“The series offers a refreshing blend of action and emotion, with Akyürek delivering a performance that redefines the anti-hero archetype in Turkish television.”
Ece Uslu
Daily Sabah

Kara Para Aşk (Black Money Love) arrived on ATV screens in March 2014 to redefine the Turkish drama landscape with its gritty mix of crime thriller elements and sweeping romance. The series ran for two seasons until July 2015, anchored by the electric dynamic between Engin Akyürek as a fallen special forces soldier turned criminal mastermind and Tuba Büyüküstün as the determined detective hunting him. Their opposing worlds collided over a double murder that linked their families, forcing them into a dangerous game of cat and mouse that blurred the lines between law enforcement and organized crime.
Produced by Ay Yapım, the show stood out for its high production values and location shooting across Istanbul's diverse districts. It balanced intense action sequences with deep emotional stakes, exploring themes of redemption and loyalty. The narrative quickly gained traction, eventually broadcasting in over 146 countries and sparking international interest that led to official remakes in markets like Mexico.
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The story ignites when Aslı Sönmez, a brilliant police officer, discovers her father, a respected jewelry designer, murdered alongside Ömer Faruk Çelik's fiancée in what appears to be a botched robbery. This tragic event sets Aslı on a relentless path to uncover the truth while Ömer, haunted by the loss of his love, descends further into the shadows to build a criminal empire capable of taking down those responsible. He operates under the name Kara Para, managing a sophisticated network for money laundering and drug trafficking while maintaining a strict code of honor that separates him from typical gangsters.
Aslı joins the task force investigating the killings, unaware that the man she is tracking is the very person who might hold the key to solving the mystery. Their paths cross repeatedly in a tense dance of suspicion and accidental alliances. Ömer finds himself protecting Aslı from threats lurking within both the police force and the mafia, even as he falls for the woman sworn to arrest him. The first season establishes this volatile relationship through a series of high-stakes heists and emotional confrontations that test their resolve.
Season two escalates the conflict as deeper conspiracies surface, revealing a powerful figure pulling strings from the highest levels of government. Ömer and Aslı must navigate a minefield of betrayals and shifting allegiances to expose the true mastermind behind the murders. The narrative weaves together fast-paced action with moments of profound vulnerability, showing how the corrosive nature of greed threatens to destroy everyone involved. Throughout the journey, the couple evolves from adversaries into partners united by a common goal that challenges their identities and the society they inhabit.
The series maintains a relentless pace, balancing the procedural aspects of the investigation with the personal stakes of the central romance. Supporting characters add depth to the world, including Ömer's loyal uncle Halil İbrahim and Aslı's trusted colleague Murat. Each episode pushes the plot forward with intricate twists, ensuring that the line between hero and villain remains dangerously thin until the final confrontation.
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Critical Consensus
Kara Para Aşk stands out as a standout entry in the Turkish drama genre, successfully merging the visceral thrills of a crime thriller with the emotional depth of a romantic saga. While some critics note that the plot can occasionally veer into melodramatic territory, the exceptional chemistry between lead actors Engin Akyürek and Tuba Büyüküstün elevates the material, creating a compelling narrative that resonates globally.
“The series offers a refreshing blend of action and emotion, with Akyürek delivering a performance that redefines the anti-hero archetype in Turkish television.”
Ece Uslu
Daily Sabah
“A gripping tale of love and betrayal that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, thanks to its tight pacing and stellar performances.”
Hürriyet Daily News Staff
Hürriyet Daily News
“Black Money Love proves that Turkish dramas can compete on a global stage with their unique storytelling and high production values.”
Variety Staff
Variety
Director
Cevher Fırat
Writers
Eylem Canpolat, Sema Ergenekon
Composer
Emrah Karaduman
Producer
Ay Yapım
Golden Butterfly Award (2014)
Best Drama Series: Won
Golden Butterfly Award (2014)
Best Actor: Won
Golden Butterfly Award (2014)
Best Actress: Won
International Emmy Awards (2015)
Best Drama Series: Nominated
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