Kübra (TV Series)

Kübra, is a Turkish drama and thriller series that began airing on the digital streaming platform Netflix on January 18, 2024. The production is adapted from the novel of the same name by Afşin Kum, and focuses on themes that examine the relationship between the individual and modern technology within the frameworks of faith and identity. The series is directed by siblings Durul Taylan and Yağmur Taylan and written by Rana Mamatlıoğlu, Bekir Baran Sıtkı, and Murat Uyurkulak. It consists of two seasons and sixteen episodes in total.

The series centers on Gökhan Şahinoğlu, an ordinary individual living in Istanbul within the social structure. His life takes a dramatic turn when he receives a mysterious message from a religious-themed messaging app called “SoulTouch.” This digital interaction, beginning with the phrase “You are different!,” belongs to an unidentified user calling themselves “Kübra.” Initially skeptical of the messages, Gökhan gradually enters a faith-based transformation as he encounters information delivered through this account that carries prophetic qualities. Convinced that the messages originate from a divine source, he begins to position himself at the center of a metaphysical mission, despite his previously mundane existence. This transformation generates tension in his relationships with those around him, leading to a redefinition of his personal identity along the axes of religious belief, social norms, and moral responsibility.

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“Kübra” explores themes such as faith, the search for identity, and the impact of technology on the individual. The series interrogates how modern individuals seek meaning and how the digital world influences this quest. It also addresses issues of leadership, social pressure, and personal transformation.

• Directors: Durul Taylan, Yağmur Taylan
• Writers: Rana Mamatlıoğlu, Bekir Baran Sıtkı, Murat Uyurkulak
• Director of Photography: Firar Güney Kayran
• Music: Hedonutopia
• Production Company: OGM Pictures

• Gökhan Şahinoğlu: Çağatay Ulusoy
• Merve: Aslıhan Malbora
• Gülcan: Ahsen Eroğlu
• Dilek: Nazan Kesal
• Salih: Cihan Talay
• Serhat: Aytek Şayan
• Kara: Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan
• Nalan: Sibel Seyhan Bayhan
• Ali Rıza: Cemalettin Çekmece
• Imam: Erdem Şenocak
• Turgut: Murat Garipağaoğlu
• Berk: Onur Ünsal
• Selim: Çağrı Çıtanak
• Muzaffer: Murat Kılıç
• Ali Cemal: Ferit Kaya
• Tuğçe: Pınar Töre
• Hamit: Nişan Şirinyan
• Haluk: Bülent Düzgünoğlu
• Nihat: Nizam Namidar
• Muammer: Necat Bayar

• Gökhan Şahinoğlu: Gökhan, who leads an ordinary life, loses control over his existence after establishing contact with the mysterious account “Kübra.” Torn between faith and reality, he acquires leadership qualities while struggling with internal conflicts.
• Merve: Merve, Gökhan’s girlfriend, becomes concerned about his changing behavior and attempts to navigate their relationship through his transformation.
• Gülcan: Gülcan, a close associate of Gökhan, witnesses his changes and strives to offer support.
• Dilek: Dilek, Gökhan’s mother, tries to understand her son’s transformation while striving to preserve family bonds.

• Air Date: January 18, 2024 – Ongoing
• Number of Episodes: 2 Seasons, 16 Episodes
• Episode Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
• Broadcast Platform: Netflix
• Genre: Drama, Thriller
• Language: Turkish
• Country: Türkiye

The series is structured with scene compositions that reflect the spatial and social landscape of modern Istanbul. Using a single-camera shooting technique, the psychological processes and transformations experienced by the characters are visually conveyed. The music composed by Hedonutopia creates an auditory atmosphere consistent with the thematic structure of the narrative.

Kübra attracted public attention and generated diverse critical responses from its premiere day. The series drew notice for its narrative structure that intertwines themes of faith and technology. However, the second season was criticized by some reviewers for weakening the mystical atmosphere established in the first season. The production received varied assessments from different circles regarding its acting performances and thematic construction.