TV SERIES · 2003–2005 · TURKEY
Kurtlar Vadisi
- Created by
- Osman Sınav, Raci Şaşmaz
- Network
- Show TV
- Seasons
- 4
- Episodes
- 97
- Studio
- Pana Film, Sinegraf
14 archived facts 5 topics 2 sources Last reviewed Oct 2026
One of Turkey's most iconic and influential dramas, Valley of the Wolves follows Polat Alemdar, an undercover agent who infiltrates Istanbul's most dangerous crime organisation after years of preparation. Combining organised crime, covert operations and sharp political commentary, the series fearlessly tackles Turkey's shadowy relationship between the state, the mafia and power — and became a cultural phenomenon…
14 Interesting Facts About Kurtlar Vadisi
Interesting Facts (7)
- #001
The series tells the story of a mafia organization that aims to rise from the streets and seize control of the country, and of those who fight against it; this struggle is handled on both a social and an individual level.
- #002
The production is backed by the companies Pana Film and Sinegraf, with Raci Şaşmaz and Osman Sınav among its producers. The series aired on Show TV.
- #003
Kurtlar Vadisi began airing on 15 January 2003. It ran for a total of 4 seasons and 97 episodes.
- #004
The production's genres include Action & Adventure, Drama, War & Politics and Crime.
- #005
The main character is Ali Candan. He undergoes surgery, changes his voice, face and so on, and becomes Polat Alemdar. The men who portray Ali Candan and Polat Alemdar are the brothers Raci and Necati Şaşmaz.
- #006
Many of the events in the series were inspired by events on Turkey's agenda. The series' characters reflect real people.
- #007
Although many characters were inspired by real-life people, the main character is entirely fictional and his real-life similarities are quite weak.
Production Story (3)
- #008
Cenk Torun was offered the lead role in Kurtlar Vadisi but turned it down without even asking what the role was.
- #009
All actors cast as members of the Wolves' Council were artists of the State Theatre.
- #010
Kurtlar Vadisi moved to Kanal D for its final season in a 4 million dollar deal, a first in Turkish television.
Behind the Scenes (1)
- #011
Because casinos were banned in Turkey, a fully equipped casino set was built for the first season, and all the gambling equipment used was real.
Characters & Cast (1)
- #012
Contains a major spoiler — show
The main character is Ali Candan. He gets surgeries, changes his voice, face etc. and becomes Polat Alemdar. The men who plays Ali Candan and Polat Alemdar are brothers, Raci and Necati Sasmaz.
Deeper Meaning (2)
- #013
Many of the events in the series were inspired by the events that took place in Turkey's agenda. The characters of the series reflect real people.
- #014
Although many characters inspired by real life people, the main protagonist is completely fictional and real life counterpart similarities are quite weak.
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
Information from external sources is independently selected, consolidated and edited by Arka Evren. Sources are listed for verification and further reading. Encyclopedia text is used under its licence (CC BY-SA). How we work