Pork scene sparked controversy: Application filed to RTÜK regarding 'Aynı Yağmur Altında' series

RTÜK member İlhan Taşcı has requested an official investigation into the television series 'Aynı Yağmur Altında', pointing out that it contains discourse involving insults and marginalization based on religious identities and lifestyles. In his application, Taşcı stated that certain scenes in the first two episodes of the series are of a nature that could increase social tension.

Taşcı emphasized that in a public transport scene in the first episode, a discussion that began over women's attire quickly turned into insults and mutual accusations regarding daily life practices and beliefs.

Drawing attention specifically to the family dinner scene in the second episode, Taşcı noted that intense debates regarding religious sensitivities occurred after a "Roasted Pork" dish was brought to the table. It was noted that expressions used in the scene, such as "We are all Muslims after all, there is no place for forbidden food on our plates," "Even the Christian bride is more respectful than you," and "You have a thousand and one types of forbidden things you eat before even getting to pork," caused mutual accusations and judgments based on religious beliefs.

Taşcı claimed that provocative language targeting sensitive points of society was used in the aired episodes, and pointed out that the fact that it was brought to screens, especially during the month of Ramadan, should also be evaluated separately. Arguing that secular individuals are persistently portrayed as irreligious and anti-religious in the series, Taşcı asserted that this situation is incompatible with broadcasting principles.

Taşcı included the following statements in his application:

"In the concrete case, it is observed that both in the first and second episodes, there are mutually degrading, provocative expressions that could increase social polarization based on religious identities and lifestyles; in this respect, the broadcast content should be evaluated within the scope of the broadcasting principles regulated in Article 8 of Law No. 6112. In this regard, I request that the first and second episodes of the series in question, broadcast on 09.02.2026 and 16.02.2026, be examined within the scope of clauses (b) and (e) of the first paragraph of Article 8 of Law No. 6112, that a report be prepared by the relevant experts, and that the matter be placed on the agenda of the first Supreme Council meeting."

It is awaited with curiosity how RTÜK will decide regarding these scenes, which are alleged to have violated broadcasting principles within the scope of the relevant legal articles.

The previous week, the pork scene in the series had also caused a major stir on social media, with reactions from Muslim viewers in particular drawing attention. References made through religious values had quickly become the focus of widespread criticism.

News Source: 12punto