That dream is shattered in a single, brutal night. After being drugged and abducted, Fatmagül is brutally gang-raped by four men. The perpetrators are the wealthy, spoiled sons of the town’s elite, including Selim Yaşaran and, most significantly, Kerim Ilgaz (played by Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ). Kerim, the novel’s moral pivot, was initially present but passed out drunk and did not participate. However, guilt-ridden, he is coerced by his powerful friends into lying for them.

Its impact went beyond entertainment. The show sparked real-world conversations about sexual assault laws, victim protection, and the role of media in perpetuating rape culture. In many countries, it helped shift public discourse around "honor" and women's rights.

The iconic theme song, "Bir Ben Bir Allah Biliyor" (Only Me and God Know), sung by Ayla Çelik, became an anthem of pain and resilience. A note of caution: The first episode graphically depicts the sexual assault. It is difficult to watch and may be triggering for survivors of sexual violence.