Turkish TV Dramas Conquer the World
Turkish television dramas, known as "dizi," have become a global phenomenon, transforming the country into a leading exporter of television shows. Millions of viewers worldwide are captivated by stories that often feature Turkey's rich history and culture.
The success of these dramas has created a billion-dollar industry that continues to expand. Research company Parrot Analytics reported a staggering 184 percent increase in demand for Turkish TV series between 2020 and 2023.
Izzet Pinto, head of Global Agency, a Turkish media company that exports dramas internationally, emphasizes the impact of these shows. "We reach over 400 million viewers every night around the world," he says, highlighting the "soft power" Turkish dramas wield, surpassing even political influence.
The journey began with "Deli Yurek," Turkey's first exported drama, sent to Kazakhstan in 2001. However, it was the love story "Gumus" that truly propelled Turkish dizis to global fame. This tale of a traditional woman adjusting to city life captivated audiences in the Middle East.
Following "Gumus," other successful series emerged. "A Thousand and One Nights," a modern-day Istanbul adaptation of Middle Eastern folktales, enthralled audiences in the Balkans in 2006. The historical drama "Magnificent Century," based on the life of Ottoman Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, further cemented the popularity of Turkish dramas.
Turkey, once an importer of Latin American telenovelas, has now flipped the script, exporting its own shows to Latin America. In 2018, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro even visited the set of the Turkish drama "Resurrection: Ertugrul," highlighting its international recognition.
Haley Uganadi, founder of the website Dizilah, dedicated to Turkish TV series fans, attributes the popularity to the relatable themes. "They are about family, friendship and love, and usually involve rich people in Istanbul or historical stories," she explains.
Uganadi further emphasizes the universality of these dramas: "They offer something for everyone. I see reflections of my mom, myself and my siblings in them."
Pinto echoes this sentiment, highlighting the family-friendly nature of Turkish dramas: "There is no nudity, no cursing or bad words, not much hate. So, it becomes watchable for the family."
As the industry flourishes, Turkish series are expanding their themes. "Red Roses," for instance, explores the complexities of a family facing cultural Westernization and a fictional Islamic brotherhood.
Actor Ozcan Deniz, recognizing the importance of diversification for industry growth, states: "Countries that were not able to transform into a different genre are now lagging behind in the export of series. Turkey has now caught this momentum, but if it cannot diversify, if it cannot also tell different things, it will end somewhere."
"Resurrection: Ertugrul" and "Foundation: Osman" serve as examples of this success. "Resurrection: Ertugrul" garnered over 157 million views on the Urdu language YouTube channel of Turkish state broadcaster TRT, while "Foundation: Osman" reached audiences in over 110 countries.
The global appeal of Turkish TV dramas highlights the power of storytelling to transcend borders and connect audiences on a universal level. As the industry continues to grow and diversify, it will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
