Turkish TV shows are a huge hit and a big deal culturally across the UAE and the whole Gulf area. People love these shows because they don’t just entertain they mix modern stories with old, important values like strong families, fairness and faith. This makes them feel close to home and much easier to relate to than most TV from the West.
It is this combination of excellent drama and universal values that makes shows such as
Dirilis Ertugrul and As the Crow Flies world favorites.
Fatmagulun Sucu Ne
Fatmagulun Sucu Ne is a powerful show with 80 episodes that aired from 2010 to 2012. The story revolves around a poor girl named Fatmagul whose life changes dramatically after she is attacked. The major twist is that she is forced to marry one of her attackers. The series follows her courageous and emotional struggle for justice and revenge against wealthy individuals who try to silence her. It offers an engaging watch that combines intense drama with a challenging love story.
Dirilis Ertugrul
Dirilis: Ertugrul (2014–2019) is a large historical epic with 150 original episodes spread over five seasons. It recounts the tale of Ertugrul, a brave warrior who laid the foundation for the Ottoman Empire. The story revolves around his relentless struggle for survival as he fights powerful foes like the Mongols and the Knights Templar. The ongoing challenge is that he must also confront traitors within his own tribe. It is an exciting and intense adventure.
Another Self
Another Self is an emotional Netflix series with eight episodes that came out in 2022. The main story revolves around three close friends who travel to the coast after one of them receives a cancer diagnosis. They search for an alternative cure but the trip changes everything. The big twist is that they all have to confront dark secrets and traumas their families have carried from past events, such as forced migration. The series follows their journey to heal their lives by understanding their ancestors. It is a compelling and gripping watch that connects modern issues with powerful, long-forgotten family histories.
Sahsiyet (Persona)
Sahsiyet (Persona) is a gripping crime drama that has 12 episodes that was released in 2018. The story begins when an elderly man named Agah is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The major twist is that he views this diagnosis as a chance to become a serial killer. He targets criminals who have evaded justice, believing that his memory loss will wipe away his guilt. It is a compelling tale of revenge against old wrongs.
Kucuk Aga (Little Lord)
Kucuk Aga (Little Lord) is a lively family comedy series with 50 episodes that aired from 2014 to 2015. The main story focuses on a married couple, a wealthy city doctor and a traditional businessman whose marriage crumbles due to constant fighting. The big twist is that their six year old son the “Little Lord” decides to use nonstop pranks and mischief to make them fall back in love. The series follows his clever and funny schemes and the chaos they create for both families as he works to reunite his parents. It is an engaging show that mixes light comedy with a surprising amount of heart and family struggle.
As The Crow Flies
As The Crow Flies is an incredibly tense workplace drama series with 24 episodes it was first launched in 2022. The plot centres on an ambitious young intern Asli obsessed with taking over from veteran news anchor Lale. The huge twist is that Asli uses ruthless and manipulative schemes including online sabotage to destroy Lale’s life and steal her job. It is a story of a toxic power struggle.
Yabani (2023)
Yabani (Wild) is a heartfelt intense drama series with 51 episodes across two seasons premiered in 2023. The plot centers on Yaman Ali a young man kidnapped as a child and raised on the streets. The huge twist is that he is accidentally reunited with his wealthy biological family forcing him to choose between his street life and the privileged world he never knew. The whole series follows his emotional struggle to fit in and uncover the truth of his kidnapping.
Acil Ask Aranıyor (Emergency Pyar)
Emergency Pyar (Acil Ask Araniyor) is a fun light romantic show with 24 episodes that came out in 2015. The story is about Nisan a new doctor who starts working in a hospital. The big twist is that the handsome doctor she works with, Sinan is also her next door neighbor causing funny problems. The show follows their funny fights at work and home as they slowly fall in love. It is a great story about finding love in a surprising way.
Shahmaran
Shahmaran is a dark mythical fantasy series on Netflix with 14 episodes across two seasons launching in 2023. The plot centers on Sahsu who travels to a small town to face the grandfather who left her family. The huge twist is that she finds herself caught up in an ancient prophecy of the Mar a secret society of half human, half snake beings led by the mysterious Maran. The whole series follows her dangerous fated romance with Maran as she learns she is the key to an old war and the rebirth of a snake goddess. It is a gripping story of destiny and dark magic.
The Tailor (Terzi)
The Tailor (Terzi) is a stylish suspenseful drama series on Netflix with 24 episodes across three seasons started in 2023. The plot centers on Peyami a famous young tailor who moves to Istanbul with his father Mustafa who has a secret disability. The huge twist is that a beautiful bride to be Esvet runs away from her cruel fiance and takes a job as Mustafa’s caregiver in Peyami’s home hiding her real name. The whole series follows Peyami and Esvet’s forbidden love as they try to keep their secrets from Peyami’s best friend who is Esvet’s fiance. It is a gripping story of love, lies and family secrets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Turkish dramas provide a captivating mix of emotion and cultural depth making them a favorite among viewers in the UAE. These series often reflect universal themes of love, struggle and resilience allowing audiences to connect with the characters on a personal level. Each show whether it is a heart wrenching tale or a lighthearted comedy offers a unique perspective on life and relationships. The storytelling prompts viewers to reflect on their own experiences and values. Ultimately, these dramas not only entertain but also enrich our understanding of diverse cultures and human connections. Enjoy exploring these mesmerizing stories.
