Öykusu Okur

Öykü, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm Öykü, I'm 25 years old. I'm a young artist in this country who cares about the problems of people, animals, women, and queer people, and who finds the solution in love. I'm full of hope and excitement. I'm someone who is inspired by everything and wants to inspire everything.

You've been talked about a lot lately because of the Zuhal character you created. What was the intense public interest like?

Honestly, I didn't feel like I was "everywhere," maybe I didn't see myself much, I don't know, maybe it was better that way. I only had moments like someone recognizing me and taking a picture while clinking glasses in Beyoğlu, or a taxi driver recognizing me and saying, "Aren't you the girl who was crying?" So, the fact that Zuhal became so visible surprised me a little. After all, Zuhal wasn't a series character; I had created a digital character, Zuhal was a character I presented to society, and I was curious about the reactions from society. I opened an Instagram account, and that's how everything developed. It felt like the first time I'd truly had a voice in a project. It was like life told me, "Follow your own path."

How did your decision to become an actress come about? Was it a childhood dream, or was there someone who influenced you?

I've loved acting since I was a child. I always knew what I wanted. In high school, conservatory was already decided. There were times when I thought, "Should I quit?", and times when I wondered, "Is this it?" The pace of filming is both exhausting and fascinating to me, because it's incredible how 250 people can focus on the same thing for 15 minutes. Sometimes I think, "How is that possible?", because if one link in the chain is missing, the work can't be completed. I'm also happy to create together. No matter how much I questioned it internally, there are many parts of me that belong here.

What changed in Öykü's life after Zuhal became known and loved?

Actually, nothing very big changed. I had acted in a few series before, but when I introduced Zuhal to the public, I received a completely different reaction, which I didn't expect. It's as if the universe reminded me once again of the feeling, "My daughter, walk your own path."

What's it like being a young artist in Turkey?

Being in Turkey is a whole different story; being young is another; and being an artist is something else entirely. Being at the intersection of these three is enjoyable, despite everything. I love our culture of solidarity. As a society, we know how to lend a hand to each other. Sometimes it's a lonely place, but even that loneliness is inspiring because there are things to fight for.

Have you experienced a turning point in your life recently?

I don't chase after big things; small things can transform me. For example, two days ago on set, I was very tired and woke up feeling a bit down. A friend who was serving tea said, "We wouldn't be able to laugh without you, your energy is wonderful, you make us happy." That sentence completely changed my day. When you do something good, you feel good about yourself too. I think sometimes, even if we wake up in a low mood, we should show it as little as possible because when we are well, we are also good for those around us. Hearing something like that that day completely changed my mood. These small but meaningful moments always make me feel very good.

You are currently acting in the series "Bahar". How is your life on set going? Was this the place you dreamed of?

I'm still learning the set because I don't have much experience. I come more from theater. There are still things I'm trying to figure out; sometimes I feel good, sometimes bad. But I love the feeling of togetherness. I can say it's one of the places I dreamed of because I can earn money from my dream job. For a young person, one of the biggest dreams is to be able to earn money from their dream job. This is very proud for me.

The character Zuhal wasn't fully understood and was criticized at first. Did you think the character was misunderstood during that process?

Actually, that was the character's intention. There is a person in Turkey who "lives her emotions without filters," and I was curious about what people would think when they saw her; it was a kind of research. I didn't think it would go viral. Zuhal was someone who didn't hide her pain; she didn't harm anyone, all she did was express her feelings openly. The way society reacted to someone who lived with their pain openly saddened me. Because she wasn't crazy. It was socially upsetting, but as Öykü, I wasn't saddened by it.

What do you enjoy doing most in your daily life?

Going home, hugging the person I love, and spending time together… Being alone also excites me a lot; even 15 minutes is enough. I work very intensely during the day, and therefore, the moments I can be alone are very valuable to me; sometimes I just meditate. I also love being with young people. Being with enthusiastic and productive young people like you gives me great happiness.

What would you say to young people who want to become artists in this country?

I tell them to be a little less cautious. Zuhal was just one example; we expect our work to be more professional, but we need to get rid of the constant anxiety of "failure." I love productive young people. Everyone is preoccupied with the anxieties of the consumer side, but we produce, and anxiety prevents us from producing. I made it, enjoy watching. You may like it or not. Does everyone have to like the same thing at the same time? I think the pursuit of perfection creates a kind of obstacle for us.

Finally, is there anything you'd like to say to us and the collective?

The work you're doing is very valuable. Getting together and talking with artists, forming such a collective… Especially in the 2000s generation, there are incredible ideas; I get very excited when I hear them. I mean, I hear crazy minds and ideas, and I get very excited. I think we'd all feel better if we went a little crazy. Let's all go crazy and vent our feelings; it will be very good for all of us.