Bitter Lands Bitter Lands | Page 16

SANIYE TASKIN (26) FADIK (20) Saniye is Gaffur's wife and the main cook at the Yaman ranch. She has been working for the Grand Lady for many years. At first, she helps Yilmaz and Zuleyha get jobs at the ranch. After Gaffur’s warnings and the evident rise of Zuleyha in the Grand Lady’s favor, she sides against them. Her only wish is to cement Gaffur’s place in the Yaman Ranch as the main butler. As foolhardy as Gaffur, there is nothing she wouldn't do to keep their place in the ranch. A worker at the Yaman ranch, Fadik mostly takes care of the small mansion. Sharp as a razor, she is skillful and clever. She is the first person to be jealous of Zuleyha because of her higher rank within the ranch. Fadik sees Zuleyha as an enemy and tries to cut the ground under her feet. Sermin uses Fadik as a cover while messing with Demir, Hunkar and Zuleyha. GULTEN TASKIN (22) VELI DONMEZ (38) Gulten is Gaffur’s sister and works at the Yaman ranch as well. She falls in love with Yilmaz at first sight. She treats Zuleyha very closely, thinking that she and Yilmaz are siblings. But Zuleyha is aware of Gulten's feelings toward Yilmaz, which makes her jealous. Gulten is more naïve compared to the other workers at the ranch. Veli is Zuleyha's step brother who has been working as a jitney driver. He has a gambling addiction that he funds through various endeavors. He doesn't have a strong relationship with Zuleyha whom he lives with but is pleased with the money she brings home. His guise of self-confidence while gambling is a deflection caused by the ultimate realization of his uselessness. The fact that Demir has fallen for Zuleyha is a first for Gulten and all the other women at the ranch because until then they could not even dream of one of them being with someone from the higher class let alone a landowner. Zuleyha’s rise will open up a whole new vision for them. He doesn't have a benevolent nature to begin with. With time, he gives into his wicked inclinations. Due to his weak personality, his gambling addiction takes control, and he makes Zuleyha pay for his mistakes and addiction.