Ruthless City

Life for Nedim, a man with a disability, is upended when a family from a small town arrives in Istanbul, challenging the balance of power within the Karacay clan. Seher faces tough choices as her mother-in-law forges deals with Agah Karaçay. Ceren discovers she is set to marry Nedim rather than her chosen Cenk, forcing her to weigh affection against social expectations. Cemre throws herself into Nedim's care hoping to save his life, while Şeniz guards secrets she would rather keep. As outsiders disrupt the routine, old resentments flare and new loyalties form, reshaping the fortunes of everyone involved. The series threads intrigue through urban grit and the high cost of ambition in a crowded city.

Directed by Cevdet Mercan and created by Mercan with Sırma Yanık, Ruthless City is a Turkish drama that centers on family power plays in modern Istanbul, featuring Fikret Kuşkan and Deniz Uğur in leading roles. It also spotlights Mine Tugay in a pivotal supporting part.

There are no major awards publicly documented for Ruthless City. Its niche status among Turkish dramas means it has not appeared in the spotlight of large nominations databases, though a dedicated audience has spoken warmly about the ensemble performances. Turkish press has noted its intricate storytelling.

Ruthless City leans into Istanbul as a pulsing stage for family drama, with sharp tensions between tradition and modern life. It taps into familiar themes about money, status, and loyalty, offering a window into how private deceit can shift a city’s balance and the neighborhoods around it.

Critically, the show has drawn comments on its portrayal of disability and family dynamics, with audience intrigue focused on power shifts within the Karacay household and the moral questions the outsiders raise. It centers on ambition, secrets, love, and the cost of loyalty for many viewers.