What topics are Turkish actresses ruthlessly criticized for?

The reputation of Turkish actresses is increasing day by day. However, the path to achieving fame is not easy for them. Stars often face completely unfounded criticisms. Below, we discuss what Turkish actresses are often criticized for.

Revealing outfits

It is no secret that stylists choose the outfits of stars for any public events, and sometimes a team of specialists works on their image. Often, Turkish actresses appear in very revealing outfits at various ceremonies — stars are more likely to be criticized for this.

Excessively short skirts or shorts, semi-open dresses, voluminous tops, and very revealing bottoms — this list can go on indefinitely. Often, all the objections from critics are based on one thing — these women are Muslims. However, critics somehow completely overlook that Turkey is a secular state. The most criticized women include Melis Dongel, Serenay Sarikaya, and Hande Erchel. However, the celebrities themselves try to ignore such criticisms.

Alcohol and cigarettes

People have always had the tendency to idealize their idols. Perhaps this is why some Turkish fans believe that actresses should be perfect and have no harmful habits.

Many Turkish TV stars smoke. In Turkey, it is more common to see a woman smoking than a man, and this is not condemned by society. Indeed, efforts are made to avoid showing smoking in series as much as possible. However, paparazzi, who are present everywhere, have photographed many actresses, including Selma Ergeç, Deniz Çakır, Jansu Dere, and Neslihan Atagül (before the actress became pregnant) with cigarettes. In the summer of 2024, Afra Saraçoğlu also posted a photo with a cigarette, but had to delete it a few hours later due to criticism from fans.

However, Turkish actresses not only smoke but also consume alcoholic beverages. For example, Nilperi Şahinkaya has been involved in several scandals for being drunk in entertainment venues. According to Turkish media, Deniz Çakır, who played the role of Shah Sultan in the series "Magnificent Century," also consumed alcohol several years ago. Additionally, other actresses often post photos with glasses containing alcoholic drinks on their social media. Some fans of Turkish series consider such behavior unacceptable and accuse the stars of promoting an unhealthy lifestyle.

Tattoos

Turkish stars with tattoos are also often criticized. Some consider such body art indecent and ugly, while others believe that actresses have made themselves ugly without thinking.

However, famous Turkish TV stars have their own opinions on this matter. Hande Erçel, Birce Akalay, Neslihan Atagül, Bergüzar Korel, Nur Fettahoğlu, Nurgül Yeşilçay — these are just a few of the Turkish actresses with tattoos. Some of them hide their tattoos, while others, on the contrary, are not shy about showing them off. However, in any case, critics emphasize that tattoos are not acceptable for Muslim women.

Appearance

It is a well-known simple truth that people cannot choose their appearance when they are born. However, this does not prevent some actresses in Turkey from being regularly insulted and belittled. Some are called ugly, while others are referred to as unattractive. The worst part is that such critics usually hide behind anonymous avatars or photoshopped images.

Often, actresses like Serenay Sarıkaya (“ugly, with an excessively large mouth”), Hande Erçel (“too skinny”), Farah Zeynep Abdullah (“simply terrible, unsightly”), Berrak Tuzunataç (“manly”), and Demet Özdemir are targeted. Sometimes, seeing such situations reminds one of a simple phrase: everyone has their own taste, and judgments should not be made based on appearance.

Public relations and romantic relationships

This is not only a painful topic for the Turkish world but for the entertainment industry as a whole. However, in Turkey, the personal lives of celebrities are increasingly subject to criticism. It is common for relationships to begin between lead actors in a series, and they are immediately accused of infidelity. Critics often consider such relationships merely as publicity stunts.

Such a situation occurred with Hande Erçel and Kerem Bürsin in the series "Knock on My Door." Later, Afra Saraçoğlu and Mert Ramazan Demir were also accused in the same way.

Another contradiction in Turkey is that fans of actresses may evaluate any romantic relationship, even with someone from another profession, as mere publicity. Interestingly, it is often the negative publicity that has the most impact. However, most Turkish stars do not pay attention to such negative situations and simply continue with their work.