Sevda Ferdağ

Along with rapid industrialization and growth of capitalism in Turkey during 1950s and 1960s, another fact emerged: that was migration from small towns to big cities, particularly to Istanbul. In this story, the family is composed of six people; parents, three sons and a daughter. After arriving at Istanbul with a dream of 'conquering' the city and possibility of reaching a high standard of living, they experience a tragical collapse which end with death of the daughter.

The film is set in a rundown, crime ridden neighborhood of Istanbul dubbed "Cholera Street" (Kolera Sokağı). Salih is a mechanic and son of a respected barber Ali. A woman Tina arrives at Cholera street where she takes up residence and works as a prostitute. Deniz is a ganster who gives himself the nickname "Reiss" ("Chief"), tries to take control of the neighbourhood through intidimation.

Seyit, a resourceful doorman of a middle class apartment in Istanbul, finds himself in a struggle for power when the new superintendent decides to crack down on his slack attitude.