Did I mention....?

Did I mention to you that I am a huge fan of Engin Gunaydin, a Turkish comedian, who is playing the character Burhan Altintop in Avrupa Yakasi?

"Avrupa Yakasi" means "European Side", which refers to common usage of west side of Istanbul, since the big metropolis is divided into two by the Istanbul Strait, while eastern part is called "Anatolian Side".

However in this funny sitcom by ATV, "Avrupa Yakasi" is the name of a Fashion & Style Magazine, which the main characters live in "Nisantasi", located in the Europian side of Istanbul. It is an important detail for this TV series, because "Nisantasi" is presented as the home town of "high"society in Istanbul.

Avrupa Yakasi is one of the most successful TV series of last year. Almost every character has created own fans.

Burhan Altintop born in Tokat but always denying his roots with often saying : "Bende zengin cocugum ben de Nisantasli cocuguum alsanizaa beni yaggaanizaa". Which means literaly: "I am also a rich kid, I am also a nisantasi kid... why don't you take me with you? ". :-)

Anyhow his Tokat accent and his odd movements makes me always laugh.

Next to the character Burhan Altintop, Sahika and Dilber Teyze are also listed in my favorite.

This sitcom shows the funny rivalry between the Anatolian and European side. Maybe because Istanbul, which is a melting pot, a city of great contrast where many possibilities arise. I think that that might be also the reason that this sitcom creates a major difference among other Turkish sitcoms.

PS: To my sorrow I found out that Mr Gazanfer Ozcan, who played the role of Tahsin amca, has passed away yesterday. May Allah bless his soul and my sincere condolence to his family and friends.