Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi Joins “Yeraltı” as Melek

Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi Joins “Yeraltı” as Melek Cast, Storyline & Why the Series Is 2026’s Most Anticipated Turkish Drama

Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi Becomes “Melek” in Yeraltı: A Breakout Role in One of Turkey’s Most Ambitious New Series. Acclaimed for her talent in both acting and music, Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi has joined the cast of Yeraltı, a new drama series directed by Murat Öztürk and written by Berna Aruz.

She will portray the character “Melek” in what is already being hailed as one of the most ambitious Turkish TV projects of the new year.

MedYapım, Yeraltı is scheduled to premiere on Monday

Produced by MedYapım, Yeraltı is scheduled to premiere on Monday, January 12, barring any last-minute changes. Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi who quietly departed İnci Taneleri last summer will appear as the sister of Haydar Ali, played by Deniz Can Aktaş.

The young star most recently appeared in Disney Plus’s Ayna, alongside İbrahim Çelikkol, Aslı Enver, and Nilsu Berfin Aktaş, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most promising talents of her generation.

A Defining Career Move for Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi

In an industry where longevity is earned through carefully chosen roles, Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi’s casting in Yeraltı represents a strategic and artistic turning point. Known initially for her early performances and later admired for her musical versatility, Çiftçi has steadily transitioned into darker, more layered characters making “Melek” a natural yet daring evolution.

Her decision to join Yeraltı reflects not only personal growth but also a keen understanding of the current direction of Turkish television, which is increasingly embracing psychologically rich narratives and morally complex worlds.

What Makes Yeraltı One of the Most Anticipated Turkish Series?

A Proven Creative Team

• Director: Murat Öztürk (Kardeş Payı, Çukur)
• Screenwriter: Berna Aruz
• Production Company: Medyapım

Medyapım’s track record alone places Yeraltı in a premium category. The company’s focus on cinematic storytelling and character-driven drama suggests that this series will push beyond conventional prime-time formulas.

A Dark, Gritty Narrative Core

Yeraltı (Underground) explores the unseen layers of society, power struggles, family loyalty, and moral compromise. The series is expect to blend crime drama with emotional realism, a combination that resonates strongly with both domestic and international audiences.

Who Is Melek? Understanding Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi’s Character

Melek is not written as a passive supporting role. As the sister of Haydar Ali (Deniz Can Aktaş), she exists at the emotional heart of the story.

Character Analysis: Melek

• Emotionally resilient yet vulnerable
• Caught between family loyalty and personal ethics
• Represents the human cost of the “underground” world
• A catalyst for moral conflict within the narrative

This layered characterization gives Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi the opportunity to showcase emotional range, restraint, and dramatic intensity qualities that distinguish enduring actors from fleeting stars.

Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi’s Artistic Credibility and Experience

Television & Streaming Work

Her recent appearance in Disney Plus’s Ayna demonstrated her ability to hold her own alongside established names like İbrahim Çelikkol and Aslı Enver. That performance marked a maturation in her acting style less performative, more internalized.

Music & Multidisciplinary Talent

Unlike many of her contemporaries, Çiftçi brings musical discipline into her acting process, contributing to timing, emotional rhythm, and character sensitivity.

Deniz Can Aktaş and On-Screen Sibling Chemistry

Deniz Can Aktaş, one of Turkish television’s most bankable leading men, brings intensity and emotional depth to Haydar Ali. The sibling dynamic between Haydar and Melek is expect to one of the series’ strongest emotional anchors.

This relationship allows Yeraltı to explore:

• Brotherhood and protection
• Guilt and responsibility
• Moral divergence within the same family

Industry Impact: Why Yeraltı Matters

The rise of globally exported Turkish dramas has increased competition and quality. Yeraltı arrives at a moment when audiences demand authenticity, realism, and cinematic storytelling.

From an industry perspective:

• Strengthens Medyapım’s premium brand positioning
• Expands opportunities for young actors in serious roles
• Reinforces Turkey’s presence in global streaming markets

Premiere Date & Broadcast Details

• Planned Premiere: January 12 (Monday)
• Production: Medyapım
• Format: Prime-time drama series

While scheduling changes are always possible, anticipation continues to build across both traditional television and digital platforms.

Final Thoughts: A Role That Signals Longevity

Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi’s portrayal of Melek in Yeraltı is more than just a casting announcement it is a declaration of artistic intent. With a powerful creative team, a socially resonant narrative, and a character rich in emotional complexity, this role has the potential to redefine her career trajectory.

As Turkish television continues its global ascent, Yeraltı stands poised to be one of its most talked-about offerings and Ülkü Hilal Çiftçi one of its most compelling faces.

Source: Birsen Altunas, Variety Global Magazine

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