Baraj (The Dam) is a Turkish romantic drama series that aired on FOX from March 17, 2020, to May 11, 2021. Produced by Medyapım and No Dokuz Productions, the series is a modern adaptation of the 1977 Turkish film of the same name. Directed and written by Hasan Tolga Pulat, the show comprises a single season with 39 episodes, each approximately 120 minutes long.
Nehir Aksu (Biran Damla Yılmaz) is a young woman with a troubled past, who, alongside her mentor Zerrin (Sumru Yavrucuk), engages in schemes to swindle men by feigning romantic interest. Tired of this deceitful lifestyle, Nehir seeks genuine connection and begins an online correspondence with Nazım Güney (Feyyaz Duman), a reserved construction site manager bearing a prominent facial scar.
As their bond deepens over months of messaging, Nehir sends Nazım her photo and requests his in return. Insecure about his appearance, Nazım sends her a photo of Tarık Yılmaz (Burak Yörük), a handsome and charismatic young man recently arrived at the dam construction site. The situation spirals when Nehir decides to meet Nazım in person, leading to a complex web of mistaken identities, emotional entanglements, and the unveiling of hidden truths.
Baraj delves into themes of love, identity, and redemption, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of deception. The series received attention for its engaging storyline and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Biran Damla Yılmaz and Feyyaz Duman.