Dizi, Turkish dizi, or Turkish dramas; this form of television grandeur is known to us all. With the rich Turkish culture, talented actors, breathtaking visuals, and emotional storylines; How can we not fall into this rabbit hole of bliss. Binge-worthy Turkish dramas only recently started streaming; as of the late 1900s. The first Turkish television series to be exported was Çalıkuşu, in 1986, to the Soviet Union.
As of now, Turkey has become, the second-highest television series exporter; crossing Mexico and Brazil (which gained fame due to their telenovelas). Turkey lies behind the Hollywood film industry but is still giving them a run for their money.
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The Fame
This film industry caters to a vast audience worldwide, they gained popularity after Çalıkuşu and grew from there. In the 2000s, there was a sharp upward strike in their views, due to new releases left and right. Due to this international fame, now their series can be viewed in many languages; subbed, dubbed, or both. It’s safe to say that the Turkish film industry is on its way to the iron throne of the film industry.
The first Turkish series to be released on Netflix (a global streaming site) was in 2018. This peaked their views further. The Turkish dramas are streamed on a two-hour format; due to that being regular streaming time for Turkish tv. It is new to people who are used to the 45-minute or 20-minute episodes, but the storyline is so adored that they can’t get enough. More people have been going to visit Turkey as well as nothing can excite them more than looking at the backgrounds of their favourite shots in real life.
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8 Binge-Worthy Turkish Dramas to Watch!
The Protector
The protector is one of the first binge-worthy Turkish dramas to be released on Netflix. This show is based on a Turkish book. It has four seasons and 32 episodes. The first episode streamed on December 14, 2018. According to google reviews, this drama is rated 4 stars and liked by 81% of its audience. Produced by Alex Sutherland, this show is rich in culture and is not recommended on weekdays since you won’t be able to pull away.
This story is about a shopkeeper in Istanbul, Hakan Demir. After his father passes away, he discovers that he’s the next kin to a long line of fighters. They protect Istanbul from a mortal enemy; the immortals. During that, he faces an internal conflict when he has to pick between his unexpected love and his duties as the protector. After moving on with his love, Hakan discovers a secret about the blood of the immortals.
Rise of the Empire: Ottoman 
The rise of the empire: the ottoman, is based on the ottoman empire we read about in history books. Kelly McPherson is the writer and Emre Sahin is the director. If you are interested in history and military-related docuseries, then it’s one the best binge-worthy Turkish dramas. It is a relatively new series, having just six episodes. It has 4.6 stars on Google reviews and 84% of the people like it. People find it to be accurate. It captures the essence of the events accurately.
This docu-series portrays the events of the well-known Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed II, and his prodigious campaign to take the Byzantine capital of Constantinople. It was one of the pillar events of the rise of the ottoman empire. The ottoman empire was one of the longest lanting Muslim dynasties, which grew to cover areas in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa. The ottoman empire lasted around a period of 600 years.
Payitaht: Abdulhamid
Payitaht: Abdul Hamid, has very positive reviews worldwide. According to Google, 95% of the audience liked the show. This is one of the binge-worthy Turkish dramas. This drama, written by Osman Bodur and Ugur Uzunok, has five seasons and 154 episodes. Serdar Akar, Emre konuk, Dogan Umit Karaca and Sevki Ec are the directors.
This docu-series is based on the story of Abdulhamid II, who was the last Mughal emperor to resign from his post. His rule lasted from 1876 to 1909. This period is the Hamidian era. Their most significant reforms of this era were in the educational department; 18 professional schools and colleges were developed, one of which later got renamed to University of Istanbul. This system introduced primary, secondary and military schools, as required during that period. During this time, railways and telegraph were introduced. Also, the ministry of justice came to action.
Kurulus: Osman 
Kurulus: Osman, is one of the top-rated binge-worthy turkish dramas. Hence, its filmography captures the essence of Turkey accurately. This series has two seasons and 64 episodes. The first episode aired on November 20, 2019. Mehmet Bozdag, Attila Angin, and Asli Zeynep Peker are the writers of this series. It covers the historical, adventure, action, and Islamic genres. Metin Gunay is the director. 93% of the viewers like this series. Hence, it has 4.8 stars out of 5.
The storyline is based on Osman Gazi, a warrior and a leader from the ottoman empire. He struggles and fights to overpower the Byzantines as they have become internal enemies, and he needs to fulfil his duties to defend his new empire. According to reviews, it’s the kind of show where you grow with the characters. You understand them, attach yourself to them, and see their story and the true meaning behind it.
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Muhtesem Yuzyil
The spectacular Turkish television series; Muhtesem Yuzyil: Kosem, first aired on November 12, 2015. İt’s written by Yılmaz Şahin, Ozen Yula, Nükhet Bıçakçı and Sevgi Yılmaz; and produced by Timur Savci. The series is popular and has 4.7 stars on Google reviews and statistics show that 91% of the viewers enjoyed it. This series has two seasons with 60 episodes. Watching this Turkish prodigy is a must.
This series takes inspiration from the story of the longest-reigning Ottoman sultan; Suleyman and his wife Hurrem. “Muhtesem Yuzyil” literally means magnificent century. His reign starts at the age of 26 when he receives the news of his fathers passing. He rules and administers the empire: which flourishes under his reign. Eventually, he falls in love with Hurrem, a slave girl. Therefore, the series shows us their journey to becoming one. Suleyman rules proudly with his beloved wife by his side.
Yunus Emre: Aşkın Yolculuğu
Yunus Emre: Aşkın Yolculuğu is another masterpiece from the list of binge-worthy Turkish dramas. Mehmet Bozdag and Mustafa Tacti created the series. Emre Konuk and Kamil Aydin ae the directors. It is another one from the biography genre, It also covers the history and introduces Sufism. This series has two seasons and 44 episodes. 82% of the viewers like it. Therefore, it has 5 stars on Google!
When the ottoman empire starts facing the Mongol invasions, Yunus Emre takes this as his chance to escape and travel away from the tyrants to pursue being a dervish. On his way to material poverty, he faces immense hardships. He can barely seem to catch his breath. This series portrays Yunus and his journey and desire towards Sufism.
Awakening: The Great Seljuk 
Awakening: the great Seljuk is an international dizi. Sear Ozonalan and Emre Konuk wrote this series. Sedat Inci is the director, and Emre Konuk is the Creative Director. This has a divine mix of history, adventure, and action. Hence, it’s truly a masterpiece for portraying the Seljuk empire. The series has 1 season out with 34 episodes with insanely positive reviews! It has 5 stars rating. Therefore, 94% of the viewers like it.
This series focuses on telling the history of Ahmad Sanjar and his father, Malik Shah I. Therefore the story is based on how they fought the Byzantine and the leader of the basins- who were in support of creating the Shia caliphate. During that, they beautifully portray the struggles they faced, the deadly decisions they made, and the unity they had. The visuals of this series are eye-catching. Also, according to the reviewers; a powerful frame captures each character.
Mendriman Jaloluddin
The Turkish television industry never fails to leave us all in awe of their art. The first episode of Mendriman Jaloluddin released on February 14, 2021. This show has one season and 13 episodes. It is based on the story of Jaloluddin Mingburnu. Therefore, it’s a blend of adventure and history that grabs your attention and doesn’t let it go for 13 episodes. Metin Gunau, Nurgissa Al Murat, and Reza Himmeti directed this drama. 94% of viewers like the drama as per Google reviews. Hence, it has 4.8/5 stars!
Jaloluddin Mingburu faces the mongol empire, Genghis khan. Eventually, he faces a dispute in the fight for the throne between his grandmother and his father. Amid all his troubles, Genghis Khan gets him kidnapped.