Turkish dramas surge globally, boosting cultural influence, economy
Entertainment
These dramas have found a broad audience for portraying Muslims in heroic roles
(Web Desk) - Turkish television is experiencing a remarkable boom, with its dramas captivating audience worldwide and significantly enhancing the country's cultural influence and economic gains.
Shows like Muhtesem Yuzyil (Magnificent Century) and Gaddar (No Mercy) are leading the charge, making Turkey the third-largest exporter of scripted series globally, trailing only behind the United States and Britain.
This surge in popularity has led to a 184% increase in global demand for Turkish shows between 2020 and 2023, outpacing even the growth of Korean dramas.
The allure of Turkish dramas extends beyond their captivating storylines, featuring luxurious landscapes, opulent costumes, and charismatic actors.
These elements combine to create binge-worthy content that has resonated with audiences in the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America.
In 2022, Turkey's television exports generated an impressive $600 million in revenue, with analysts predicting this figure could soon reach into the billions.
Shows like Yargi (Family Secrets), which explores the tumultuous relationship between rival lawyers, have not only won international acclaim but also an Emmy award for best telenovela.
One of the reasons Turkish dramas have found a broad audience is their portrayal of Muslims in heroic roles, countering the stereotypical depictions often seen in Western media.
Additionally, these shows adhere to conservative values, with Turkish media regulators blurring alcohol bottles and forbidding explicit content.
This creative limitation has inadvertently heightened the sexual tension in shows, making the unspoken moments between characters even more powerful.
Turkish dramas have also inspired international creators, with American novelist Abby Jimenez drawing inspiration from Sen Cal Kapimi (Love is in the Air) for her New York Times bestselling novel, Yours Truly.
The global appetite for Turkish dramas shows no signs of waning, with the format's adaptability playing a significant role in its international success.
Broadcasters outside Turkey often repackage the typically lengthy episodes into shorter segments, allowing for more frequent airing and reaching broader audiences.
This model has proven particularly effective in countries with a strong tradition of telenovela viewership, such as Spain and Latin America.
Additionally, the cultural and emotional expressiveness common to both Turkish and Latin American dramas has facilitated their cross-cultural appeal.
As streaming services venture into producing more daring content, the landscape of Turkish television continues to evolve, promising even greater global influence and market expansion in the years to come.
