(literally "Oh, my mother!") is a popular Turkish exclamation used to express deep astonishment, shock, admiration, or even humorous exasperation. While it is a common idiom, it is most famously tied to a beloved 2001 Turkish comedy series and a hit song by pop star Tarkan. The Story of the TV Series (2001–2002)

For many, the phrase immediately brings to mind the high-energy song Vay Anam Vay by Tarkan from his album Metamorfoz .

Member. ... Hello mrusa, “Vay anam vay!” is an expression/idiom. It is used to tell astonishment, anger, admiration and sadness. WordReference Forums Vay Anam Vay (TV Series 2001–2002) - IMDb

The show humorously explores her attempts to keep her son and three daughters together in the chaotic big city. The "Vay Anam Vay" refers to the constant shocks and "city life" troubles her children get into, forcing her to constantly exclaim the phrase in surprise.

In Turkish storytelling, this phrase often serves as a "punchline" or a dramatic pivot. You might hear it in a story about:

The show was a massive hit during Ramadan in Turkey and eventually led to a spin-off titled Kibar Ana . The Tarkan Connection

He uses the phrase "Vay anam vay to my condition!" to express the overwhelming, almost painful intensity of his infatuation. Common Usage in Stories

A clumsy villager accidentally saves the day from a wolf or a bandit, leaving the onlookers to shout the phrase in disbelief. Vay anam vay - WordReference Forums