A grocer in the Sinekli Bakkal neighborhood, whose true profession is that of an Orta Oyunu performer (playing female roles/zenne) and Karagöz puppeteer. Due to his unruly, nonconformist nature, his marriage to the Imam's daughter Emine failed. Because he was carrying the political documents of Hilmi Bey, who was involved with the Young Turks, he was unknowingly dragged into politics and sent into exile (to Damascus). With the declaration of the Second Constitutional Era, he returns to the neighborhood as a 'hero of liberty.' His daughter, Rabia, is the apple of his eye, and he feels infinite compassion for her.
His youth was spent as a water carrier (tulumbacı), vagabond, and street performer. He fell in love with and married the Imam's daughter, Emine, but her sour-faced, world-rejecting demeanor wore him out. After Emine divorced him, he suffered the pain of not being able to see his daughter and set out on the roads just to catch a glimpse of her.
Tall and thin, with auburn mustaches starting to turn gray and chestnut eyes as soft as a woman's. His eyes usually sparkle with joy; he has a lithe, expressive body. His facial mimicry is very animated.
Emine
His disagreeable, polar-opposite ex-wife who poisoned his life.
Hilmi
The son of a pasha, whom he protected in exile despite having fallen victim to his political games.
Rabia
The apple of his eye, his source of life, his talented daughter of whom he is proud.
Selim Paşa
The dark power that crushes him as the might of the state, yet enters his life through his daughter.
Rakım & Penbe
His companions in Sinekli Bakkal; partners in fate, art, and entertainment.