Forbidden Love Series Gets Arabic Version: Everything You Need to Know

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The Arab audience is abuzz with excitement following the announcement that the Turkish series “Ask-ı Memnu” [Forbidden Love], which garnered tremendous viewership ratings upon its debut in 2010, is set to be adapted into an Arabic version.

Made popular across the Middle East and Arab nations when it first aired 16 years ago—with its original dubbed in Arabic—Forbidden Love has left a lasting impression. An Arabic adaptation is expected to premiere in the latter half of 2026. This will follow the broadcast of the series Layl, which narrates the story of Sefirin Kızı [The Ambassador’s Daughter], currently airing. Once that concludes, an Arabic version of Sen Çal Kapımı [Love Is in the Air] is slated to be broadcast. Many fans believe that after the conclusion of Sen Çal Kapımı, a remake of Ask-ı Memnu will be released.

The series “Ask-ı Memnu” (Forbidden Love) is a Turkish drama that revolves around Adnan Ziyagil, a wealthy man who marries a young woman named Bihter. The narrative explores a forbidden romance that sparks between Adnan’s nephew, Behlül, and Bihter, despite their living under the same roof.

Adnan is father to two children: his daughter Nihal Ziyagil, who also falls in love with Behlül, and his son Bülent Ziyagil. Initially, the children oppose the marriage, mainly because Bihter is significantly younger than their father.

Regarding the upcoming Arab adaptation, fans and sources suggest it will feature many renowned stars, including:
1. Maxim Khalil, cast as Behlül (also known as Muhannad), originally portrayed by Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ
2. Sarah Baraka as Bihter (also known as Samar), previously played by Beren Saat
3. Salma Almasri as Firdevs Yöreoglu (also called Fayrouz Khanum), Bihter’s mother, originally played by Nebahat Çehre
4. Salloum Haddad as Adnan Bey (also known as Adnan), originally portrayed by Selçuk Yöntem

Fans also shared visuals and posts on social media highlighting the excitement surrounding this adaptation, reinforcing the show’s anticipated popularity once again in this new version.