“Forbidden Love” star Beren Saat detained in drug case; her husband Kenan Doğulu is also under investigation

“Forbidden Love” star Beren Saat detained in drug case. Her husband Kenan Doğulu is also under investigation

Turkish show business has found itself at the center of one of the biggest scandals in recent years. As part of the large-scale anti-drug operation “Dawn,” Istanbul police detained 22 prominent figures from the worlds of music, film and business. Among them are one of Turkey’s most popular actresses, Beren Saat, and her husband, singer Kenan Doğulu.

According to Turkish media, the operation was carried out simultaneously at several addresses early in the morning on the orders of the Istanbul prosecutor’s office. Those detained were taken to the narcotics division to give statements. Investigators are examining the possible involvement of the figures in crimes related to drugs and the activities of organized groups. At this stage, no official charges have been filed and the investigation continues.

In addition to Beren Saat and Kenan Doğulu, the list of those detained includes actor and comedian Enis Arıkan, singers Kerimcan Durmaz, Berdan Mardini and Yaşar İpek, TV host and blogger Selin Ciğerci, as well as a number of well-known figures from business and the entertainment industry.

A blow to one of Turkey’s most famous couples

The news came as a real shock to fans of Turkish series. The 42-year-old Beren Saat is considered one of the country’s most successful actresses. She rose to international fame for her role as Bihter in the cult series “Forbidden Love” (“Aşk-ı Memnu”), which still ranks among the most popular Turkish TV projects. The actress later cemented her success with roles in “What Is Fatmagül’s Fault?”, “Revenge”, “The Gift” and the historical drama “Magnificent Century: Kösem,” where she played the legendary sultana Kösem.

Interestingly, Beren Saat was long considered the highest-paid actress in Turkey. Her series were sold to dozens of countries around the world, and the actress herself repeatedly became the face of major advertising campaigns.

Her husband Kenan Doğulu is no less famous. The singer has been one of the biggest stars of Turkish pop music over the past two decades. In 2007, he represented Turkey at Eurovision, where he finished fourth, and his songs have repeatedly topped the national charts.

The couple’s relationship has also long been under close media scrutiny. Beren Saat and Kenan Doğulu began dating in 2012, got engaged two years later in Istanbul, and married in Los Angeles in the summer of 2014. Over the years, they have become one of Turkey’s most recognizable and talked-about celebrity families.

The wave of investigations continues

The current operation is a continuation of a large-scale campaign against representatives of the Turkish entertainment industry. Since March, Turkish law enforcement agencies have been carrying out a series of high-profile raids, as a result of which dozens of celebrities have already come under investigation. Earlier, well-known actors, singers, bloggers and producers had already been in the media spotlight.

Many Turkish commentators are already calling it the largest anti-drug campaign in the entertainment industry in recent years. The current case is especially resonant because those detained include not only artists but also major entrepreneurs, including the owner of one of the country’s best-known electronics retail chains.

It is still unknown whether the investigation will lead to official charges and court proceedings. However, it is already clear that Operation “Dawn” has become one of the most discussed events of the year in Turkey and could seriously affect the reputations of a number of stars whose names have long been associated solely with success on stage and screen.