In recent years, Turkish historical series have gained international acclaim for their compelling storytelling, rich cultural representation, and outstanding performances. Viewers from around the globe have been captivated by the grandeur and historical accuracy presented in these series. In this article, we will explore the top 10 Turkish historical series that have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
1. Alparslan The Great Seljuks
- Production Date: Alparslan The Great Seljuks first aired in 2020.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series has 2 seasons and a total of 44 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: The lead role of Alp Arslan is portrayed by Burak Özçivit. Other prominent actors include Serdar Gökhan, Ekin Koç, and Hatice Sendil. The series is directed by Emre Konuk.
Alparslan The Great Seljuks chronicles the life and reign of Alp Arslan, the second Sultan of the Seljuk Empire. It delves into his military conquests, particularly the famous Battle of Manzikert in 1071, where he defeated the Byzantine Empire, opening the doors for the Turkish people to settle in Anatolia.
2. Lawless Lands
- Production Date: Lawless Lands premiered in 2017.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series spans 3 seasons with a total of 85 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: The main cast includes Halit Ergenç, Aslıhan Gürbüz, and Orhan Güner. The series is directed by Tolga Örnek.
Series Story:
Lawless Lands follows the journey of a young man named Ertuğrul, who later becomes the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. The series revolves around Ertuğrul's struggles, battles, and the challenges he faced while establishing the foundation of one of the greatest empires in history.
3. Barbarossa: Sword of the Mediterranean
- Production Date: Barbarossa: Sword of the Mediterranean premiered in 2021.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series consists of 1 season and 10 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: The lead role of Barbarossa is portrayed by Ulaş Tuna Astepe. The series is directed by Ahmet Katıksız.
Series Story:
Barbarossa: Sword of the Mediterranean tells the epic tale of Hayreddin Barbarossa, the famous Ottoman admiral and privateer. The series explores his naval conquests, alliances, and struggles against various powers in the Mediterranean during the 16th century.
4. Aziz
- Production Date: Aziz first aired in 2018.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series comprises 2 seasons with a total of 36 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: Uraz Kaygılaroğlu plays the protagonist Aziz. The director of the series is Mert Baykal.
Story:
Aziz follows the story of a young man who seeks justice and fights against the corrupt elite. The series delves into themes of power, love, and revenge set against the backdrop of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.
5. Once Upon A Time in Cyprus
- Production Date: Once Upon A Time in Cyprus premiered in 2022.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: This series has 1 season and 13 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: The main cast includes Tolgahan Sayışman and Hande Erçel. The series is directed by Umur Turagay.
Story:
Once Upon A Time in Cyprus is a romantic historical drama set in the early 20th century during the final years of the Ottoman Empire and the British occupation of Cyprus. It revolves around the love story of a Turkish officer and a Greek Cypriot woman, reflecting the complexities of the time.
6. The Green Pine
- Production Date: The Green Pine first aired in 2019.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series spans 3 seasons with a total of 80 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: Salih Bademci and Birce Akalay play the main characters. The director of the series is Umur Turagay.
The Green Pine centers around the story of a man who is torn between loyalty to his family and love for a woman from a rival family. Set in the early 20th century, the series explores the struggles, alliances, and conflicts within the Anatolian region during the Ottoman Empire.
7. Rise of Empires: Ottoman
- Production Date: Rise of Empires: Ottoman premiered in 2020.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: This series consists of 1 season and 6 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: The series features a mix of scripted scenes and documentary elements. The notable cast includes Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu and Tuba Büyüküstün.
Story:
Rise of Empires: Ottoman is a historical docudrama that combines scripted scenes with historical commentary. It covers the rise of Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, and his conquest of Constantinople in 1453, leading to the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire.
8. Victorious Mehmets
- Production Date: Victorious Mehmets premiered in 2022.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series currently has 1 season with 12 episodes (as of the writing of this article).
- Series Heroes and Director: The main cast includes İsmail Ege Şaşmaz and Fatma Filiz Sencan. The director of the series is Zeynep Günay Tan.
Story:
Victorious Mehmets is a historical drama that revolves around the life of Mehmed the Conqueror and his efforts to expand the Ottoman Empire. The series follows the military campaigns and political challenges faced by Mehmed II during his reign as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
9. The Great Seljuks: Guardians Of Justice
- Production Date: The Great Seljuks: Guardians Of Justice premiered in 2021.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: The series spans 2 seasons with a total of 45 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: The lead character of Sultan Alp Arslan is portrayed by Engin Altan Düzyatan. The series is directed by Emre Konuk.
Story:
The Great Seljuks: Guardians Of Justice tells the story of Sultan Alp Arslan, the hero of the Battle of Manzikert, and his struggles to protect justice and bring stability to the Seljuk Empire. It explores his leadership, military prowess, and efforts to defend the empire against external threats.
10. On The Wings of Love
- Production Date: On The Wings of Love first aired in 2016.
- Number of Seasons and Episodes: This romantic series consists of 1 season with 24 episodes.
- Series Heroes and Director: Selin Şekerci and Kerem Bürsin play the lead roles. The series is directed by Senem Zencir.
Story:
On The Wings of Love is a historical romance set in the early 20th century during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. It revolves around the love story of a Turkish woman and an English pilot, reflecting the cultural and social dynamics of the time.
Turkish historical series have gained popularity worldwide due to their captivating stories, impressive production values, and talented cast. These ten series provide a mix of historical accuracy, drama, and romance, making them engaging for both Turkish and international audiences.