Turkish TV dramas gain academic recognition at Qatar’s Northwestern University

Turkish TV dramas, renowned for their international popularity, have now become the subject of academic study at Northwestern University in Qatar. The course, titled “Global Turkish TV Drama”, delves into the cultural impact and global reach of Turkish series, with audiences spanning nearly 170 countries.

Turkish TV dramas as cultural force

Turkish dramas have emerged as a significant export, positioning Türkiye as a growing cultural powerhouse. With over 700 million viewers worldwide, Turkish TV shows have made Türkiye the third largest exporter of television content, following the U.S. and the U.K.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkish series have become a key tool for cultural diplomacy, enhancing the country’s soft power globally.

Deep dive into viewer behavior and socio-political context

Yasemin Y. Celikkol, a faculty member at Northwestern University in Qatar, introduced the course to acknowledge the far-reaching impact of these dramas. The curriculum investigates the motivations behind viewer engagement, the socio-political dynamics influencing production, and how different audiences receive these series across various cultures.

Students in the course explore academic perspectives on whether Turkish dramas serve as a form of soft power, as well as their role in filling specific cultural voids in the global media landscape.

Exploring cultural resonance across borders

The course also explores why Turkish series are so appealing to global audiences. Series like “Gumus” (known as “Noor” in Arab countries), “Binbir Gece” (“The Thousand and One Nights”), and “Fatmagul’un Sucu Ne?” (“What is Fatmagul’s Fault?”) have found dedicated followings in regions such as the Middle East, the Balkans, and Latin America.

Furthermore, the series “Muhtesem Yuzyil” (“The Magnificent Century”) gained massive popularity in Africa, expanding Türkiye’s cultural reach even further.

Impact beyond entertainment: Shaping global perceptions

The influence of Turkish dramas extends beyond entertainment, shaping foreign perceptions of Türkiye and presenting a positive image of Muslims worldwide. Shows like “Dirilis Ertugrul” (“Resurrection: Ertugrul”) have had a particular impact in Muslim-majority regions, including Pakistan, Gaza and Uyghur communities.

These series portray Muslim characters as dignified and heroic leaders, countering stereotypes and empowering viewers.

Celikkol also highlighted the role of Turkish dramas in promoting tourism and commerce. The popularity of these series has led to a surge in tourism, with visitors flocking to filming locations and historical sites featured in the shows.

Viewers’ growing familiarity with Turkish culture has spurred interest in Turkish products, language, and lifestyle, further strengthening Türkiye’s global influence. Families learning Turkish to better understand the shows is another testament to the cultural export power of Turkish television.

Turkish TV dramas redefining global media consumption

Reflecting on the global appeal of Turkish productions, Celikkol noted that audiences worldwide are becoming disillusioned with Hollywood’s cultural dominance. She believes that Turkish dramas offer more relatable and culturally authentic narratives, providing an alternative to the often formulaic storytelling of Western productions.

“While Hollywood remains a powerful force, many people are now realizing that international productions can be just as compelling and closer to their own experiences,” she said.

Turkish TV dramas have cemented their place as a powerful force in global media, influencing not only entertainment but also international relations, tourism, and trade. As they continue to captivate millions of viewers, these productions are positioning Türkiye as a key player in the global cultural landscape.