Netflix has one of the richest catalogs among current streaming platforms, evident in its diverse range of genres: from top-notch science fiction series to war movies and Korean dramas. However, there’s one genre that has been surpassing the rest for years, with a devoted audience consuming everything related to it: Turkish series.
While there are numerous Turkish series succeeding on Netflix, some reach the pinnacle, captivating a broader audience. Below, I present seven of the most outstanding ones available on the platform.
The Tailor
One of the most sensual series on all of Netflix is this Turkish fiction with three seasons. The story revolves around a tailor who begins sewing a wedding dress for his best friend’s fiancée. However, the trio holds dark secrets that soon disrupt their lives. The fiction is based on a true story recounted in the book “Hayata Do” by novelist Gülseren Budayıcıoğlu.
Who Were We Running From?
Maternal dramas are among the most followed sub-genres in Turkish series, and “Who Were We Running From?” is one of its finest examples. The fiction portrays a story of a mother with a hidden past and her daughter, both fugitives without identity, engaged in an eternal escape where trust is a luxury. With only 7 episodes, it’s one of the sensations of the season.
As the Crow Flies
Turkish series excel in showcasing drama, and one of the prime examples is “As the Crow Flies.” This series depicts the story of a young intern starting to work for a seasoned news anchor, delving into the darker side of ambition, envy, and the desire to be in the spotlight. Though its synopsis might seem outdated, it hooks you from the get-go.
The Gift
One of the most internationally acclaimed Turkish series is “The Gift,” taking us on a journey to Istanbul to follow Atiye, a young painter. Atiye’s life takes a turn due to a discovery made in the oldest temple on Earth, Gobeklitepe. An archaeologist named Erhan uncovers a symbol in the ruins, a symbol that mysteriously connects Atiye to Gobeklitepe. Atiye embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of her past, secrets hidden within those ancient ruins. The series spans two seasons.
Intersection
If romance is your thing, Turkish series have some great offerings too. “Intersection” is one of the finest in that regard. The show follows Ali Nejat Karasu, a former playboy and race car driver turned businessman. His father built an empire that amassed a fortune, and now Karasu works on part of his father’s legacy: Karas Holdings. The ex-playboy heads to Italy on a business trip with his friend Ayhan, where they meet Naz, a pediatrician who leaves an impression on both friends. Their world turns upside down when Ali discovers, in a terrible way, that he has a son he never knew, Kaan.
Creature
If you’re seeking something from the period era, Turkey also has material for us. “Creature” takes us to the Ottoman Empire to tell the story of Ziya, a young adventurous, rebellious, and hopeful medical student. He aspires to become an excellent doctor, aiming to cure numerous epidemics for which medicine has found no remedy.
Hot Skull
Finally, a somewhat darker series that will take us back to remember very turbulent moments in our history is “Fiebre cerebral.” Here, we journey into a world shaken by an epidemic of madness that spreads through language and speech. In this context, former linguist Murat Siyavus, who has been in hiding for a long time, is mysteriously the only person unaffected by this disease. Pursued by the ruthless Anti-Epidemic Institution, Murat is forced to leave the safe zone and flee amid the flames and ruins of the mysterious streets of Istanbul.
