Pınar Deniz and Selahattin Paşalı are preparing to take their highly anticipated new Turkish drama Şapkacı Kadınlar to the international stage.
The O3 Medya production will be presented to international television buyers at MIPCOM in Cannes, where the series will be marketed under its international title, The Hatmaker. The first international poster featuring the two leading actors has also been unveiled ahead of the event.
The project is already attracting attention before filming begins, thanks to its period setting, powerful female-led story and the reunion of two of Turkey’s popular actors.
Pınar Deniz and Selahattin Paşalı Lead the New Drama
Pınar Deniz takes the central role of Ayşe, while Selahattin Paşalı portrays Rıza.
The two actors recently appeared together for the promotional poster created for the international launch of the series. Their first official pairing has generated considerable curiosity among Turkish drama fans, particularly because both performers have built strong reputations through successful television and film projects.
Deniz is returning to mainstream television following her acclaimed role in Yargı, while Paşalı has recently been seen in projects including Kıskanmak and is also known for Ömer.
Their involvement gives Şapkacı Kadınlar a strong star presence as the production prepares to reach audiences beyond Turkey.
What Is Şapkacı Kadınlar About?
Şapkacı Kadınlar is a period drama set against a transformative chapter in Turkish history.
The story follows Ayşe, a village woman whose life changes dramatically amid the social transformation surrounding the Hat Revolution. What begins as an ordinary life gradually develops into an extraordinary journey of independence, resilience and self-discovery.
Ayşe eventually enters the world of hatmaking, discovering an ability that allows her to change not only her own future but also the lives of other women around her.
Her transformation from a village woman into a fashion and style icon forms the emotional heart of the series.
The drama therefore combines historical events with themes of female empowerment, personal freedom, social change and ambition.
Ayşe’s Journey Is at the Center of the Story
Pınar Deniz’s Ayşe is not presented simply as a character caught in historical events. Her personal transformation drives the narrative.
She begins her journey within a traditional environment but gradually challenges the limitations surrounding her. Through hatmaking, she discovers a new form of independence and creates an opportunity to build a different life.
The story also explores how wider social changes can affect ordinary people. Ayşe’s journey reflects the challenges faced by women as Turkey entered a period of profound cultural and social transformation.
This combination of history, fashion, drama and female empowerment gives Şapkacı Kadınlar a distinctive premise among upcoming Turkish TV series.
Who Is Selahattin Paşalı Playing?
Selahattin Paşalı will portray Rıza, a key figure in Ayşe’s story.
Although detailed information about his character remains limited, Rıza is closely connected to the dramatic developments that shape Ayşe’s life.
Paşalı’s casting has added another layer of anticipation to the project, especially following his acclaimed performances in both television and cinema.
The actor previously gained international attention through films such as Kurak Günler, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. His return to Cannes through Şapkacı Kadınlar therefore carries an interesting connection to his earlier career.
Pınar Deniz Returns to Television
For Pınar Deniz, Şapkacı Kadınlar represents an important return to mainstream television.
The actress previously won widespread recognition for her performance in Yargı, where she starred as Ceylin Erguvan. After taking time away from television, she returned to acting with Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s Yorgun Güneş and is now preparing to lead another major production.
Interestingly, reports indicate that the Şapkacı Kadınlar project had previously been offered to Deniz around two years ago. She was unable to take the role at that time, but has now officially joined the production as Ayşe.
Her return has made the series one of the more closely watched Turkish drama projects in development.
Why Are Pınar Deniz and Selahattin Paşalı Going to Cannes?
The actors are heading to Cannes for the international promotion of Şapkacı Kadınlar at MIPCOM, one of the major global television and content markets.
The series will be introduced to international buyers under the title The Hatmaker. The first poster has been specifically prepared for its international presentation, while Eccho Rights will handle international sales.
MIPCOM gives Turkish productions an important platform to meet international distributors and broadcasters. For Şapkacı Kadınlar, the event provides an opportunity to generate global interest even before the drama reaches Turkish television screens.
The series is scheduled to be presented at the Cannes event taking place October 12–15, 2026.
When Will Şapkacı Kadınlar Start Filming?
Although the series is already being promoted internationally, filming has not yet begun.
According to recent reports, Şapkacı Kadınlar is expected to begin production in November 2026. Director Ömür Atay will oversee the project, while Şükrü Necati Şahin is writing the screenplay.
The production is being developed by O3 Medya, with Saner Ayar serving as producer and Suzan Sümeli as executive producer.
The combination of an experienced production company, established actors and a historical storyline has helped the project attract attention well before its domestic premiere.
Who Is Behind The Hatmaker?
The creative team includes several notable names from the Turkish television industry.
Ömür Atay is directing the series, while Şükrü Necati Şahin is responsible for the screenplay. O3 Medya is producing the drama, with Saner Ayar and Suzan Sümeli involved in production.
International distribution will be handled by Eccho Rights, which is preparing the series for buyers outside Turkey.
The international title The Hatmaker also makes the historical and fashion-focused concept easier to present to global audiences.
A Period Drama With a Strong Female Story
One of the most interesting elements of Şapkacı Kadınlar is its focus on a woman’s transformation during a period of major social change.
Rather than simply using history as a backdrop, the series connects the era’s changes with Ayşe’s personal struggle to create a new identity.
Her journey into hatmaking introduces themes of craftsmanship, fashion, independence and entrepreneurship, while the historical setting adds political and social depth to the narrative.
This could give the series appeal beyond traditional Turkish drama audiences, particularly in international markets where Turkish period dramas continue to attract attention.
Şapkacı Kadınlar Could Become a Major International Turkish Drama
With Pınar Deniz and Selahattin Paşalı leading the cast, Şapkacı Kadınlar has already generated significant interest before entering production.
Its appearance at MIPCOM in Cannes is another indication that the project is being developed with an international audience in mind. The release of the first international poster has offered viewers their first official glimpse of the two stars together.
For Turkish drama fans, the biggest attraction will be seeing Deniz and Paşalı take on Ayşe and Rıza in a story set during one of the country’s most significant periods of social transformation.
As filming approaches in November, more details about the Şapkacı Kadınlar cast, story, characters, release date and international distribution are expected to emerge.
For now, one thing is clear: Pınar Deniz and Selahattin Paşalı are taking The Hatmaker to Cannes, and the new Turkish period drama is already making noise on the international television scene.
Source: Al Bawaba