Turkish soap operas have gained popularity all over the world, and it’s not hard to understand why. With intense stories, breathtaking settings and performances that grab you from the very first episode, these series have become a global phenomenon. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Turkish drama, here’s a list of the best soap operas you should definitely watch.
“Kara Sevda” (Eternal Love)
We start with one of the most iconic, “Kara Sevda”. Kemal, a middle-class young man, sees his life change when he meets Nihan, a high society girl. Although their love seems impossible due to their class differences, they manage to stay together until Kemal moves to work in a mine, unaware that Nihan will be forced to marry Emir, a man who has loved her since childhood. Five years later, Kemal returns to Istanbul, a man of power, determined to confront his past. Nihan, who has never been able to forget him, will try to get close to him again, unaware that now Kemal is collaborating on projects with her husband, which will complicate their lives even more.
“Erkenci Kuş” (Dreaming Bird)
If you prefer something lighter and funnier, “Erkenci Kuş” is the perfect choice. The story follows Sanem, a young dreamer from Istanbul who aspires to be a writer and live in the Galapagos Islands. To avoid an arranged marriage, she starts working at an advertising agency where she crosses paths with Can, a famous, free-spirited photographer who returns to run his ailing father’s company. Unbeknownst to her, Sanem falls in love with Can after a kiss in the dark, but mistakes him for a mysterious man she calls “Albatross.” Meanwhile, she is caught in a game of deceit and lies, torn between her love for “Albatross” and her hatred for Can, never suspecting that they are the same person. Entanglements and comedy make this love story unavoidable and exciting.
Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne?” (What’s Fatmagül’s Fault?)
For those looking for a more profound and moving story, “Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne?” Fatmagül, a young peasant girl, suffers a tragedy when she is attacked by a group of men during a fateful night. Forced to marry Kerim, whom she believes responsible, she moves with him to Istanbul, where she deeply despises him. Over time, however, Kerim proves to her that he was not guilty and, little by little, Fatmagül begins to see in him a good man, hiding her growing feelings. When Kerim, determined to prove his love, turns himself in to the police and denounces the real culprits, a challenging trial begins that will put everyone in danger, while Mustafa, Fatmagül’s ex-boyfriend, seeks revenge.
“Çukur” (The Well)
“Çukur” is perfect for those who enjoy drama mixed with action and crime. The Koçovalı family controls the dangerous Çukur neighborhood in Istanbul, engaging in organized crime under their own rules. Yamaç, the youngest son, had left that life behind to live away from crime, but after the death of his brother Kahraman, he is forced to return to his family, leaving behind Sena, his newly wedded wife.
“Muhteşem Yüzyıl” (The Sultan)
For history buffs, “Muhteşem Yüzyıl” is an epic journey into the past. The series chronicles the reign of Sultan Suleiman, who, at the age of 26, inherits the throne with the ambition to build an empire more powerful than that of Alexander the Great. With his faithful friend and Grand Vizier, İbrahim, Suleiman achieves great victories, consolidating his power and spreading his fame in both East and West. As İbrahim strengthens the rule of law and prepares for military campaigns, the series also explores court intrigues, focusing on the former slave Hürrem Sultan, who becomes the sultan’s wife. Tensions in the imperial family, especially between Hürrem and Mahidevran Sultan, mother of the sultan’s firstborn, add drama to this epic story.
Turkish novels offer a variety of genres and styles to suit all tastes. Whether you’re looking for romance, action, or good drama, there’s a Turkish series waiting for you. So get ready to marathon, because once you start, you won’t be able to stop!
