From Magnificent Century and Resurrection Ertuğrul to What Is Fatmagül’s Fault?, Turkish TV series are slowly taking over the world, writes Pakistani journalist Fatima Bhutto in a report published in British publication The Guardian.
Stating that Turkish TV series have a widespread audience from the Middle East to Asia and Latin America, Bhutto reports that Turkey is only second to the United States in worldwide TV distribution.
The rise of the now globally-followed Turkish epics started with the release of Binbir Gece (1001 Nights) in 2006, and with Gümüş (Silver) in the Middle East.
“It was 1001 Nights that became a truly global success. Wherever 1001 Nights was sold – in almost 80 countries – it was a ratings smash.”
The breakout of the mega-hit Magnificent Century led to a boost of Arab tourists in Turkey with the show being watched by more than 500 million viewers worldwide.
“Based on the life of Suleiman the Magnificent, the 10th Ottoman Sultan, Magnificent Century told the story of the sultan’s love affair with a concubine named Hürrem, whom he married, in a major break with tradition.”
It has also gone down in history as the first TV series bought by Japan. Approximately 150 Turkish TV series have been sold to over 100 countries, including Algeria, Morocco and Bulgaria, since 2002.
Estimates show that TV series’ revenues will hit $1 billion in the year 2023.
