi Leyla ile Mecnun’un tüm bölümleri tabii’de — TRT
- Leyla ile Mecnun — TRT 1
- Leyla ile Mecnun Bölümleri — TRT 1
- Leyla ile Mecnun 1. Bölüm — TRT 1
- Burak Aksak röportajı — Time Out İstanbul
- Leyla ile Mecnun Televizyon Dizisinin Metinlerarasılık ve Medyalararasılık Bağlamında İncelenmesi — DergiPark
- Leyla ile Mecnun karakterleri listesi — Turkipedia
