Character Guide

'Eşref Rüya' Cast and Character Guide: Who’s Who?

by Team Dizilah Mar 17, 2025 9:15 AM ET 1 Comment

Eşref Rüya, the highly-anticipated Turkish drama from Tims&B, is set to premiere on Wednesday, March 19, on Kanal D. Among the many strengths of the series, it stars Çağatay Ulusoy and Demet Özdemir, undeniably one of the hottest pairs in recent memory.

Eşref Rüya centers on Eşref (Ulusoy), who, as a child, fell in love from afar with a girl he called “Rüya” and spent years searching for her, only to become a powerful mafia figure along the way. Subsequently, Eşref falls for Nisan, an idealistic musician, unaware that she is both the long-lost Rüya he has been chasing for years and a police informant. Trapped in a whirlwind of love, betrayal, and power struggles, Eşref is forced into a brutal reckoning—both with his criminal empire and his own emotions.

Ahead of the premiere, these are the characters you should know in Eşref Rüya:

Çağatay Ulusoy (Eşref Tek)

Eşref Tek (Çağatay Ulusoy)

Eşref is a member of the powerful crime organization known as the "Orphans" in Istanbul. He is a serious, composed, and reserved man, but beneath his tough exterior lies a deep emotional world. He owns the luxurious Ravena Bosphorus Hotel in the heart of Istanbul. Despite having endless wealth and power, he never tires of searching for his great love, Rüya, in every corner.

Demet Özdemir (Ni̇san Akyol)

Ni̇san Akyol (Demet Özdemir)

Ni̇san is a passionate and talented musician with a deep love for art. She and her sister, Afra, are struggling to build a life in Istanbul. Ni̇san is highly emotional, sensitive, and full of joy, never losing her childlike spirit. While trying to support her household, she is also determined to advance her music career.

Büşra Develi (Çi̇ğdem Seri̇m)

Çi̇ğdem Seri̇m (Büşra Develi)

Çi̇ğdem is a successful, ambitious, and obsessive law enforcement officer. She serves as a commissioner in the Organized Crime Unit, with her greatest goal being to take down 'The Orphans' organization.

Necip Memili (Gürdal Bozok)

Gürdal Bozok (Necip Memili)

Gürdal is Esref Tek’s right-hand man and most trusted friend. A charismatic womanizer with a fondness for women, he is also bold and fearless, earning him the nickname “Crazy Gürdal.” While handling the Orphans' dirty work, he also keeps a close eye on operations at the hotel.

Tolga Tekin (Müslüm Çermi̇k)

Müslüm Çermi̇k (Tolga Tekin)

Müslüm is the oldest member of Esref’s team and the group’s elder brother figure. A former political Islamist, he is a serious and composed man. His greatest wish is to one day reconcile with his family, who have never approved of his involvement in the underworld.

Ahmet Rifat Şungar (Faruk Sezeri̇)

Faruk Sezeri̇ (Ahmet Rifat Şungar)

Faruk is the youngest member of Esref’s team. With a highly analytical mind, he is more intellectual compared to the others. He works alongside Esref as a finance and accounting expert. Due to his emotional and gentle nature, no one would suspect at first glance that he works for the mafia.

Macit Koper (Yakup Karaşan)

Yakup Karaşan (Macit Koper)

Yakup is the backbone of The Orphans. To some, he is a respected businessman; to others, a ruthless mafia boss. Known in the underworld as "Yakup Baba," he is a leader who speaks little, values consultation, and always has the final say. His greatest strength is keeping secrets, while his greatest sin is indiscretion and betrayal.

Görkem Sevindik (Kadi̇r Yanik)

Kadi̇r Yanik (Görkem Sevindik)

Kadi̇r is the second most senior member of The Orphans and Esref’s rival within the organization. An extremely ambitious man who loves to lead and dominate, he is consumed by his desire to become the leader. His car dealership serves as a front for his illegal activities.

Umut Karadağ (Serdar Günsur)

Serdar Günsur (Umut Karadağ)

Serdar is Çiğdem’s superior—a cold-blooded and tough law enforcement officer. Recently assigned as the chief of the Organized Crime Unit, he is determined to crack the "Orphans" case. A formidable opponent who will put Esref to the test.

Ceren Benderlioğlu (Irmak Bozok)

Irmak Bozok (Ceren Benderlioğlu)

Irmak is Gürdal’s sister and the general manager of the Ravena Bosphorus Hotel. She is meticulous, organized, disciplined, and detail-oriented. A firm believer in modernity, her quick thinking and precision make her an invaluable asset to the hotel's management.

Ebrar Karabakan (Afra Akyol)

Afra Akyol (Ebrar Karabakan)

Afra is Nisan’s free-spirited sister. A troublemaker—beautiful but irresponsible. She is trying to complete her fashion design studies at a private university. Despite Nisan’s warnings, she refuses to give up her reckless behavior.

Şener Savaş (Sadik Güleryüz)

Sadik Güleryüz (Şener Savaş)

Sadık is the oldest member of the Orphans. A calm, reserved, and highly competent man who is more loyal to Yakup Baba than to the organization itself. He runs various entertainment venues in Istanbul. Despite his involvement in the underworld, he is compassionate and family-oriented, willing to sacrifice his life for his loved ones if necessary.

Aşkin Şenol (Cemi̇l Hacibegovi̇ç)

Cemi̇l Hacibegovi̇ç (Aşkin Şenol)

Cemil is the most senior member of the Orphans. Yakup Baba’s confidant and the first person he consults for advice. Free from material greed, he is a loyal and selfless member of the organization. He is primarily involved in smuggling, particularly in the oil trade.

Ahmet Yildirim (Kenan Kamber)

Kenan Kamber (Ahmet Yildirim)

Kenan is Kadir Yanık’s right-hand man and longtime friend since high school. He has the ease of speaking his mind freely with Kadir on any matter. However, he is opportunistic, self-serving, and slippery—while he appears loyal, it’s uncertain whether he would stand by Kadir in a difficult situation.

Eşref Rüya

Running
2025 – Present
1 Season

The story of Eşref, a powerful mafia figure, who falls for Nisan, a musician who, unbeknownst to him, is both his long-lost love and a police informant.