Good People of vitruta: Yasemin Szawlowski

Yasemin, welcome to Good People! For the first time, I’m changing up my usual first question: How do we pronounce your last name? Could you tell us? :)

I’m happy to be here! Of course! :) It’s actually very simple: the "sz" is pronounced as "sh." So, my last name is pronounced “Shavlovski.” Once you know it, it's easy. :)

Let’s continue with the classic question: Who is Yasemin Szawlowski? How did your journey begin, how is it going, and what are you up to?

I’m someone who values freedom, joy, love, learning, always in a state of discovery and adventure, curious to understand the world, the universe, and myself—an artistic soul. :)

There are so many ways I could answer how it all started. But today, let me share the first thing that comes to mind. I think things started moving when the first Spice Girls album came out. The girl downstairs had an old tutu that didn’t fit her anymore, and she gifted it to me. At one point, I wore it all the time, dancing until the entire album was over, coming up with choreography—though it was mostly freestyle. I remember pestering my dad to record me. :) My dance journey might have started like that. There are many stories, but for some reason, that’s the one I wanted to share today. After joining the Children’s Ballet at the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, studying at Istanbul University’s Ballet Department, and completing university with a degree in Theatre, I wrapped up my academic education—at least for now.

Cinema has always been the most powerful tool for expanding my horizons instantly, stimulating my imagination from every angle, and teaching me how to cope with loneliness and be at peace with myself. It still is. There’s something magical about becoming part of the world of a film when it starts and then being transported back to wherever you are once it ends. I fell in love with cinema quickly—its reality, its everything! The indescribable euphoria of not just being an actress, but being Yasemin who’s so passionate about cinema and turning that into my profession is something I still feel. It was a dream, and I made it come true! :)

And how did your journey into acting develop? What were the key turning points?

I was also in love with ballet, but our relationship wasn’t healthy—I began to suffer emotionally, mentally, and physically. When I realized I needed to end it, I felt like I had fallen into a void. I needed to channel my energy and hunger for creativity somewhere else. Acting wasn’t even on my radar at the time, but suddenly, I found myself preparing for theater department exams. Transitioning from such a strict discipline like ballet to asking, “Who am I?” was a harsh shift. But along the way, I opened up—it took time for me to find my color.

Which of the projects you’ve been involved in hold a special place for you?

Pera Palas’ta Gece Yarısı has a very special place in my life. My beloved Sonya gave me so many gifts. I made amazing friends on set. My dear dog Leeloo came into my life through the Pera set. The role was challenging for me on a spiritual level. Because of it, I had to face every emotion I had refused to see in myself, which is not something that happens in every project.

Are there any new films or series you're a part of that will be released soon?

There’s The Turkish Detective, a joint project by Miramax, Paramount Pictures, and Ay Yapım, which is coming up—the release date will be announced soon. Then there’s Suyun Yüzü, written and directed by Zeynep Köprülü, her debut film, which is in the editing phase now; I’m excited for that! Also, the filming of Tek Başına, written and directed by Aziz Alaca, is ongoing—in fact, I’m heading to set right after this shoot! :)

Besides these new projects, there’s also the second season of Pera Palas’ta Gece Yarısı ahead of me.

What are your favorite places to spend time in Istanbul? Can you give us some recommendations for restaurants, bars, and cafés?

As a former Cihangir resident, 21 is my go-to spot. Sometimes the kitchen stays open until 6 in the morning, and the food is just incredible. Plenty of options, great service, and excellent cocktails!

In Cihangir again, I really love Journey. Everything I eat there feels super healthy and light, yet very satisfying, and I really like the decor—it feels peaceful! :)

Kahve 6 is my favorite place for breakfast. I might be addicted to their çılbır; I don’t think I’ve ordered anything else for a while now! :)

Lately, I’ve been going to Taproom quite often. Their Kölsch beer might be one of my favorite beers ever. It’s my go-to among their beers! And they play vinyl records—what more could I ask for? :)

Fıccın is another place where I always think, “I’m so glad this exists!” I love watching people on the street there, and it gives me a sense of peace.

Aret’s place is also very special to me. The mezes are amazing, and I love the people there. I usually go with my closest friends—it’s our spot! :)

And of course, I can’t skip mentioning Ziba, my favorite bar in Istanbul. My dear Deniz, Cem, and Onur—I’ve followed them for years, wherever they’ve gone. It started with Deniz at Leyla Teras, where we first met. Then Cem and Onur opened Barba under Leyla Teras on Mis Street. Now they’ve all come together at Ziba. If they open a new spot in the future, I’ll definitely be there too! :)

As you can see, all my recommendations are local spots. Being half a homebody and half a social person, I tend to hang out where I feel most at home. :)

Last question, and it's about us. What are your top 3 favorite brands at vitruta?

VEJA, RAINS, CHIMI!

For products styled by Melis Güven and chosen by Yasemin Szawlowski in the shoot, you can click here!