Eleni is a young doctor who comes to Trabzon from Athens at the age of 20 to find her biological parents. She’s academically gifted but doesn’t see herself as confident when it comes to social interactions. How would you describe Eleni?
Ava Yaman: If you’re asking whether it’s academic or social intelligence, I’d say it’s social, emotional, and spiritual intelligence. Because when I truly feel something, I can see and experience nature, people, and life itself.
Eleni is a kind and compassionate young woman who can’t bring herself to hate anyone, not even those who resent her or try to harm her. She’s become like a sister or a daughter to the audience. How does it make you feel to see this level of affection and response from viewers?
Ava Yaman: I often hear people say, “She’s like our daughter,” or “She’s one of us now.” Those words mean more to me than any diamond ever could. Intelligence without compassion is what separates people. My father, who was my teacher in acting, music, and life, used to say, “Those who separate people, separate themselves from humanity.”
As my very first teacher at home, he taught me two essential lessons:
Compassion, empathy, and mercy.
Decency, modesty, and morality.
He used to say, “When you feel compassion and shame, you stop yourself; when you lose them, you cross the line. These two lessons are the essence of remaining human, my daughter.”
Ava Yaman: “Trabzon is like paradise. The people of the Black Sea are very warm, kind, and incredibly hospitable. I never felt like a stranger. They really loved Eleni. I’ve even heard people say, ‘She’s like our daughter now.’”
The scenes between Oruç and Eleni are among the audience’s favorites. Over time, Oruç has become one of Eleni’s biggest supporters, and we can see that he truly loves her. What do you think will be their biggest challenge?
Ava Yaman: Isn’t the hardest test always people themselves? For Oruç and Eleni, their real challenge will be other people.
Your scenes with Burak Yörük, Ulaş Tuna Astepe, and Deniz Baysal have been praised for their emotional impact. What would you like to say about your co-stars?
Ava Yaman: We’re very lucky. We’ve become like a real family, and I’m so happy to be on this journey with this team.
What were your first thoughts when you read the script for Deep in Love? What moved you the most about Eleni, the overall story, and the other characters? And how did you prepare for the role?
Ava Yaman: First of all, I want to wholeheartedly congratulate our screenwriters; it’s a beautiful story. I saw a part of myself in Eleni, so I didn’t need any extra preparation. In her, I saw endless compassion, an infinite capacity to forgive, and a deep sense of family
The series is filmed in Trabzon, which visually adds so much to the story. How did you find Trabzon? What does being in another city and working so closely together as a team bring to the project? What can you tell us about the set?
Ava Yaman: Trabzon is like paradise. The people of the Black Sea are very warm, kind, and incredibly hospitable. I never felt like a stranger. They really loved Eleni. I’ve even heard people say, “She’s like our daughter now.” Some come to the set not just for a photo, but just for a hug. I love them dearly. I also love OGM’s team, all the crew members, and my fellow actors. I have such a wonderful time on set with them, they’re all so kind and genuine.
One of the most beautiful traditions of the Anatolian people, who embrace and unite different languages, cultures, and beliefs, is our culture of peace, love, tolerance, and hospitality. As someone who had never been to the Black Sea before, I truly felt and experienced that hospitality, both as Ava and as Eleni. I never once felt like a stranger.
This exclusive interview with Ava Yaman was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIP Cancun 2025 issue.
