A guide to Turkish Dramas

 Turkish dramas or "Diziler" as they are called have gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Especially the historical dramas which have highlighted the glory of Muslims in past have become a fan favorite in Pakistan and other Muslim countries. 

Although they are known for their glamorizing and enchanting historical series, there are many other factors that make those dramas stand out as compared to many South Asian series.

One of the primary reasons the dramas are so successful is the portrayal of empowered women and their role in society.

You won't find a damsel in distress in these shows. Instead you will see independent women who have stood not only for themselves but for their loved ones and their nation as well.

Another reason for their popularity are the unique plots and scenic shooting locations. So many famous series are shot somewhere in New York or London. 

But Istanbul is breathtaking. You ultimately end up adding Turkiye to your bucket list.

One of the few drawbacks of watching these shows is that they take too much time. Globally hit shows like Dirilis Ertughrul and Payitaht are 5 seasons long with each episode at least 2 hours long. But the good quality makes them worth the time.

1) Mehmetcik kutul amare

 

When Turkey was losing the war, some battles were still won. This is the story of how just a few spies prevent the English from colonizing the area of Kutul amare. 

 The best thing about this series is that it is based on true events. Moreover the way it is filmed is just beautiful.

 We see Mehmet struggling to gain a position in Army, ultimately becoming a spy and then we see him and his team defeating hundreds of soldiers alone while hiding in underground tunnels.

 Possibly the best drama I've ever watched, this series is worth your time. 

2) Ogretman (The Teacher)

Akif Hodja takes position at a school as a physics teacher. One random day, he locks his students inside a class and bombards the rest of the school. Thankfully no one is hurt, although Akif claims that he will kill one of his trapped students unless someone tells him who killed Ruya. His student who was thought to have committed suicide.

A short thriller, the series makes us wonder if Akif is the hero or the villain and I was confused whether to cheer him on or not. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is great, the final lesson the students learn is exemplary and we learn to love Akif afterall.

Not all heroes wear capes.

3) Dastan (The Story)

Another great historical drama. Alpagu Khan kills his first wife Tulsim when she is accused of treason by no one other than Olu Eja, Alpagu's second wife. 

The court decides that Tulsim's only son, Prince Batuga should also be beheaded lest he also betrays the king. Batuga has only one way to survive. To pretend to be invalid.

Decades later, Akiz, a warrior whose father was also murdered by Alpagu Khan returns to avenge her father's death. But she ends up as a prisoner at the palace. 

Batuga and Akiz form an unlikely team and unite against Alpagu Khan.

The most interesting thing which I enjoyed a lot is how Batuga pretends to be deaf and dumb and is actually the cleverest and most intelligent person in the court.

The story of this drama is quite different from other historical dramas, highlighting the rule of Mongols before Islam. 

The whole series is magnificent and beautiful.

 

4) Mucize Doktor (The Miracle Doctor)

Ali is an autistic doctor and he ends up as one of the surgeons in the most prestigious hospital of the city. However other doctors, patients and even staff are prejudiced against him for his lack of social skills and unusual habits. 

Inspired by the series, "The Good Doctor", we see Ali as he makes friends, families, saves lives and conjures miracles. All in all the character development of our protagonist is amazing and the journey he goes on not just changes him but people surrounding him as well. 

This drama has done a good job in raising awareness about people on the autism stpectrum and how they are different yet a unique part of the same society we live in.

5) Flinta Mustafa

This drama narrates the story of Detective Mustafa along with his sidekick Detective Ali, both of whom work in the Istanbul Police department during the Ottoman Empire. As they deal with common thugs, house robbers, serial killers, they discover that someone else is behind all these meagre crimes. Someone who is planning to commit a major felony. 

Honestly, I loved the villain Boris Zaharyas more than I loved our heroes. He is shown to be a clever mastermind who will go to great lengths to achieve his goals. He reminds me of Professor Moriarty.

No matter what he manages to stay one step ahead of Galata Police at all times.

Based on two seasons, the show takes a different take on the usual police stories.