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A striking new mini-series that captures the spirit of Istanbul in a cinematic language is making its debut Thursday. "Istanbul My Love," starring celebrated Turkish actors Engin Akyurek and Afra Saracoglu, will be available to audiences worldwide on Go Türkiye’s official YouTube channel.
Directed by Ozan Aciktan, the 10-episode series—each about three minutes long—follows a unique narrative that blends technology with human emotion. It tells the story of a young entrepreneur, portrayed by Saracoglu, who believes even love can be programmed using a groundbreaking AI software she developed. She pitches the idea to Tan, a successful but emotionally distant businessman, played by Akyurek. Intrigued, Tan challenges the algorithm: find him true love in just three dates. If the experiment succeeds, he’ll invest in her company.
As the AI-assisted dating trial unfolds, both characters find themselves on a transformative emotional journey. The central question lingers: Can love truly be programmed, or is it hidden in plain sight—within the city itself?
Shot entirely in Istanbul, the series is as much a visual ode to the city as it is a narrative exploration of fate and emotion. Viewers will be taken on a sensory journey through iconic locations such as Ciragan Palace, Rixos Tersane, Galataport, the Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM) in Taksim, Karakoy, the Bosphorus, and Beyoglu.
Actors Yasemin Kay Allen and Ilayda Akdogan also feature in the cast, enriching the layered story that weaves Istanbul’s aesthetic, emotional, and historical landscapes into a modern romantic experiment.
Designed as part of a global digital campaign to promote Istanbul, the series aims to captivate audiences across Europe and the Middle East. With its unique blend of high production value, emotional storytelling, and Istanbul’s magnetic charm, the series is expected to resonate with international viewers curious about both the city and the future of love in the digital age.
"Istanbul My Love" is now streaming for free on Go Türkiye’s official YouTube channel.
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