Melek’s story is very moving; she finds the boy who’s appeared in her dreams for years, but nothing goes the way she imagined. How would you describe Melek?
Aybüke Pusat: Melek isn’t someone who plans things out. She’s a young woman who follows her instincts. Since childhood, she’s been chasing the faces she’s seen in her dreams, people calling out to her for help. The first one she finds is Serhat, and at that moment, she thinks her search is over. She believes she’s finally found peace, that she’s met her soulmate. And yes, she is now with her soulmate but Serhat is also a kind of messenger, someone meant to lead her back to her roots. Otherwise, there’s nothing in that land, nothing other than love, that could keep Melek there or reignite the fire within her. She’s fearless, deeply in love, curious, and passionate. Melek is brave, in love, curious, and passionate, calm like still water, yet burning with passion beneath.
What was it about the script that first drew you to Melek and the world of Halef?
Aybüke Pusat: Melek literally has special powers, her dreams come true, her intuition never fails her, and her feelings are incredibly strong. You could say she sees with her heart. The fact that she’s someone who connects so deeply with herself really excites me. And as she grows under her mother Sevde’s guidance, this side of her will become even stronger.
Aybüke Pusat: “What Serhat and Melek share goes beyond what the word love can describe; it’s something much deeper, a kind of mad love. Serhat is everything to Melek, her place, her origin, her dreams, her reality, her desire. Until she met him, she wasn’t complete. Now she is whole. It feels almost mythological. As if, in every parallel universe, they live out the same story, fall in love the same way, and take root in each other all over again.”
I think Melek’s relationship with Serhat also reflects her struggle between love and pride. How do you see their connection within the story?
Aybüke Pusat: I wouldn’t call it pride. And it’s not just love either. What Serhat and Melek share goes beyond what the word love can describe; it’s something much deeper, a kind of mad love. Serhat is everything to Melek, her place, her origin, her dreams, her reality, her desire. Until she met him, she wasn’t complete. Now she is whole. It feels almost mythological. As if, in every parallel universe, they live out the same story, fall in love the same way, and take root in each other all over again. That’s how deep it is. That’s why they can’t just leave. Leaving would be the easy way out, the real strength lies in staying and fighting for your life.
We’ve seen many series built around tribal stories, it’s a theme that’s been on screen since the early 2000s, and some of those shows have been truly successful. Halef is also doing very well in both ratings and audience response. What do you think makes it stand out?
Aybüke Pusat: For me, what impressed me most from the start was its spiritual side, the psychic skills of Sevde and Melek, their special abilities. That’s the part that excited me the most. Every character’s story is carefully crafted, and their motivations are incredibly strong. Take Akif, for example, sometimes you want to strangle him, and other times you just want to hug him and say, “It’s going to be okay.” In his own way, he’s completely justified. Every problem he carries has layers, just like the rest of the characters.
When I first read the script, I honestly couldn’t believe the cast that had been put together. I’m working with such talented actors, and everyone is holding on to this project with everything they’ve got. I think that’s where the difference really begins.
As you know, Turkish series today reach so many countries and regions, they’re loved all around the world. Where do you think Halef connects most with international audiences?
Aybüke Pusat: Our script is very strong. Every episode feels like a showcase of great performances. Şanlıurfa itself is like an open-air set, every corner has its own beauty. It’s an incredible landscape. The costumes, hair, makeup, lighting, sound, everything works together so perfectly that you truly feel as if you’re living in that world. With that level of authenticity and emotion, it’s impossible for the story’s energy not to reach the audience’s hearts through the screen.
This exclusive interview with Aybüke Pusat was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIP Cancun 2025 issue.
