What is the phenomenon of the popularity of Turkish TV series, which today rank second in demand after American ones? The answer is simple. Colorful East, fabulous landscapes, temperamental men, stunning beauties, no-nonsense passions and all-consuming love … In short, they give us everything that is so lacking in our gray everyday life. We present a list of the best Turkish TV series with exorbitant ratings.
Bas Belasi
- IMDB Rating – 7.4
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Melodrama, Comedy, Crime
- Production: Turkey / 2020
- Director: Murat Onbul
- Starring: Irem Helvacıoğlu, Seçkin Özdemir, Dilara Aksüek, Bülent Düzgünoğlu, Neshe Baykent, Taner Rumeli, Yilmaz Kunt, Buche Buse Kahraman
Homicide Commissioner Shahin is not happy about the presence of Ipek in his unit. He thinks that the lady is spoiled, and the department is too serious for her work – investigation of serious crimes. But Ipek, a certified psychologist, has her own reasons for serving in the police force. She needs to deal with the disappearance of her husband, who is suspected of a crime.
Seçkin Ozdemir, the most popular actor in Turkey, is half-Turkish and half-Greek. Before becoming an artist he worked at a radio station, where he started as a sound engineer, then became a popular presenter and only then started acting in movies.
You Knock on My Door
- IMDB Rating – 7.5
- Genre: Melodrama, comedy
- Production: Turkey / 2020
- Director: Altan Dönmez, Ender Mihlar, Yusuf Pirhasan
- Starring: Hande Erchel, Kerem Bursin, Evrim Doan, Anil Ilter, Elcin Afacan, Başak Gümülcınelıolu, Alican Aytekin, Sarp Bozkurt, Neslihan Yeldan, Çağrı Çıtanak
Ed’s girlfriend receives a strange offer from businessman Serkan Bolat. He will pay her for an internship in Italy – in exchange she must pretend to be his fiancée. The young guy explains that he wants to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. But the deal takes the young people in the wrong direction, because Eda is beautiful and smart, and Serkan is damn attractive.
Romcom with one of the highest ratings by both Total and AV. The Total rating takes into account absolutely all viewers. AV rating takes into account the share of wealthy and educated viewers, which affects the sales of advertised products. Both ratings affect the length of the series and the release of new seasons of the series.
Ebb and Tide
- Rating IMDB – 7.0
- Genre: Drama, melodrama, comedy
- Production: Turkey / 2013
- Director: Ali Bilgin
- Starring: Cagatay Ulusoy, Serenay Sarıkaya, Barış Falay, Mine Tugay, Taner Olmez, Hazar Ergüçlu, Metin Akdülger, Batuhan Begimgil, Ali Aksöz, Şebnem Dönmez
A simple boy, Yaman grew up in a disadvantaged neighborhood of Istanbul, Tozluder, surrounded by poverty and crime. By virtue of decency and hard work, Yaman went to a good school, but his brother got him involved in a bad story. Yaman was facing imprisonment. But thanks to his acquaintance with the principled lawyer Selim Serez, the boy got another chance, and also acquired loyal friends and met his love.
“Ebb and Tide” is the Turkish version of the American teen drama “The O.C.” 2003-2007.
New Life
- IMDB Rating – 7.3
- Genre: Drama
- Production: Turkey / 2020
- Director: Başak Soysal, Cem Ozyoduru
- Starring: Serkan Çayoğlu, Melisa Aslı Pamuk, Tayanc Ayaydın, Nilperi Şahinkaya, Ipek Filiz Yazıcı, Nisa Sofia Aksongur, Devrim Nas, Aziz Janer Inan, Nebil Sayin, Ayşe Tunaboylu
After being wounded, former special forces officer Adem began a new life unfamiliar to him. Having failed to find a suitable job, he is forced to agree to become a bodyguard for the beautiful Yasemin – the wife of a large businessman Timur. Only after some time Adem realizes that it is not from criminals, but from her own husband.
Inside the country, the series was criticized, the drama was accused of undermining family values. The scandal erupted due to the fact that according to the storyline, the married character fell in love with a married woman.
Insider
- IMDB Rating – 8.0
- Genre: Crime, Detective, Action, Thriller, Drama
- Production: Turkey / 2016
- Director: Uluc Bayraktar
- Starring: Çağatay Ulusoy, Aras Bulut Iynemli, Çetin Tekindor, Mustafa Ugurlu, Nihal G. Koldaş, Bensu Soral, Damla Jolbay, Yildiray Şahinler, Nebil Sayin, Mustafa Yildiran
Fate separated the siblings Umut and Serp from each other as children. Umut was kidnapped right in front of his brother’s eyes; the boy had been through a lot and was brought up by the street. Growing up, both boys end up studying at the police academy, where they immediately become enemies.
After graduating from the academy, Sickle goes to prison, and then joins the gang of the city’s main mafioso Jelal Duman. Fate will collide the brothers again when Umut, a successful police officer, receives an order to neutralize Duman’s gang.
Crime multi-part drama is based on the popular Hollywood movie “The Departed” by Martin Scorsese with Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role.
Ezel
- IMDB Rating – 8.6
- Genre: Thriller, Drama, Crime
- Production: Turkey / 2009
- Director: Uluc Bayraktar
- Starring: Kenan Imirzalıoğlu, Cansu Dere, Bade Isçil, Yigit Ozsener, Barış Falay, Sarp Akkaya, Narkhan Ozenen, Tuncel Kurtiz, Burcin Terzioglu, Salih Kalyon
Simple boy Omer has everything he needs for happiness – a beloved girl and two trustworthy friends. But his treacherous fiancée and friends betray him, and Omer finds himself imprisoned. In prison he meets a man who lights a fire of revenge in his soul. And now not Omer, but Ezel, comes out of prison, and he is ready to take revenge for his betrayed love and friendship.
The Turkish version of Alexandre Dumas’ world-famous novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”.
Kuzey Guney
- IMDB Rating – 7.6
- Genre: Drama
- Production: Turkey / 2011
- Director: Mehmet Ada Oztekin
- Starring: Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, Bugra Gülsoy, Oikü Karael, Mustafa Avkıran, Semra Dincer, Onur Öztürk, Zerrin Tekindor, Bade Işçil, Rıza Kocaoglu, Hazar Ergüçlu
The Tekinoglu brothers are very different – the playful Kuzey and the thoughtful, calm Guney. Both boys are attracted to their childhood friend, waitress Cemra. Having gathered his courage, Kuzey decided to confess his feelings to the girl, but Gunei beat him to it. In a fit of temper, Kuzey ran away from home, and his brother, who was looking for him, ran down a passerby to death. Feeling guilty before Gunei, Kuzey decided to take all the blame on himself.
In Turkish, “Kuzey” means “north” and “Guney” means “south”. The creators of the dramatic story emphasized the contrast between the brothers not only by their names. Kuzey is played by the blond Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, while Guney is played by the brunette Bugra Gülsoy.
Resurrection Ertugrul
- IMDB Rating – 8.1
- Genre: Action, Drama, Adventure, Military, History
- Production: Turkey / 2014
- Director: Metin Günay, Hakan Arslan
- Starring: Engin Altan, Hülya Darcan, Cengiz Joşkun, Nurettin Sönmez, Jelal Al, Hakan Serim, Edip Zeidan, Ayberk Pekcan, Esra Bilgiç, Osman Soykut
The historical series is dedicated to the formation of the Great Ottoman Empire and its founder Ertugrul-bey, the father of the ancestor of the Ottoman dynasty – Osman I.
1225, the Turkish-speaking Oghuz tribe Kayi has many enemies – from crusaders to Mongol conquerors. But the leader of the clan, the determined Ertugrul, manages to rally his people and conquer all of western Asia Minor, which will lay the foundation for one of the most powerful powers in the world.
One of the best historical Turkish TV series was filmed over five years, with more than 100 actors. The visit of the President of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, to the set was particularly significant.
Masumlar Apartmani
- IMDB Rating – 7.8
- Genre: Drama
- Production: Turkey / 2020
- Director: Çağrı Vila Lostuvalı, Ender Mihlar
- Starring: Birkan Sokullu, Merve Dizdar, Ezgi Mola, Atilla Sendil, Esra Rusan, Metin Joşkun, Emir Özden
The Derenoglu family is living proof of the assertion that wealth is no guarantee of a happy life. Because of the stifling atmosphere in the house, oppressive and unstable mother, sick and weak-willed father, young businessman Han and his three sisters have a lot of psychological problems. But Han has a chance to change everything. He met, fell in love and married a beautiful girl Inji. Will the young man be able to keep happiness in his hands?
A television adaptation of the book Inside the Medallion by Turkish writer and psychiatrist Gülseren Budaycioglu.
Matter of Respect
- IMDB Rating – 6.9
- Genre: Drama, melodrama
- Production: Turkey / 2014
- Director: Altan Dönmez
- Starring: Kerem Bürsin, Şükrü Öziyıldız, Şükran Ovalı, Burju Biricik, Yasemin Allen, Hakan Salınmışık, Kagan Uluca, Alma Terziç, Tilbe Saran, Taner Turan
A series about a love triangle and revenge. Zaliha with her husband and two sons moves to Istanbul, where the family becomes a victim of deception by a business partner. Unable to bear the shame, the father of the family commits suicide. Brothers Yigit and Emir decide to avenge their father’s tragic death. Meanwhile, both boys are in love with the neighbor Sibel, who sooner or later will have to choose between the brothers.
The role of Yigit was played by the most popular Turkish actor Kerem Bursin. Filming took place in the ancient Istanbul neighborhood of Balat, where a huge number of fans of Bursin gathered. This made the work of the film crew extremely difficult.
Cukur
- IMDB Rating – 7.4
- Genre: Thriller, crime, action movie
- Production: Turkey / 2017
- Director: Sinan Ozturk, Ozgur Sevimli
- Starring: Aras Bulut Yınemli, Rıza Kocaoglu, Cem Uslu, Aytaç Uşun, Perihan Savaş, Mustafa Kırantepe, Boncuk Yılmaz, Erkan Kolcak Köstendil, Kadir Çermik, Irem Altuğ
For the second generation, the Kocovaly family has controlled the life of Istanbul’s crime-ridden Cukur neighborhood. But recently the family’s authority has fallen – a strong criminal group has emerged, which threatens the peace of the entire neighborhood. The situation can only be changed by the charismatic son of the head of the clan, Amach Kochovaly, who has lived away from his family in Paris for many years.
Balat, a traditional Jewish neighborhood in Istanbul’s Fatih district, often appears in Turkish films, and Cukur is no exception. The owners of small cafes in Balat often rename their establishments in honor of characters from a particular TV series.
Adini Feriha Koydum
- IMDB Rating – 5.6
- Genre: Drama, melodrama
- Production: Turkey / 2011
- Budget: TRL 500 000
- Director: Barış Joş, Merve Girgin, Tolga Kutluay
- Starring: Metin Cekmez, Çağatay Ulusoy, Deniz Uğur, Vahide Percin, Hazal Kaya, Melih Selçuk, Yusuf Akgün, Sedef Şahin, Feza Civelek, Ceyda Ateş.
An oriental variation on the theme of Cinderella and the Prince. Feriha, the daughter of a servant in the rich house of Ilkhanla, enters the university. By mistake, the golden youth of the university take her for their own, and Feriha decides not to dissuade them. Emir Sarrafoglu, the dream of all the girls in Istanbul, falls in love with her at first sight. Will Feriha be able to keep her secret?
In the second season, lead singer Hazal Kaya was diagnosed with diabetes. As a result, it was decided to stop filming. As is customary in Turkish cinematography, for this purpose the screenwriters “killed” the main character. In continuation of the events of the dramatic novel Turkish cinematographers filmed the drama “Emir’s Road” with Chagatay Ulusoy in the lead role.
The Magnificent Century
- IMDB Rating – 6.7
- Genre: Melodrama, History, Military, Biography, Drama
- Production: Turkey / 2011
- Budget: TRL 4 000 000
- Director: Durul Taylan, Yagmur Taylan, Yagyz Alp Akaydin
- Starring: Halit Ergenç, Meryem Uzerli, Selen Ozturk, Gürbey Ileri, Ezgi Eyuboglu, Tuncel Kurtiz, Meltem Cumbul, Aras Bulut Iynemli, Burju Ozberk, Engin Ozturk.
Legendary series about the struggle for life and a place under the sun in the harem of young Suleiman I captive Slavic Alexandra. Hürrem (as the girl became known) became the favorite wife of the greatest sultan of the Ottoman dynasty, and ruthlessly eliminated all who stood in her way.
Popular among the best Turkish TV series all over the world. The costume drama is based on real events and has become the most recognized Turkish film novel in the world. It has been sold to the largest number of foreign countries, including even Japan. The total audience of “The Magnificent Century” is about 500 million viewers.
Asi
- IMDB Rating – 6.4
- Genre: Drama, melodrama
- Production: Turkey / 2007
- Director: Cevdet Mercan
- Starring: Tuba Büyüküstün, Murat Yıldırım, Çetin Tekindor, Nur Sürer, Selma Ergeç, Cemal Hünal, Tülay Günal, Tülay Bursa, Aslıkhan Güner
The mother of a young boy Demir committed suicide under strange circumstances. To understand the reasons for her death, the young man returns to his native land. By chance he meets a girl Asi in a field and falls in love with her. Asi reciprocates his feelings. The big surprise for Demir is that his beloved is not a village simpleton, but the daughter of the owner of the estate. And her family is directly related to the death of his mother.
Murat Yıldırım is a Turkish actor and model. In 2006, he was awarded the prestigious “Golden Orange” award for Turkish actors. He is one of the ten most beautiful actors in Turkey.
Love and Punishment
- IMDB Rating – 5.9
- Genre: Melodrama, drama, action movie
- Production: Turkey / 2010
- Director: Kudret Sabancı
- Starring: Murat Yıldırım, Nurgül Yeşilçay, Tomris Incer, Feride Çetin, Gökçe Yanardağ, Sennur Kaya, Oktay Gürsoy, Emrah Elciboga, Cenk Ertan, Nazan Kesal
The beautiful Yasemin decides to take revenge on her cheating fiancé and spend the night with the first man she meets. Savash, a bartender, who cannot get her out of his mind after a night with her. Savash, who turned out to be the heir of a rich family, searches for Yasemin to no avail. Meanwhile, the girl realizes that she is pregnant….
According to the memories of the crew Nurgul Yeşilçay, who embodied the role of Yasemin on the screen, behaved on the set as capricious as possible and gave everyone a lot of trouble.
Bride of Istanbul
- IMDB Rating – 6.7
- Genre: Drama, Melodrama, Comedy
- Production: Turkey / 2017
- Director: Zeynep Günay, Deniz Koloş
- Starring: Ozcan Deniz, Asli Enver, Ipek Bilgin, Salih Bademci, Fırat Tanış, Özge Borak, Dilara Aksüek, Güven Murat Akpınar, Berkay Hardal, Murat Aygen
Faruk Boran, a businessman from Bursa, marries a singer from an Istanbul restaurant, Surey, after three days of dating. The newlyweds are happy, which cannot be said about the man’s family. Most dissatisfied with the new daughter-in-law Faruk’s mother, who wanted for her son another wife. Will the couple’s feelings be able to overcome the obstacles that have arisen before them?
The drama is based on the book “Come Back to Life” by psychiatrist writer Gülseren Budayiğioğlu. The prototype of the main character was the singer of the group “White Butterflies” Ulkü Ust, and the story of the hasty marriage took place in 1975.
Kurulus: Osman
- IMDB Rating – 8.0
- Genre: Action, Drama, Adventure, Military, History
- Production: Turkey / 2019
- Director: Ahmet Yilmaz, Fethi Bayram, Metin Günay
- Starring: Burak Ozcivit, Ozge Torer, Buse Arslan, Yiyit Uçan, Didem Balçin, Çağrı Şensoy, Emel Dede, Burak Çelik
Osman Gazi, the youngest son of Ertuğrul Bey, the great Turkic leader of the Kayi tribe, is ready to continue his father’s work. Osman is a valiant warrior and a wise ruler. He not only managed to preserve the lands inherited from his father, but also increased them. Osman Gazi founded the great Ottoman Empire, which stood firm for more than six centuries.
The series involved 40 actors in leading roles, 150 actors in minor roles and 5,000 extras. The Turkish army took part in mass scenes. The film crew consisted of 400 people.
Öyle Bir Geçer Zaman ki
- IMDB Rating – 6.9
- Genre: Thriller, Drama, Melodrama, Adventure, Family, History
- Production: Turkey / 2010
- Director: Zeynep Günay
- Starring: Ayca Bingöl, Yıldız Çağrı Atiksoy, Aras Bulut Yınemli, Mete Horozoglu, Vilma Elles, Meral Çetinkaya, Taner Birsel, Nilperi Şahinkaya, Mine Tugay, Erkan Petekkaya
The action of the family drama takes place in the 60s of the last century. Ali Akarsu, a long-distance sea captain, decided to leave his family for his mistress after twenty years of married life. This becomes an unpleasant surprise for his wife and four children. After the divorce, the woman finds herself on the street, without means of subsistence. Ali will not once again regret the hasty decision to destroy the family, but it will be too late.
The project, which has endured three seasons, was chosen as the best in 2011 at the annual Golden Butterfly Awards, the most prestigious Turkish film award. Director Zeynep Gunay was recognized as the best drama series director at the 2nd Antalya Television Awards the same year.
Karadayi
- IMDB Rating – 7.5
- Genre: Drama, crime, melodrama, action movie
- Production: Turkey / 2012
- Director: Uluc Bayraktar
- Starring: Kenan Imirzalıoğlu, Bergüzar Korel, Cetin Tekindor, Yurdaer Okur, Rıza Kocaoglu, Ozan Agaç, Ulas Tuna Astepe, Erkan Avcı, Mehmet Bozdoğan, Lila Gürmen
Mahir’s engagement is marred – his father is unjustly accused of murder and imprisoned. The boy is sure of his innocence and to help him, he gets a job as a lawyer using forged documents. At his new job he meets the prosecutor of his father’s case and unexpectedly falls in love with the woman.
Kenan Imirzalıoğlu, who played the main role, comes from a very dignified Turkish family. His ancestors founded the town of Bala and the village of Uchem, where Kenan was born. The actor’s great-grandparents hosted Kemal Ataturk in their home in Bala in 1919.
Black Money Love
- IMDB Rating – 7.4
- Genre: Detective, Drama, Action, Melodrama, Crime
- Production: Turkey / 2014
- Director: Ahmet Katıksız
- Starring: Engin Akurek, Tuba Büyüküstün, Damla Jolbay, Elif Inji, Hazal Türesan, Nebahat Çehre, Ozcan Tekdemir, Mahmut Senyuva, Aitaç Arman, Erkan Can
The main character of the series is an honest policeman Omer. Omer is in love and is soon to marry his beloved Sibel. But one day he finds the body of the murdered bride in the same car with the head of the local mafia.
During the investigation of the double murder Omer gets on the trail of the criminal group and gets acquainted with the daughter of the murdered mobster. The girl arouses ambiguous feelings in the policeman, very much like a crush.
Among the fans of Turkish multi-series dramas, soccer player Lionel Messi was suddenly spotted. His personal social media accounts mentioned the TV series “Kara Sevda” and “Black Money Love”, which delighted the Turkish press.
Valley of the Wolves: Ambush
- IMDB Rating – 6.3
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Drama, Crime
- Production: Turkey / 2007
- Director: Dogan Yumit Karaca, Onur Tan, Sadullah Şentürk
- Starring: Kenan Coban, Gürkan Uygun, Mustafa Üstündag, Osman Soykut, Bahadır Tok, Nejati Şaşmaz, Erhan Ufak
The drama project of ten seasons is dedicated to the fight of Turkish “Agent 007” Polat Alemdar with criminals of all stripes and nationalities. The first seasons are devoted to the war with internal enemies of the Turkish state. Starting with the fourth season, Polat confronts intelligence agencies of other states, international terrorists and other criminal elements.
Nejati Shashmaz, who plays the role of Polat Alemdar, got into the movie by accident. Nejati worked in the hotel business, but one day at his brother’s house he encountered the director of the movie, who could not find an actor for the lead role.
Little Secrets
- IMDB Rating – 3.8
- Genre: Drama
- Production: Turkey / 2010
- Director: A. Taner Elhan, Kerem Cakiroğlu
- Starring: Sinem Kobal, Burak Ozcivit, Merve Bolugur, Ipek Karapınar, Birkan Sokullu, Kadir Dogulu, Ejem Uzun, Mehmetjan Mincinozlu, Hakkı Ergök, Enginay Gültekin.
The youth series is devoted to the vicissitudes of the life of the golden youth of Istanbul. Young offspring of the richest people in Turkey have everything – from branded clothes to expensive cars. Teenagers attend an elite educational institution, their lives are scheduled by their parents for years to come. But they are not immune to gossip, intrigue, lies and betrayal.
Turkish adaptation of the American youth television drama “Gossip Girl” starring Blake Lively.
Price of Passion
- IMDB Rating – 8.1
- Genre: Action, Drama, Melodrama
- Production: Turkey / 2017
- Director: Emir Khalilzadeh, Yasin Uslu
- Starring: Ibrahim Celikkol, Birje Akalay, Muhammet Uzuner, Arzu Gamze Kılınç, Ece Dizdar, Deniz Jeliloglu, Jahit Gok, Ugur Aslan, Sinem Unsal, Ozlem Zeynep Dinsel
A young female surgeon Asly became an unwilling witness to a brutal murder and is sentenced to death by criminals. The cold-blooded killer Ferhat must fulfill the order of the mafia. But at the sight of a beautiful girl the killer’s heart trembled and he offered her a deal. Asli will be protected if she becomes Ferhat’s wife.
The series was not very popular in Turkey, but it was recognized by foreign audiences. Ukrainian filmmakers made a remake of the multi-part project called On Your Side, which was warmly welcomed by the public.
Wounded Love
- IMDB Rating – 8.2
- Genre: Drama, Melodrama, Military, History
- Production: Turkey / 2016
- Director: Burak Arliel, Durul Taylan, Yagmur Taylan
- Starring: Halit Ergenç, Berguzar Korel, Boran Kuzum, Pınar Deniz, Miraj Daner, Celile Toyon Uysal, Fatih Artman, Onur Saylak, Genjo Ozak, Senan Kara
Historical war drama about the Greek occupation of Smyrna in 1919. Cevdet, a Turkish captain, is embedded in the Greek headquarters on a reconnaissance mission. At home, his faithful wife Azize and three children are waiting for him. During Cevdet’s absence his friend Tevfik is ready to do anything to get Azize as his wife.
The multi-part drama is based on real events. The prototype of the main character was Turkish spy Myumin Aksoy, nicknamed Infidel Myumin. The main characters, Cevdet and Azize, played by spouses – Halit Ergench, famous for his role in “The Magnificent Century” and Bergusar Korel. The actors met and fell in love with each other on the set of another multi-part project – “1001 Nights”.
Fatih Harbiye
- IMDB Rating – 5.4
- Genre: Drama, melodrama
- Production: Turkey / 2013
- Director: Sadullah Selen
- Starring: Kadir Dogulu, Neslihan Atagül, Serkan Şenalp, Yunus Emre Yıldırımer, Dilara Oztunç, Seda Türkmen, Itır Esen, Ugur Demirpehlivan, Okday Korunan, Fırat Topkorur
They are from different worlds, they are like the Sun and the Moon, but they met. Neriman is a girl from the conservative neighborhood of Istanbul and the rich heir Majid from the fashionable part of the city. The chance meeting of the young people gives birth to a new beautiful feeling. But the families of the young are not happy with their choice. Will Neriman and Majid be able to resist the pressure from both sides?
The unconventional appearance of actress Neslihan Atagul, who played the role of Neriman, is due to her origin. Neslihan’s father is a Circassian by nationality, and her mother comes from Belarus. Neslihan is married to actor Kadir Dogulu, and their romance began while working on the movie novel.
Beyond The Clouds
- IMDB Rating – 6.3
- Genre: Drama, melodrama
- Production: Turkey / 2009
- Director: Ulas Inan Inac
- Starring: Aslihan Gürbüz, Berfu Ongören, Burju Biniji, Ahmet Kural, Melisa Sözen, Engin Altan, Engin Akurek, Meral Okay, Sema Kecik
A colorful, oriental-inspired, multi-episode project about crazy love. Mustafa Bulut, the son of the town governor, is in love with his cousin Narin. Despite the fact that the girl is only 16 years old, he takes her as his wife. But the religious Narin believes that a relationship with a relative is a great sin before the Almighty.
The events of the series are set in the town of Midyat, which is older than Turkey and the Ottoman Empire. Midyat is located in the very south of Turkey near the border with Syria. The drama is very popular in Arab countries.
Love Doesn’t Understand Words
- IMDB Rating – 7.7
- Genre: Melodrama, comedy
- Production: Turkey / 2016
- Director: Bahadır Ince
- Starring: Hande Erchel, Burak Deniz, Ozcan Tekdemir, Merve Çağıran, Oguzkhan Karbi, Adem Yavuz Özata, Tugce Karabacak, Demet Gül, Suleyman Felek, Betül Çobanoglu
Provincial Hayat is a liar. First she got a job in a fashion house by trickery. And when she was mistaken for the daughter of a friend of the owner’s friend, she didn’t try to dissuade anyone. Her acquaintance with Murat, the manager of the fashion house, began with a conflict, but will end in love and complete mutual understanding.
The telenovela was conceived as a low-budget passable project. But the romantic comedy unexpectedly became one of the top five Turkish TV series, along with “The Magnificent Century”, “Black Love”, “Strawberry Smell” and “Love for Hire”. At the same time, the series ranks first among these projects in international ratings.
Daydreamer
- IMDB Rating – 7.4
- Genre: Drama, Comedy, Melodrama
- Production: Turkey / 2018
- Director: Çağrı Bayrak
- Starring: Demet Ozdemir, Jan Yaman, Oznur Serceler, Berat Yenilmez, Ozlem Tokaslan, Birand Tunca, Cihan Ercan, Tugce Kumral, Anil Celik, Feri Bayju Güler
A romcom about a love triangle. The sons of the owner of the publishing house, Cian and Emre, fall in love with the new employee of the office – a lively and direct girl Sanem. Sooner or later Sanem will have to choose who she likes better – Jan, a free-spirited photographer, or Emre, the future full-fledged head of the publishing house.
Jan Yaman and Demet Ozdemir had an office romance on the set of the movie, which, however, soon fizzled out. Demet Ozdemir is the fourth most sought-after of the five most famous actresses in Turkey.
Night of June
- IMDB Rating – 5.1
- Genre: Drama, melodrama
- Production: Turkey / 2004
- Director: Andac Haznedaroglu
- Starring: Ozcan Deniz, Naz Elmas, Nebahat Çehre, Burju Kara, Cevdet Arijilar, Şehsuvar Aktaş, Gokce Yanardag, Ozge Özder, Mohammad Cangören, Ismail Duvencı.
Poor student Khavin takes any chance to earn money and agrees to her friend’s offer to host a party at a rich politician’s house. A journalist who tricked her into attending the party takes a photo of Khavin with Ural Aydin, a businessman and politician. Ural’s son, Bayram, falls in love with the girl, but his mother is not happy with her son’s choice. Because of the photo with her husband, she considers Khavin frivolous, besides, she has long had the “right” bride in mind for her son.
Actress Burju Kara, who stars in the lead role, started school at the age of 4.5, graduated at the age of 9, and went to university at the age of 16 to study economics in investment appraisals.
Falcon Crest
- IMDB Rating – 6.9
- Genre: Melodrama, Drama
- Production: Turkey / 2018
- Director: Hilal Saral
- Starring: Zerrin Tekindor, Ebru Ozkan, Boran Kuzum, Aybüke Pusat, Murat Aygen, Esra Dermancioğlu, Kaan Taşaner, Leyla Tanlar, Mustafa Mert Koç, Neshe Baykent
A story of betrayal and revenge between two half-sisters, Melek and Tuna. Twenty years ago, wanting to separate Melek from her lover Demir, Tuna defamed her sister in front of her father. Melek was kicked out of the house, and Demir could not resist Tuna’s pressure and married her. Many years later, the women meet at their father’s funeral. When they meet, old grudges resurface and forgotten feelings come to life. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the sisters’ adult children fall in love with each other.
Despite the fact that the series interested viewers, Atv TV channel announced the closure of the series after the sixth episode. The crew learned about this fact from a message on the channel’s website.
Umutsuz Ev Kadinlari
- IMDB Rating – 5.3
- Genre: Drama, melodrama, detective
- Production: Turkey / 2011
- Director: Baris Ergetin
- Starring: Eje Hakim, Deniz Ugur, Tugce Işık, Ilker Savaskurt, Serhat Tutumluer, Andi Boins, Gozde Duru, Yasemin Erkent, Barış Kışlak, Berk Pamir.
Five lovely housewives live in the suburbs: the flirtatious Emel, the controlling Berrin, the never-dull Yıldız, the dreamy and awkward Suzan and the restless mother Leyla. Their whole life is centered on cooking, washing, ironing and cleaning. Their quiet existence comes to an end when one of them commits suicide.
Eastern adaptation of the legendary American TV series “Desperate Housewives”.
Life Song
- IMDB Rating – 7.7
- Genre: Drama, Melodrama
- Production: Turkey / 2020
- Director: Sem Karci
- Starring: Burju Biricik, Birkan Sokullu, Tayanc Ayaydin, Seray Gözler, Ahmet Mümtaz Taylan, Pelin Oztekin, Osman Alkaş, Deniz Şen Hamzaoğlu
Salih Çamoğlu and Bayram Cevher are friends from the same village. Many years ago they decided to marry their children – Bayram’s youngest son Kerim and Salih’s eldest daughter Melek. But when the time came for the wedding, the young people were against it. In addition, Melek’s younger sister Hülya, who has been in love with Kerim since childhood, stepped in. But Kerim is not so simple, the guy runs away right from the wedding ceremony.
Turkish adaptation of the 2010 Korean dorama “Flame of Desire”.
Queen of the Night
- IMDB Rating – 5.3
- Genre: Melodrama, drama, action movie
- Production: Turkey / 2016
- Director: Durul Taylan, Yagmur Taylan
- Starring: Seda Akman, Selim Bayraktar, Deniz Jeliloglu, Burak Deniz, Funda Eriyigit, Ugur Polat, Meryem Uzerli, Murat Yildirim, Emre Yetim, Burak Damir
Aziz, a young businessman traveling in France, wanders into a small perfume store where he meets his beloved. Young Celine believes in love and is waiting for her one and only. But the situation becomes more complicated when Aziz’s adult adopted son Kartal appears on the horizon. The guy also fell in love with Celine at first sight. Only on the girl depends on how the confrontation between father and son will end.
The Queen of the Night flower, after which the multi-part movie is named, has an intoxicating smell and blooms for one night only. According to legend, only very lucky people can see it bloom. But once you see the Queen of the Night, no one can forget her.
Endless Love
- IMDB Rating – 7.3
- Genre: Melodrama
- Production: Turkey / 2015
- Director: Hilal Saral, Ekin Pandir
- Starring: Burak Ozcivit, Neslihan Atağül, Kaan Urgancıoğlu, Kürşat Alnıacık, Orhan Güner, Neshe Baykent, Zeyno Erajar, Rüzgar Aksoy, Barış Alpaykut, Hazal Filiz Küçükköse
Nihan, a beautiful rich girl, and Kemal, a simple guy, are forced to part ways. Kemal goes to work in another city. Emir, a companion of Nihan’s father, uses blackmail to force the girl to marry him. Emir has been madly in love with Nihan since childhood. After five long years Kemal returns to Istanbul and meets his former lover.
The most popular among the best Turkish TV series. The name “Black Love” does not reveal the essence that the creators put into it. From Turkish “Kara Sevda” translates as “the highest degree of love, a very strong all-consuming feeling”. In 2017, the telenovela won the most prestigious Emmy Award. The series was shown in more than 60 countries around the world.
Love for Rent
- IMDB Rating – 7.2
- Genre: Melodrama, comedy
- Production: Turkey / 2015
- Director: Metin Balekoğlu, Barış Yoş, Şenol Sönmez
- Starring: Elcin Sangu, Barış Arduç, Salih Bademci, Sinem Öztürk, Nergis Kumbasar, Levent Yulgen, Osman Akca, Onur Büyüktopçu, Melisa Giz Cengiz, Kerem Fırtına
In order not to lose her house and inheritance, businessman Omer’s aunt must marry him in the next six months. The elderly relative is not in a hurry and introduces the guy to potential brides almost every day. Fleeing from another imposed date, Omer encounters Defne. The restless aunt, noticing the young man’s interest in the beauty, immediately makes her a favorable offer.
The plot of the series is very much reminiscent of the Korean dorama “How Much Is Love Worth?” 2012. During the filming of the multi-part romantic comedy, the performers of the main roles Barysh Arduch and Elchin Sangu posted on social networks so many photos together that loyal fans demanded an immediate wedding. However, it turned out that the real romance between the couple did not happen.
The Great Seljuks
- IMDB Rating – 8.3
- Genre: Biography, Military, History, Drama
- Production: Turkey / 2020
- Director: Sedat Inci, Emre Konuk, Gokhan Yilmaz
- Starring: Bugra Gülsoy, Ekin Koç, Hatice Şendil, Gürkan Uygun, Sevda Erginji, Mehmet Özgür, Leyla Feray, Mehmet Bozdoğan, Pinar Tore
The action of the epic saga unfolds in the years 1037-1194. Hassan ibn Sabbah, the founder of the state of assassins, strikes fear into the Seljuk state. But there is a fearless and wise leader – Sultan Melik Pasha, who manages to fight back the invaders.
The area of the set of the historical telenovela was 7.5 thousand square meters. It included the scenery of a medieval city with a palace, madrasas and mosques, Seljuk settlements and even a Byzantine fortress. In the production of the movie involved 50 actors, in the crowd was engaged in 3,000 people. It took 60 days to shoot only the first episode, most of which was spent on the battle reenactment.
Brave and Beautiful
- IMDB Rating – 7.1
- Genre: Drama, melodrama, crime
- Production: Turkey / 2016
- Director: Ali Bilgin
- Starring: Tamer Levent, Erkan Avci, Serkan Altunorak, Sezin Akbaşoğulları, Seher Devrim Yakut, Nihan Büyükaac, Gözde Türkpençe, Fırat Altunmeshe, Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, Tuba Büyüküstün
A young boy Jesur returns to his hometown with the sole purpose of taking revenge on the rich businessman Thaksin Korludag. Risking his life, he rescues a beautiful horsewoman, Suphan, who falls deeply into his heart. To his horror, Jesur discovers that Suphan is the daughter of his family’s enemy.
Actor Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ (Cesur) is annually included in the list of the highest paid actors in Turkey. His participation in the series will cost the producers about 1.7 million rubles per episode.
The image of a determined Süphan perfectly embodied actress Tuba Buyukustun, who began her career as a model. Tuba is currently divorced and raising two beautiful twins – Maya and Toprak.
Günesin Kizlari
- IMDB Rating – 5.8
- Genre: Drama, Melodrama, Comedy
- Production: Turkey / 2015
- Director: Sadullah Selen
- Starring: Ali Pınar, Emre Kınay, Evrim Akaya, Tolga Sarıtaş, Burju Özberk, Berk Atan, Hande Erçel, Mirai Akay, Meltem Gülenç, Funda İlhan
Güneş, a single mother raising three daughters, never expected to find new love. But Istanbul businessman Haluk Mertoglu managed to win her heart, and Gunesh and her daughters move into his house. But the businessman’s family is not ready to accept the newfound relatives. Halyuk is also sometimes jealous and scandalizes Gunesh.
Hande Erchel, who played one of Gunesh’s daughters, holds the title of Miss Turkey 2012. In the same year, she was runner-up at the Miss World pageant.
Strawberry Smell
- IMDB Rating – 5.6
- Genre: Comedy, melodrama
- Production: Turkey / 2015
- Director: Filiz Gülmez Pakman
- Starring: Leyla Üner Ermaya, Demet Özdemir, Yusuf Çim, Ekin Mert Daimaz, Mahir Günsırai, Mine Tugay, Murat Başoğlu, Lacin Ceylan, Uğur Demirpehlivan, Kubilay Pebeklioglu
From hatred to love is sometimes only one step. This was proved by the heroes of the romcom “The Smell of Strawberries” – a simple girl Asla and a rich slacker Burak. At the first meeting Burak’s car almost hit the girl, and the cake she was bringing to the birthday girl was irrevocably spoiled. What was the surprise of the couple when they found themselves in the airplane on the neighboring seats.
The romantic relationship between the main characters played by Demet Özdemir and Yusuf Çim developed into a real-life romance. But in 2018, the actors broke up. Currently, Demet Özdemir is free, as well as Yusuf Çim.
Full Moon
- IMDB Rating – 6.8
- Genre: Melodrama, comedy
- Production: Turkey / 2017
- Director: Çağrı Bayrak
- Starring: Ozge Gürel, Jan Yaman, Hakan Kurtaş, Necip Memili, Oznur Serceler, Ilaida Akdoğan, Aliona Bozbey, Alihan Türkdemir
A young cook Nazly gets a job in a rich house, whose owner communicates with her only by notes. Judging by the long list of rules and claims, the girl thought that her boss was an 80-year-old grouch, but he turned out to be a young and handsome businessman. As you might expect, a spark ran between the girl and the young man.
The assistant of the star of the series, actor Jan Yaman, is his mother, who is listed in the contacts of the handsome man as “Mrs. Control”. Jan Yaman does not advertise his personal life, but it is known that the actor is single.
The performer of the role of Nazla – Ozge Gurel, meets with actor Serkan Cayoglu, known for the projects “Cherry Season”, “Love of My Life”, “Wolf”.
Cherry Season
- IMDB Rating – 5.4
- Genre: Melodrama, comedy
- Production: Turkey / 2014
- Director: Eda Texoz, Tarkan Karlidag, Filiz Gülmez Pakman
- Starring: Özge Gürel, Serkan Çayoğlu, Nilperi Şahinkaya, Daghan Külegeç, Nihal Isiksaçan, Aras Aydin, Fatma Toptaş, Serkan Börekiyemez, Neslihan Yeldan, Nezih Cihan Aksoy
Oikyu, a simple girl, accidentally encounters Ayaz, a frivolous womanizer, at a cab stop. In a whirlwind of events, the young people accidentally exchange phone numbers. Ayaz, having familiarized himself with the contents of the stranger’s phone, becomes interested in the girl. But Oikyu’s heart is long and firmly occupied by the brother of her classmate – Mete. Will Ayaz be able to win the heart of the unapproachable beauty?
Serkan Çayoğlu, who played the role of Ayaz, was born in Germany and speaks Turkish with an accent, so his role was voiced by another person.
Kurt Seyit and Sura
- IMDB Rating – 7.2
- Genre: History, Melodrama, Military
- Production: Turkey / 2014
- Director: Hilal Saral
- Starring: Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, Farah Zeynep Abdullah, Berk Ercher, Serdar Gökhan, Seda Güven, Sarp Can Köroğlu, Birkan Sokullu, Ushan Cakır, Sergei Tessler, Fahriye Evgen Ozcivit
The story of the tragic love of a brilliant officer Kurt Seit Eminov and a Russian noblewoman Alexandra Verzhenskaya. Young people get acquainted at one of the social gatherings in St. Petersburg and realize that they cannot live without each other. However, the fate of Kurt Seyit and Alexandra is interfered with by the bloody events of the early 20th century: war and revolution.
The dramatic saga is based on real events in the life of the writer’s grandfather, Nermin Bezmen.
Günesi Beklerken
- IMDB Rating – 6.9
- Genre: Drama
- Production: Turkey / 2013
- Director: Altan Dönmez
- Starring: Kerem Bursin, Hande Dogandemir, Yagmur Tanrisevsin, Ismail Ege Şaşmaz, Emre Kınay, Gökçe Yanardağ, Ebru Aykac, Hasan Şahintürk, Simay Küçük Tuna, Ece Dizdar
A young girl Zeynep moves with her mother to Istanbul, where she goes to college. Not understanding the school authorities, she crosses the path of local handsome Kerem on the first day. However, for Zeynep intercedes named brother of Kerem – Barış, who fell in love with the girl. But Kerem also begins to have tender feelings for Zeynep. Who will Zeynep choose, calm Barysh or charismatic Kerem?
Hande Dogandemir perfectly embodied on the screen 17-year-old school