Hafsanur Sancaktutan Dives Deep into ‘Valley of Hearts’ and Her Role as Melek – Exclusive Interview

When you first read Valley of Hearts, what did it make you feel, and what aspects of the project impressed you the most?

Hafsanur Sancaktutan: When I first read it, I really liked it because everyone had a story, and all those stories were masterfully intertwined in the script. Later, I had a small injury and had to undergo surgery.

Hafsanur Sancaktutan: Valley of Hearts had to start production, and I was upset that I wouldn’t be able to be part of it. When the filming was postponed and I had recovered, we met with the production team again and decided to move forward together. The fact that Melek had no one else in her life except for Nuh really moved me. Then, when they discovered they had a mother, and their desire to find her, which was such an innocent wish, didn’t unfold the way they hoped, the twins’ pursuit of revenge, followed by the love that would come, deeply affected me. I’m so glad for Valley of Hearts…

Melek is a kind-hearted, emotional, and determined young woman. There’s a lot of curiosity around how she will navigate her feelings for Cihan. How would you describe Melek?

Hafsanur Sancaktutan: Melek is a kind soul, but because she’s had to constantly protect herself in life, she’s also a bit tough and grounded. She and Cihan fell in love at first sight, but with Cihan getting engaged, despite how much it hurts her, Melek knows she has to step back and respect that situation. Melek has strong moral values. She also tells herself she needs to focus on resolving things with her mother first, and before she knew it, Cihan is already tying the knot. But I believe there’s a much deeper attraction between the two of them as they have a lot in common; both growing up without a mother and without much affection, which has made them very tough and aggressive. I think there’s a stronger and more magnetic bond between Cihan and Melek than we’ve seen so far.

Melek and Nuh are twins who were abandoned by their mother as babies and now, years later, they confront her to demand answers. Their bond as siblings is very genuine and beautiful, and their story has deeply resonated with the audience. What would you say about Nuh and Melek?

Hafsanur Sancaktutan: Imagine that the only thing you have left in life is your sibling, and that person is your twin. They are sharing the same pain. The only time they ever got to spend with their mother was nine months while she was pregnant with them. I think this makes the story so heartbreaking. They have spent their whole life thinking that they’re unwanted and abandoned for the sake of a wealthy man. They understand each other’s pain so deeply that it goes beyond just being twins. When people share the same pain, a powerful bond forms, a bond no one else can see. I fully understand every emotion they feel, because they’re hungry for love. I love them so much… 

Valley of Hearts explores and questions the concepts of motherhood, sibling dynamics, and love from different perspectives. Melek is one of the central characters to all of these themes. How did you approach these themes when creating Melek as a character?

Hafsanur Sancaktutan: Melek’s past, particularly her familial dynamics and traumas, plays a crucial role in shaping how she approaches concepts like motherhood and siblinghood. Given her difficult past, the sense of responsibility she feels toward her family is also quite complicated. In terms of love, she has had a destructive history, which has deeply affected how she approaches commitment, letting go, or gaining strength from love. She’s believed for a long time that she’s someone who could easily be abandoned by others. As an actor, I also patiently and compassionately wait to see if life will change this prejudices she holds about herself. Since both she and Nuh grew up without a mother, I took her feelings towards Nuh as a form of maternal instinct. Her journey of self-discovery in love might challenge the bonds she shares with her brother because of this connection.

You share intense scenes with Aras Aydın, due to the sibling bond. There’s also a strong love story developing between Melek and Cihan (Burak Tozkoparan). All of this have resonated with the audience. What would you like to say about your partners?

Hafsanur Sancaktutan: Aras is so dear to me. We get along very well, and we have become great twins because we already started doing certain things the same way while filming together… Working with him is both a lot of fun and educational for me, given that he’s a very talented actor… Burak is the same way, we have this beautiful friendship where we have a good time together, understand each other, talk about our scenes, and support one another.

You are in Cappadocia for Valley of Hearts, a truly exceptional place. How is it living and working in Cappadocia?

Hafsanur Sancaktutan: Cappadocia is truly a mesmerizing place, and working there has been an entirely unique experience. With its historical and natural beauty, the atmosphere perfectly complements the dramatic tone of the series. The unique landscapes and mystical ambiance of Cappadocia beautifully align with the emotional ups and downs the characters go through.

Hafsanur Sancaktutan: “Valley of Hearts tells a story that touches some of our deepest feelings inside, focusing on themes of love, revenge, and family ties.”

Valley of Hearts will be introduced at MIPCOM, one of the world’s most important content markets. What would you like to say to your audience in Türkiye and around the world?

Hafsanur Sancaktutan: Valley of Hearts tells a story that touches some of our deepest feelings inside, focusing on themes of love, revenge, and family ties. The struggle each character is going through resonates on a universal level, and full of moments audiences can find something from themselves in, this story that takes place in the magical atmosphere of Cappadocia will be fascinating to follow not just visually but also emotionally. For global audiences, this story encompasses universal themes that bring people together. I thank everyone who is watching us and hope that they accompany us throughout this exciting journey. I wish everyone an experience that they will enjoy thoroughly!

This interview with Hafsanur Sancaktutan was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIPCOM 2024 issue.