Turkish TV Dramas: A Soft Power Phenomenon

Hit Series and Tourism

Hit series ‘Establishment Osman’ and ‘Resurrection Ertuğrul’ were shot in Turkey’s biggest movie studio the Bozdağ Film studio.

Tourists wander through sets that recreate Ottoman and Byzantine-era castles, take selfies with actors in traditional Ottoman costumes and watch exciting horseback stunt performances in Istanbul.

The global popularity of Turkish TV dramas – or dizi in Turkish – has thrust the nation into the position of a leading exporter of TV series. A growing number of tourists like Finnish Riia Toivanen converged to the Istanbul-based studio.

Global Demand and Soft Power

Between 2020 and 2023, the global demand for Turkish series increased by 184%, positioning Turkey as one of the biggest exporters of TV shows around the world, according to research company Parrot Analytics.

This has enhanced Turkey’s soft power.

“When you watch so intensely and with such demand, you become entrenched in the heart of popular culture, in any country,” Dr. Deniz Gurgen Atalay, Assistant Professor of Film and TV at Bahcesehir University said.

“Therefore, it is not possible for a phenomenon that exists within the dynamics of popular culture to not emerge as soft power and not have a positive impact here during the process of establishing a reputation.”

Industry Insights

“We reach over 400 million viewers every night around the world,” said Izzet Pinto, CEO of Global Agency, which exports Turkish dramas to world markets.

“The soft power we create with Turkish dramas cannot be even compared to what could be done in politics.”

Conclusion

Turkish TV dramas have become a global phenomenon, with a significant impact on Turkey’s soft power. The country’s success in exporting TV series has positioned it as a leading player in the global entertainment industry.

FAQs

Q: What are some popular Turkish TV dramas?

A: Some popular Turkish TV dramas include “Kara Para Ask,” and “Kara Sevda.”

Q: Why are Turkish TV dramas so popular globally?

A: Turkish TV dramas have gained popularity globally due to their engaging storylines, memorable characters, and high production values.

Q: How has the global demand for Turkish TV dramas changed over time?

A: The global demand for Turkish TV dramas has increased by 184% between 2020 and 2023, according to research company Parrot Analytics.