I have too much time and decided to write an analysis of Sarper from a Turkish perspective in case it’s of interest 😂
First of all, I’m from Istanbul. Sarper’s family seem middle to upper middle class to me. His career choices (stripper, fitness instructor etc.) would not be considered a success by his family so he probably feels that he has somewhat failed in life.
On the other hand, most women that he interacts with in his daily life (colleagues?) are probably of a poorer background. He would not consider them to be “good enough” for him and his family. Similarly, he would not be considered “good enough” for women who come from a similar socioeconomic background to himself due to his career.
That really only leaves him the option of marrying a foreigner and trying to build a life abroad. Shekinah is his way of saving face.
Thanks for this analysis! Many noted here that Sarper’s family seemed surprisingly normal, even classy. Not the type of people who’d be thrilled to be related to a stripper turned fitness instructor who’s still unmarried well into his 40s. It doesn’t help that he’s an only child therefore his parents might be especially disappointed with his career and lack of children. They all did seem to like Shekinah quite a lot.