Turkish dramas—known as dizi—first began to gain popularity across the world with the release of Binbir Gece (1001 Nights) in 2006. Since then, shows like Diriliş: Ertuğrul (2014) and As the Crow Flies (2022) have gained global acclaim for their dramatic portrayals of human emotion and a range of socio-political issues. According to studies, Turkey currently stands as one of the highest exporters of television shows, ranking second only to the USA.
Compared to the usual 30-40 minute episode format of the West, Turkish shows are much slower, with episodes stretching up to 120 minutes. Their focus on ideas of justice, love as well as family values have gained them a loyal fan-following in India, prompting remakes such as Kya Qusoor Hai Amala Ka? (2017) based upon Fatmagül'ün Suçu Ne (2010). From popular rom coms to underrated thrillers, Vogue India rounds up the best Turkish shows to watch.
Fatmagül'ün Suçu Ne? (What is Fatmagül's fault?) (2010-2012)
Two seasons and 80 episodes long, Fatmagül'ün Suçu Ne? is a moving tale of justice, revenge, class conflict and love. Written by the duo Ece Yörenç and Melek Gençoğlu, the show focuses on Fatmagül, a gang-raped woman hailing from a poor family forced into marriage with one of her rapists. Despite the men who gang-raped her being some of the most powerful men in the country, Fatmagül does not stop fighting until she is granted justice.
Diriliş: Ertuğrul (Resurrection: Ertuğrul) (2014-2019)
Helmed by producer Mehmet Bozdağ, this historical fiction series spans across five seasons, telling the tale of Ertuğrul, a nomad warrior from Central Asia who founded the Ottoman dynasty. Mixing facts with fiction, the drama paints a vivid picture of the Turkic Asian community and Muslim culture eight centuries ago.
Another Self (2022)
This Netflix series follows three friends who travel to Avyalik, a seaside town, as one of them seeks an alternative cure for his cancer. Here, the three embark on a transformative journey when they confront lingering trauma rooted in their families’ pasts. Shining a light on the generational trauma and forced migration that shapes modern Turkey, Another Self tells a compelling tale in eight episodes.
Şahsiyet (Persona) (2018)
The plot of this crime drama miniseries centres around Agâh Beyoğlu, a 65-year-old retired court clerk whose spouse passed away some time ago. His world takes a sombre turn when his cherished cat Münir Bey dies because he forgot to feed her. Agâh is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which initially plunges him into a deep depression—before he realises it has some advantages. For crime lovers: Şahsiyet promises to deliver, ranking 41st on IMDB’s best serials of all time list.
Küçük Ağa (Little Lord) (2014-2015)
In this two-season comedy, a young child, fondly known as Little Lord, grapples with the tension surrounding his parents’ impending divorce. With childish pranks and mischief, he tries to achieve one goal: reuniting his estranged parents.
As The Crow Flies (2022)
Set in a high-stakes, fast-paced newsroom, this riveting series follows Asli as she tries to climb higher up the professional ladder. Showcasing the battle between figurative crows and lions—the lower class from which Asli hails and high society—As The Crow Flies is a representation of changing business landscapes and what people are willing to do to get to the top.
Yabani (2023)
Created by Hilal Yıldız and directed by M. Çağatay Tosun, this heart-wrenching drama follows Yabani Ali, a child kidnapped from his family and left to grow up on the streets. As an adult, he discovers his biological family but will he be able to accept them and find out why he was kidnapped? A poignant tale of resilience and identity, spotlighting class differences, Yabani has quickly gained popularity amongst viewers and critics alike.
Erkenci Kuş (Daydreamer) (2018-2019)
An aspiring writer who dreams of living in the Galápagos islands, Sanem is faced with the dilemma of an arranged marriage with her neighbour Muzaffer or leaving her family’s grocery store to secure a stable job. She takes up an office job in advertising but finds herself falling for her boss. Family rivalries, mistimed kisses and mistaken identities come together to spin a light-hearted and humorous tale of love.
Shahmaran (2023)
In this Netflix fantasy drama, Şahsu, a psychology lecturer from Istanbul, travels to Adana and decides to confront her grandfather who abandoned her mother many years ago. There, she finds herself involved with a community that worships the Şahmaran, a mythical being, part woman and part snake, and meets a mysterious man named Maran. Likened to a “darker, more philosophical version of Twilight” with Maran and his family reminding critics of the Cullens, Shahmaran pulls viewers into a fantastical, dreamy universe.
Terzi (The Tailor) (2023)
Peyami Dokumacı, a young and celebrated tailor, has inherited his grandfather’s talent and successful business. When his grandfather passes away, he moves to Istanbul with his father and falls in love with his client, a bride-to-be whose wedding dress he is hired to sew. Weaving a tale of family secrets and unexpected twists, this Netflix show is as stylish as it is suspenseful.
Atiye (The Gift) (2019-2021)
Adapted from Şengül Boybaş’s novel Dünyanın Uyanışı, this fantasy drama follows Atiye, a young artist who has been drawn to a mysterious symbol ever since she was young. Unaware of the symbol’s origin or meaning, her life takes an unexpected turn when an archaeologist uncovers the symbol she is drawn to, buried under the earth for millennia. Starring Beren Saat of Fatmagul fame, the series combines a thrilling plotline with stunning visuals.
Ethos (2020)
This mini-drama set in Istanbul tells the story of Meryem, a part-time cleaner from a conservative family, prone to fainting spells. After crossing paths with Peri, an affluent and secular psychiatrist, her life begins to change. Ethos brings together a diverse set of characters, from Sinan, the man who Meryam develops a crush on while cleaning his house, to the Turkish actress Peri just befriended at yoga class. Ethos paints a picture of modern-day Turkey, tying together a multitude of characters in unexpected ways.
Medcezir (2013-2015)
Adapted from the American TV series The O.C., Medcezir is a teen drama revolving around Yaman Koper, a poor boy determined to change his destiny. When Yaman and his brother Kenan are imprisoned for stealing a car, the lawyer Selim offers help, giving him a brand new chance at life.
Kulup (The Club) (2021)
A period drama set in 1955 Istanbul, Kulup revolves around Matilda Aseo who is released from prison after serving time for murder. The ex-convict finds herself working at one of the city’s most popular nightclubs in an attempt to reconnect with her daughter Raşel, whom she did not get to raise.
Creature (2023)
Inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and set against the backdrop of the final era of the Ottoman empire, Creature centres the rebellious medical student Ziya who dreams of eradicating infectious diseases. His path converges with the enigmatic Ihsan, a medical doctor straddling the fine line between genius and insanity. Together, the two embark on a perilous journey to defeat death. Creature is a fresh take on a classic tale of a creature and his maker, monster and man.
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