Looking for a new series to binge-watch? Look no further than this ultimate list of 15 best Turkish dramas to watch in 2023! Turkish dramas have taken the world by storm with their unique storylines, excellent acting, and stunning cinematography. With each passing year, the popularity of Turkish dramas continues to soar, leaving viewers captivated and enthralled by the fascinating tales of love, heartbreak, betrayal, and family drama.
As we gear up for another exciting year of entertainment, here is the ultimate list of 15 best Turkish dramas to watch in 2023. These dramas are guaranteed to take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride with their gripping plots, complex characters, and powerful performances. Get ready to be swept away by the world of Turkish drama!
1) Resurrection Ertugrul
Set in the 13th century, this historical drama follows the story of Ertuğrul, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. The series explores the struggles of the Kayi tribe against the Mongols, Byzantines, and Templars. The show has gained massive popularity in Turkey and abroad for its strong production values, epic battles, and engaging characters.
2) Magnificent Century
This drama tells the story of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, one of the most powerful rulers in Ottoman history. The series focuses on his personal life, including his relationships with his wife and concubines, as well as political and military conflicts during his reign. With lavish sets and costumes, Magnificent Century has become a global sensation, earning a massive following in the Middle East and South America.
3) Lovebird
Based on a novel by Turkish author Resat Nuri Güntekin, Lovebird is a romantic drama set in the early 20th century. The series follows the story of Feride, a young teacher who falls in love with Kamran, the son of a wealthy family. Their love is put to the test by social and political upheavals in Turkey at the time. “Lovebird” is known for its stunning cinematography, period detail, and strong performances.
4) Kara Sevda
Kara Sevda is a romantic drama that tells the story of Kemal, a poor student, and Nihan, the daughter of a wealthy family. When their paths cross, the two fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by their different social statuses and Nihan’s arranged engagement to a wealthy businessman. The series features a talented cast, including Burak Özçivit as Kemal and Neslihan Atagül as Nihan. With its beautiful cinematography, well-written script, and engaging performances, Kara Sevda is a must-watch for anyone who loves romantic dramas.
5) The Protector
The Protector is a superhero fantasy drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2018. The show follows Hakan Demir, a young man who discovers his family’s connection to a secret ancient order tasked with protecting Istanbul from evil forces. As he tries to understand his powers and his responsibility, he must also confront his enemies and protect the city he loves. The series stars Çağatay Ulusoy, Hazar Ergüçlü, and Okan Yalabık in lead roles. The Protector has been praised for its engaging storyline, action-packed scenes, and unique blend of superhero and mystical elements.
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6) Forbidden Fruit
This drama tells the story of two sisters, Zeynep and Yıldız, who come from a poor background but dream of a better life. Zeynep marries into a wealthy family and rises to the top of the corporate world, while Yıldız becomes a successful chef. Their relationship is strained by jealousy and betrayal, as well as their love for the same man. Forbidden Fruit has been praised for its strong female characters and its exploration of family and social dynamics.
7) Ezel
Ezel is a gripping crime drama that follows the story of Omer, who is betrayed and falsely imprisoned by his friends. After being released from prison, Omer assumes a new identity as Ezel to seek revenge on his former friends who betrayed him. The series has a strong cast, including Kenan Imirzalioglu as Ezel and Cansu Dere as Eysan, his former love interest. With its well-crafted plot and intense scenes, Ezel is a must-watch for anyone who loves crime dramas.
8) Intersection
Intersection is a romantic drama that centers around the lives of wealthy businessman Ali Nejat and artist Naz. When their paths cross, the two fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by Ali Nejat’s past and his family’s expectations. The series features a talented cast, including Belçim Bilgin as Naz and İbrahim Çelikkol as Ali Nejat. With its beautiful scenery, well-written script, and engaging performances, Intersection is a Turkish drama that’s definitely worth watching.
9) Icerde
Icerde is a captivating thriller that tells the story of two brothers, Sarp and Umut, who are separated after the murder of their police officer father. Sarp becomes a police officer to seek revenge against the criminal organization responsible for his father’s death, while Umut becomes a member of the same organization. The series features a talented cast, including Aras Bulut İynemli as Sarp and Çağatay Ulusoy as Umut. With its intense action scenes and well-crafted plot, Icerde is a must-watch for anyone who loves thrillers.
10) Sen Anlat Karadeniz
Sen Anlat Karadeniz is a powerful drama that centers around the life of Nefes, a young woman who is sold to a wealthy businessman by her abusive father. Nefes is able to escape her captor with the help of Tahir, a fisherman from the Black Sea region, and the two fall in love. The series features a talented cast, including İrem Helvacıoğlu as Nefes and Ulaş Tuna Astepe as Tahir. With its well-written script and engaging performances, Sen Anlat Karadeniz is a Turkish drama that’s definitely worth watching.
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11) The Gift
The Gift also known as Atiye is a fantasy drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2019. The show revolves around a young artist named Atiye, who discovers a mysterious symbol in one of her paintings. This leads her on a journey to uncover her family’s secrets and solve the mystery behind the symbol. The show explores themes of love, spirituality, and the battle between good and evil. With stunning visuals and an intriguing storyline, The Gift is a must-watch for fans of fantasy and mystery.
12) Love 101
Love 101 is a romantic comedy-drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2020. The story is set in the 1990s and follows a group of mischievous high school students who are on the verge of being expelled. In an attempt to save themselves, they hatch a plan to get their favorite teacher to fall in love with their guidance counselor. The show stars Kubilay Aka, Mert Yazıcıoğlu, and Alina Boz in lead roles. Love 101 has been praised for its nostalgic feel, humor, and heartwarming storyline.
13) Rise of Empires: Ottoman
Rise of Empires: Ottoman is a historical docudrama series that premiered on Netflix in 2020. The show tells the story of the Ottoman Empire’s conquest of Constantinople in 1453, featuring reenactments and interviews with historians. The series stars Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu, Tommaso Basili, and Selim Bayraktar in leading roles. The show has been lauded for its stunning visual effects, authentic historical portrayal, and gripping storyline.
14) Fatma
Fatma is a Turkish crime drama series that was released on Netflix in 2021. The show follows the story of a cleaning lady named Fatma, who starts working for a crime boss to find her missing husband. However, things take a dark turn when she accidentally kills one of the boss’s men and decides to take matters into her own hands. The show explores themes of power, corruption, and the struggle of an ordinary person caught up in a dangerous world. With only six episodes, Fatma is a gripping and intense watch.
15) Ethos
Ethos is a drama series that was released on Netflix in 2020. The show follows the story of a young woman named Meryem, who works as a caretaker for an elderly woman. Through her interactions with the woman’s family and friends, Meryem discovers the complexities of Turkish society and the struggles of people from different backgrounds. The show explores themes of identity, culture, and social class. With its thought-provoking storyline and powerful performances, “Ethos” is a must-watch for fans of drama and social commentary.
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In conclusion, Turkish dramas have gained a worldwide following due to their unique storylines, strong performances, and beautiful cinematography. Whether you are looking for romance, action, historical drama, or supernatural thriller, there is a Turkish drama that caters to your taste. The above list of the 15 best Turkish dramas to watch in 2023 offers an array of options that are sure to keep you entertained and engrossed. So, grab some popcorn and start binge-watching!