Why Are Turkish TV Series So Popular Worldwide?

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Today, numerous Turkish TV series are watched by millions of people in countries ranging from Japan to Spain, and from Argentina to Egypt. Films and TV series have long been essential components of global popular culture. American and European productions are followed with great interest worldwide, being watched by millions. These productions often carry significant traces of the cultures and daily lives of their countries of origin, making them tools for “cultural export.” For years, the cultures of the United States and Europe have spread around the world through films and TV series. However, in recent years, a new star has risen in the global TV industry: Turkish TV series! These series are being exported to a wide range of regions, from the Middle East to Europe, and from Africa to South America. Interest in Turkish TV series is increasing day by day globally. People from various parts of the world have become avid fans of Turkish TV series!

Second Only to the US

According to data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, news headlines in the media, and the Electrical and Electronics Exporters’ Association, the Turkish TV series sector has gained significant momentum over the past decade, ranking second in export rates, just behind the US.

Data shows that Turkish TV series have reached millions of viewers worldwide, from the US to Russia, the Middle East to the Balkans, and the Far East to Latin America.

But how did Turkish TV series become globally popular? What is the secret of Turkish TV series? What are the effects of the growing demand for Turkish TV series on Turkey? Here’s what you need to know about the success of Turkish TV series…

The Journey of Turkish TV Series Abroad Began with “Aşk-ı Memnu” in 1975

The adventure of Turkish TV series abroad started with the 1975 production “Aşk-ı Memnu.” Starring Müjde Ar and Şükran Güngör, the series was sold to France in 1981. This sale marked one of the most significant moments in our cinema and TV industry. About 20 years after the 1981 sale, the TV series “Deli Yürek” was sold to Kazakhstan state television for a modest sum of $30 per episode.

Turkish TV Series Captured a Broad Market in the Middle East

In the 2000s, Turkish TV series achieved great sales success and reached millions of viewers in the Middle East. The 2005 production “Gümüş” was dubbed in Arabic in 2008 and reached a large audience across the Arab world. According to a Saudi television channel, the final episode of “Gümüş” was watched by 85 million Arab viewers. This success paved the way for many Turkish TV series to be exported to the Arab region in the following years.

Leading the Pack: “Magnificent Century”

The regions where Turkish TV series are exported primarily include the Middle East and North Africa, followed by Eastern Europe, Western Europe, the US, and Latin American countries. According to the information obtained, “Magnificent Century” tops the list of the most exported Turkish TV series to date.

“Black Money Love” (“Kara Para Aşk”)

A relatively older series, “Black Money Love” (“Kara Para Aşk”), starring Tuba Büyüküstün, Engin Akyürek, and Erkan Can, stands out as a crime and action series. The series, as popular in Turkey as it is worldwide, counts the famous football player Lionel Messi among its fans.

“Resurrection: Ertugrul” (“Diriliş: Ertuğrul”)

“Resurrection: Ertugrul” (“Diriliş: Ertuğrul”), starring Engin Altan Düzyatan, which depicts the foundation of the Ottoman Empire, has become one of the leading historical TV series with its large-scale production and war and action scenes. The series received a rating of 7.9 from 40,000 people on IMDb and was watched by millions worldwide. It became so popular in countries like India, Pakistan, and the Middle East that the series’ Urdu-dubbed version received 153 million views on YouTube.

“Gaddar”

Although a newer series, “Gaddar,” starring Çağatay Ulusoy, has already become one of the most popular Turkish TV series. Targeting action enthusiasts, the series has made a name for itself on many platforms. It is expected to reach an even larger audience soon.

Other Legendary and Widely Watched Turkish TV Series Include:

  • Ezel
  • Aşk-ı Memnu
  • Kulüp
  • Sen Çal Kapımı
  • Kurtlar Vadisi
  • Gümüş
  • Erkenci Kuş
  • Medcezir
  • Karadayı
  • Binbir Gece
  • Öyle Bir Geçer Zaman Ki
  • Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne?
  • Sıla

From $10 Million to $350 Million

In a study by PRNet, which compiled media data, news about the export of TV series was covered in 2,239 reports within the specified period. The revenue from TV series exports, which was $10 million in 2008, increased steadily to reach $350 million in 2016. Other media headlines indicated that the growing demand for Turkish TV series also increased the per-episode prices. If the targets are achieved, the Turkish TV series sector is expected to surpass $1 billion in exports by 2024.

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