Salaries revealed alongside TRT's 'Gassal' series: Reactions poured in

After TRT’s notable series “Gassal” gained prominence, the debates that erupted on social media regarding the professional challenges and salaries of gassals led to intense public backlash.

This issue, which has become one of the most discussed topics of the day, put the government in a difficult position and led social media accounts close to the AKP to intervene and increase their efforts.

THE IMPACT OF THE SERIES AND SOCIAL MEDIA DEBATES

The “Gassal” series, starring Ahmet Kural and directed by Selçuk Aydemir, received intense interest from viewers upon its release on TRT’s digital platform, Tabii.

However, the echoes of the series turned into social media posts growing like an avalanche regarding the salaries and working conditions of gassals. This wave of public reaction also brought with it comments criticizing the government.

PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGES AND SALARY INJUSTICE ON THE AGENDA

While the series focuses on the lives of gassals who perform the body-washing process, social media users discussing the psychological and physical burden of this profession expressed their reactions to the low salaries of gassals.

Although attention is drawn to the importance of funeral procedures in the Islamic religion, the salaries earned by those who undertake this sacred duty were found to be insufficient by the public.

Gassals state that they have difficulty meeting the cost of living with the salaries they receive, especially in large cities.

According to the shared data, salaries based on professional experience are as follows:

Entry Level: 30 thousand TL

3+ Years of Experience: 42 thousand TL

6+ Years of Experience: 45 thousand TL

25+ Years of Experience: 47 thousand TL

However, gassals, who perform a profession with heavy spiritual and physical burdens such as body washing, express that these salaries are far from meeting their conditions.

SILENCE FROM TRT AND THE GOVERNMENT IS CRITICIZED

These debates caused by the series, combined with criticisms targeting the government and TRT, have placed the issue at the top of the agenda for young social media users. While questions such as "How can the salaries of those doing such a difficult job be this low?" are spreading among the public, posts emphasizing social justice have drawn attention. The silence from the TRT and government wings has added fuel to the fire of the debates.

The situation of gassals, who are waiting for a salary adjustment in line with the conditions of the era, has come to light thanks to the series.