Aliye Rona

Aliye Rona, born way back in 1921 in Der’a, Syria—yeah, that’s a real twist for a Turkish cinema icon, right?—she built this wild, unforgettable career in Turkish films that basically made her a household name. Her vibe was always intense, like, she didn’t just act—she owned every scene she was in. People who love old Turkish films, they know what I’m talking about. She starred in classics like “Kader Böyle Istedi” (1968), which, not gonna lie, is one of those movies you watch and think, “Damn, people really lived for drama back then.” And “Hepimiz Kardesiz” (1964)? That one’s got all the feels—family, loyalty, a bit of heartbreak. She just had this way of making you believe every word out of her mouth, even when the plot got wild. Honestly, Rona didn’t mess around when it came to acting. She took on tough roles, played strong women, and did it all with this no-nonsense energy. Married to Zihni Rona—another big name, by the way—their partnership was like Turkish cinema royalty. Her career spanned decades, and she didn’t slow down, even as the film industry shifted and new faces popped up. It’s kind of wild to think she started life in Syria and ended up as one of Istanbul’s legends, passing away in 1996. People still talk about her legacy, the way she shaped Turkish film, and honestly, you can’t really have a proper convo about classic Turkish movies without bringing her up. She’s just that iconic.