: An undercover investigator and elite operative from Turkey, known only as "Ankaralı" (played by Serkan Çayoğlu), arrives on the island. His secret mission is to intervene in the conflict and protect the Turkish population, fundamentally changing the course of local events.
: Following the attacks, family patriarch Kemal Dereli (played by Ahmet Kural) is forced to flee his home. He unexpectedly becomes a leader for thousands of displaced Turkish Cypriots seeking safety and refuge.
This report covers the first episode of the Turkish historical drama series (original title: Bir Zamanlar Kıbrıs ), which premiered on April 1, 2021. The episode has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. Episode 01 Overview
: The story begins with the Dereli family, prosperous gum merchants leading a peaceful life until their community is attacked by EOKA-B, a Greek Cypriot paramilitary organization.
The series opening is set in , a period historically known as "Bloody Christmas" ( Kanlı Noel ). It depicts the sudden escalation of ethnic violence in Cyprus, specifically targeting Turkish Cypriots. Key Plot Points
