Turkish TV Series Captivating Central Asia and CIS Regions

Turkish TV series have secured a significant position in the media market of the CIS, particularly Uzbekistan, thanks to their emotionally rich plots, strong characters, and stories revolving around themes of family, love, and power. In 2024, Turkey generated $500 million in revenue from series exports.

These series were watched by nearly one billion viewers in more than 200 countries worldwide. The popularity of Turkish series began in 1986 with "A Small Bird" and has grown significantly since then.

Today, Turkey is among the leading exporters of television content globally, strengthening its cultural and economic influence in Central Asia. Among Turkish series, "Magnificent Century" is particularly renowned, depicting the reign of Sultan Suleiman I and the complex influence of women in the Ottoman palace.

The series covers decisions of state, political alliances, palace intrigues, and personal relationships, highlighting their significant impact on historical processes. Sultan Suleiman is portrayed as a wise and strategic ruler, yet also as a human dealing with love, doubts, and vulnerabilities.

Hürrem Sultan is depicted as a strong, determined, and influential character. When it comes to "Endless Love" ("Kara Sevda"), it holds the distinction of being the first Turkish series to win a major international award.

The series narrates the love story of Kemal, a member of an ordinary family, and Nihan, the daughter of a wealthy businessman. It captivates audiences with deep emotions, powerful dialogues, and intricate love stories amidst social pressures.

"Inside" ("İçerde") tells the story of two brothers, Sarp and Mert, who are separated in childhood and later find themselves on opposite paths. The series combines crime, detective work, and family drama.

This production has been described by many viewers as "Turkey's unique response to America's show 'The Departed'." Another series, "The Pit" ("Çukur"), gained fame for its crime-themed storyline and family aspects.

The series portrays the rules of the Çukur neighborhood and the story of the Koçovali family that governs it. "Valley of the Wolves" ("Kurtlar Vadisi") is a series that merges political thriller and crime genres, delving into national security operations.

The charismatic Polat Alemdar is recognized as the central character in the show. "One Thousand and One Nights" ("Binbir Gece") tells the intricate relationship between Şehrazat and Onur, introducing viewers to moral dilemmas and human emotions.

"What is Fatmagül’s Fault?" ("Fatmagül'ün Suçu Ne?") is prominently known for openly addressing societal issues. The series "Feriha" explores the struggles of a young woman navigating different social strata.

"Hero" ("Kahraman") tells a love story set against the long-standing enmity between two families. These shows have achieved immense popularity among viewers in Central Asia and the CIS.

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