Eşref Rüya, Uzak Şehir, Yeraltı face cancellation calls after school shooting

ALBAWABA - "Eşref Rüya," "Uzak Şehir," "Yeraltı," and other Turkish series are facing cancellation following the recent violence in Turkey.

Following the school violence incidents, many social media users launched a campaign demanding the cancellation of these series, arguing that the scenes of violence and the emphasis on a mafia-like atmosphere in television dramas negatively impact society and young people.

This prompted a direct response from Ozan Akbaba, the star of "Uzak Şehir," who claimed that some were pointing fingers at him because the series, in which he plays Cihan, deals with gun ownership and a tribe's control over weapons outside the legal framework of the state.

Ozan ignored the criticism and issued a strong appeal to parents via his Instagram account, stressing that responsibility begins at home.

He said, "Please, raise your children and educate them," implying that the lack of proper upbringing is the root of violence.

Demet Özdemir's harsh response to criticism: "I am ashamed on your behalf."

Demet Özdemir, star of the series "Eşref Rüya," faced harsh criticism after sharing a fan's dance video at a time when the country was in mourning.

Demet Özdemir broke her silence to lash out at those she called "smear campaigners," believing that some were trying to exploit a national tragedy to tarnish her personal reputation.

She said via text, X: "Stop the smear campaigns for two minutes... We all know what's truly important. Shame on you; I am ashamed on your behalf."

Demet Özdemir explained that her initial silence or spontaneous posts did not mean she was unaware of the disaster, emphasizing that she was "speechless" from the shock and that all she could wish for the victims was God's mercy during this difficult time.

Demet Özdemir: Schools Should Be the Safest Havens

Demet didn't just express her reaction; she also drew attention to the depth of her pain in a post on her Instagram account. She stressed that schools should be the safest place for children, saying, "School is a nurturing home, the safest haven for a child after home." It should be. "I am so sad… I have no words.”

Stars Uprising: Turkey Cries Out for Children’s Safety

Turkey is experiencing one of its most difficult moments today after the tragic armed attack that targeted students and teachers in the provinces of Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa. Reactions poured in from major stars who not only offered condolences but also delivered strong messages to society and the authorities:

Barış Arduç and Kaan Yıldırım agreed that school is a child’s “second home" and that there is no substitute for it being a safe haven comparable to the safety of home, emphasizing that what happened was a violation of the most sacred rights of childhood.

Hande Erçel commented, “There are no words left to write or say. I truly don’t know.” The words are stuck in my throat… May God have mercy on them all… May God grant you patience…”

Pınar Deniz, for her part, raised a fundamental question that shook social media platforms regarding the issue of uncontrolled weapons, wondering how deadly weapons could reach the hands of a child no older than 14, highlighting serious security gaps.

Hafsa Nur and Ferit Kaya emphasized that schools were created for knowledge and hope and that turning them into places of fear is a “sin” against future generations.

Meanwhile, grief was evident in the messages of Taner Almaz, Nesrin Cavadzade, and Eda Ece, who offered their condolences to the victims’ families, amidst prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Official Actions and Digital Content Control

Meanwhile, Turkish authorities announced strict measures to prosecute those inciting or distributing inappropriate content related to the incident. Several people were arrested, and hundreds of accounts that contributed to spreading digital chaos were blocked, coinciding with calls to enhance on-site security in all schools.