Netflix faces backlash over Greek series depicting Turkish soldiers as occupiers

Netflix has announced plans to stream Famagusta, a Greek-produced series that criticizes Türkiye’s Cyprus Peace Operation. In the series, Turkish soldiers are depicted as occupiers, aiming to cast a negative light on Türkiye’s actions during the 1974 operation. This controversial production, seen as propaganda to damage Türkiye’s international image, has found a platform on Netflix.

Notably, the series omits references to the massacres suffered by Turkish Cypriots. Netflix’s decision to air the show has provoked significant backlash from its users.

The Greek series is set to premiere on Netflix on Sept. 20. It presents a distorted version of historical events surrounding the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, produced in Southern Cyprus.

‘Turkish military ensures peace’

The series, which adopts the Greek name “Famagusta”, overlooks the atrocities committed by Greek militias against Turkish Cypriots prior to the intervention. It also fails to acknowledge the Turkish military’s efforts to protect civilians.

Meanwhile, the announcement has drawn criticism from many in Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Turkish Cypriots have expressed their disapproval, stating, “The Turkish military ensures peace and saved us from massacre and occupation.”

Following this announcement, numerous users have stated their intention to cancel their Netflix subscriptions in protest.

‘It serves black propaganda’

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry condemned the series, calling it a form of black propaganda. “This series shows great disrespect to the cherished memories of Turkish Cypriots who were massacred by Greek Cypriot mobs between 1963 and 1974,” the statement read.

“Such attempts to distort the facts only strengthen our resolve to continue fighting for our national cause in Cyprus,” the statement added.

TRNC President Ersin Tatar has also voiced strong opposition to the portrayal of Turkish soldiers as “occupiers” in “Famagusta”. He called on Turkish producers to create a compelling series that reflects the lived experiences of Cypriots.

Tatar criticized Netflix for broadcasting the series, saying, “Netflix, as a reputable platform, should be committed to the truth.”

‘We appreciate Türkiye’s reaction’

Tatar added, “It is troubling to see such an organization become a vehicle for this kind of black propaganda. It is inappropriate and deserves condemnation, which we are expressing. We appreciate Türkiye’s reaction to this issue.”

Moreover, Omer Celik, the spokesperson for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), took to the social media platform X to comment on the matter.

He stated that the Turkish military cannot be discredited through a television series. “It is highly concerning that a series distorting the events of the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation and promoting Greek propaganda will air on a film platform starting September 20,” he remarked.

Celik further condemned the Greek propaganda, asserting, “We cannot accept that the intervention, which brought peace and justice, is targeted by Greek propaganda. The Cyprus Peace Operation, the heroic Turkish military, and the values of peace and justice cannot be undermined through this series.”