June 2025 Cover Star: Pelin Karahan | SD Luxury Magazine

“The Most Aware Period of My Life” – An Intimate Conversation with Pelin Karahan

1. What kind of period are you in your life?

I can say that I’m in the most aware period of my life. I know what I want and what I don’t want, it’s a beautiful period. I think 40 is a very beautiful age for a woman so I’m in a beautiful period right now where I take time for myself, do better, more selective things, and also calm down, become more peaceful inside, but also have enjoyable times.

2. Writer Jorge Amado said; ‘A person’s homeland is her/his childhood.’ What kind of a child were you; what can you tell us about those days?

I’d a really good childhood, full of attention, love, a good childhood… Of course there’re some tough times, and as I grew up there’re even tougher times. But I can say this, for me home means where my mother is. Wherever my mother is, that’s where my home is, we grew up together. That’s why we moved houses a lot, and therefore we moved homes a lot. But when you look at it, it didn’t really matter where, wherever my mother is, home is where I’m and it still is. For example, when I think about the present, my children also enjoy my being at home. They like to be wherever I’m. Also, home maybe means a place where some food is cooked. In other words, if something’s cooking in the kitchen of a house, if there’re smells of food coming from that house, that house means home. At least, that’s what I think.

3. We got to know you through the character of ‘Aslı’ in the TV series ‘Kavak Yelleri.’ Was acting your childhood dream?

To be honest, acting wasn’t my childhood dream. I became an actor completely by chance. Actually, I took advantage of the opportunities that came my way, in order to earn money, because life required it. But of course I worked hard. Even though it wasn’t my dream, once I got involved in the job I worked hard to do it properly, to give value for money, to be the best at what I do.

4. What kind of dream of success did you have in mind when you first entered this sector? When you look back now, where do you see yourself?

At first, I didn’t have a dream. I just wanted to do my job well. I didn’t have any dream of success. But now when I look back, I didn’t set my current dream back then, but if I’d, I’d have gone beyond what I’ve achieved.

5. What inspired you to discover yourself or chart your own path? Who’s been your biggest supporter on your path?

First of all, of course, my family, my mother’s been my biggest supporter. Later, my husband, my children, my friends. But I think the biggest power comes from within. Because no matter how much support you have from outside, if you don’t have your own inner power, it won’t work.

6. There’s still a very narrow career path for a woman who acts. Not only in our country, but also abroad. Unfortunately, conforming to popular culture’s perception of beauty; age, marital status, even being a mother or not, affects one’s career. How do you evaluate an authority with such a narrow perspective?

Unfortunately, this’s the case in Turkey. The process that begins in youth limits the characters that’re suitable for a certain age range. When a woman becomes a mother, she only gets mother roles. With physical changes and social media perception, female actors have a much harder time.

7. You took part in the series ‘Geleceğe Mektuplar’ which will be released on Netflix in August. How did it feel to shoot both flashback and present-day scenes at the same time?

It’s a project that I admire and I’m proud of. I took part in today’s scenes more. Both the mathematics and the plot are difficult, but it’s very enjoyable.

8. Did little Pelin write a letter to today’s Pelin?

When I was little, I used to write a lot of letters. To myself, to people I didn’t send them to. If I were to write to today’s Pelin, I’d say, ‘Be patient, everything will be fine.’

9. Apart from your acting, you also do cooking shows. ‘Nefis Tarifler’ & ‘Pelin’in Mutfağı’ are also among your interesting projects. How did your interest in cooking begin? Which cuisine do you enjoy interpreting the most among world cuisines?

I’ve always loved being in the kitchen. It’s reinforced when I worked in a patisserie. I like both Turkish and Italian cuisine. The kitchen is like therapy for me.

10. What do you think about the modern perception of aesthetics and today’s beauty standards?

Sometimes I think it’s scary. Everyone’s starting to become the same. It’s important for a person to do what suits them and reach their best self with small touches. Trying to be like someone else isn’t for me.

11. You’re very fit and beautiful. Do you have any special care secrets?

I pay a lot of attention to sleep, nutrition and sports. I train 5-6 days a week. I go to bed early and wake up early. I do not neglect my skin care. I also evaluate my genetic luck.

12. So, do you follow fashion and how do you describe your style?

I follow fashion, but I don’t wear something just because it’s fashionable. I like to dress according to the occasion. I change clothes many times during the day, no problem.

13. Do you use social media actively? What are your fans most curious about you?

I’m not very active outside of Instagram. I sometimes stay away from social media. I usually get asked a lot about my clothes and what I wear.

14. What did being a mother bring to you? What’s the most beautiful dream you have about your sons Ali and Can when you look at them?

Motherhood’s given me patience, foresight, and conscience. I’ve always had a motherly nature inside me, and it’s increased with children. I imagine them growing up, becoming young men, and spending time with me.

15. How do you spend a day without a set? What do you like to do?

I start the day by sending the kids to school, then I do sports. During the day, I do housework, shopping, sometimes care. In the evening, I have routine but full days such as eating with the kids, chatting, and making cakes.

16. What kind of titles form your philosophy of life?

I used to care a lot about what others thought. Now my own happiness and my own desires are at the forefront. Life’s for living our own lives, not the lives of others.

17. I want you to say something when you read this interview in the future…

Saying something to me: Give up your indecisiveness. Do whatever comes to mind.

At SD Luxury Magazine, we extend our heartfelt wishes to Pelin Karahan —

a woman of elegance, strength, and depth. May your journey ahead continue to be filled with creative triumphs, serene moments with your beloved family, and the inner light that inspires women around the world.

With admiration and respect,

The SD Luxury Magazine Team

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ZİŞAN SEÇKİN @zisanseckin
INTERVIEWER: DİLAY SEÇKİN @dilaysjoker
PHOTOGRAPH: TUNCA SARIŞEN @tuncasarisen
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