The Best Turkish Series on Netflix for Tourists
Netflix has become a global gateway to Turkish television, introducing audiences worldwide to the country’s long tradition of storytelling. Whether you are planning a trip to Turkey, interested in its vibrant culture, or simply in search of gripping new shows, Turkish series can be the perfect way to connect with the spirit of the country before you even set foot on its soil. With their combination of romance, suspense, history, and breathtaking visuals, these shows act like cultural postcards. Here is a detailed and expanded guide to the best Turkish series you can watch on Netflix today, designed especially for tourists who want to combine screen entertainment with cultural discovery.
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Why Watch Turkish Series as a Tourist?
Turkish dramas are celebrated for their emotional depth, polished cinematography, and unforgettable characters. They often spotlight Istanbul’s skyline, the Bosphorus Strait, or the unique landscapes of Anatolia and the Aegean coast. For a traveler, these backdrops double as inspiration for places to visit. You will see the Grand Bazaar, Ottoman palaces, traditional seaside villages, and even mystical Cappadocia through the lens of Turkish directors. Beyond the aesthetics, the series also reveal values central to Turkish life, such as strong family bonds, hospitality, resilience, and romance.
Tourists who watch Turkish series often report that their travel experience feels richer, as they already have a sense of familiarity with Turkish culture. It becomes easier to understand why people gather for tea in small cafés, why family ties remain central, or why Istanbul’s streets buzz with an energy that never seems to fade. For this reason, binge‑watching a Turkish series before or during your trip is not just entertainment—it is cultural preparation that enhances your journey once in Turkey.
🎯 Must‑Watch Turkish Series on Netflix
Here are the essentials every viewer should try. These shows represent a range of genres—from fantasy to historical mysteries—and together they create a panoramic view of modern Turkish storytelling.
- 🛡️ The Protector (Hakan: Muhafız) – The first Turkish Netflix original combines fantasy with modern Istanbul. It follows a young shopkeeper who discovers he is the last member of an ancient secret order tasked with protecting the city. Expect epic battles, legendary prophecies, and sweeping shots of Istanbul’s rooftops.
- 🎨 The Gift (Atiye) – A mystical tale of an artist linked to Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple. The series dives into Anatolian myths, archaeology, and destiny. For history lovers or those curious about Turkey’s ancient mysteries, this is a must.
- 🧹 Fatma – A gripping psychological drama about a cleaning woman who becomes an unlikely assassin. The show highlights class struggles, hidden traumas, and the survival instinct of ordinary people pushed into extraordinary situations.
- 🐍 Shahmaran – A romance entwined with Turkish mythology, blending supernatural elements with modern Adana life. Viewers get to see the city of Adana, famous for its food and warm culture, through a mythological lens.
- 👩👧 Who Were We Running From? – A tense thriller about a mother and daughter living in luxury hotels while hiding from a mysterious past. This series delivers both suspense and poignant emotional beats.
- 🚤 Yakamoz S‑245 – A sci‑fi survival drama that links with Netflix’s Belgian hit Into the Night, offering global storytelling with a Turkish twist. For travelers, it adds a futuristic layer to Turkey’s television industry.
- 🧛 Immortals (Yaşamayanlar) – A vampire fantasy full of nightlife, forbidden love, and revenge in Istanbul. Its neon‑lit atmosphere showcases the modern, edgy side of the city.
- 🎓 Love 101 (Aşk 101) – A nostalgic 1990s teen drama about a group of misfit students learning about friendship, love, and growing up in Istanbul. It’s full of relatable moments and heartfelt storytelling.
- 🌿 Another Self (Zeytin Ağacı) – Set in Ayvalık, this story follows three women who confront family wounds and personal healing through love and friendship. Its seaside visuals make you want to visit Ayvalık immediately.
- 💌 Lovers Anonymous – A modern romantic drama that explores love, dating, and contemporary life in Turkey. Perfect for those who want a lighter tone.
- ⚖️ Graveyard (Mezarlık) – A bold detective drama exposing crimes against women and societal silence, led by the unforgettable Inspector Önem. Both gripping and socially relevant.
💖 Romantic Turkish Series on Netflix
For fans of emotional storytelling and breathtaking love stories, Turkish romance is unmatched. Many of these series portray timeless themes of love, heartbreak, and destiny while giving glimpses into Turkish social norms and family expectations.
- 🐍 Shahmaran – Fuses myth and romance, illustrating love as destiny. A great option if you enjoy a touch of fantasy.
- 🌿 Another Self – A heartfelt narrative about friendship, family healing, and second chances in love. Its setting in coastal towns makes it especially picturesque for travelers.
- 💌 Lovers Anonymous – A fresh take on modern relationships and love struggles in urban Turkey. It reflects modern Istanbul lifestyles.
- 👔 The Tailor (Terzi) – A stylish series combining fashion, family drama, and deep romantic undertones. Costume design lovers will enjoy the attention to detail.
- 💕 Thank You, Next – A playful and contemporary romantic comedy that explores the chaos of modern dating in Istanbul. Lighthearted, fun, and relatable.
Each of these shows reveals a softer side of Turkish culture, portraying both traditional values and modern challenges in relationships. Tourists who watch them will gain insights into Turkish humor, flirting styles, and cultural perspectives on love.
🕵️ Detective & Thriller Turkish Series on Netflix
For those who love suspense, crime, and a touch of mystery, Turkish thrillers deliver sharp storytelling and emotional intensity.
- ⚖️ Graveyard (Mezarlık) – Tackles difficult cases of violence against women, offering gritty realism and a strong female lead. It doubles as a commentary on social justice.
- 👩👧 Who Were We Running From? – A mother‑daughter cat‑and‑mouse drama that slowly unravels dark secrets. Its constant suspense will keep you hooked.
- 💰 Black Money Love (Kara Para Aşk) – A global hit mixing romance, murder, and corruption in Istanbul’s glamorous yet dangerous world. The show is beloved internationally for its twists and passionate leads.
- 🕵️ The Turkish Detective – A series inspired by Barbara Nadel’s Inspector Çetin İkmen novels, showcasing Istanbul as a city full of crime, contradictions, and culture. It brings a classic detective structure with Turkish settings.
These thrillers are not only addictive but also highlight Turkey’s modern struggles and the resilience of its people. Watching them before traveling can help visitors understand both the beauty and the complexity of Turkish society.
🔎 Hidden Gems Tourists Shouldn’t Miss
While the big titles grab attention, there are also lesser‑known series worth exploring:
- 🌆 Ethos (Bir Başkadır) – An artful, thought‑provoking story about intersecting lives in Istanbul, addressing class, religion, and identity. Its poetic storytelling reveals the contrasts within Turkish society.
- 🏰 Rise of Empires: Ottoman – A docu‑drama blending historical facts with cinematic reenactments, focusing on the conquest of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmed II. Perfect for history buffs who want to imagine Istanbul’s glorious past.
- 🧠 Hot Skull (Sıcak Kafa) – A dystopian thriller about a world plagued by a language‑borne epidemic. Futuristic and creative, it adds another layer to Turkey’s versatility in storytelling.
These hidden gems provide both cultural insights and fresh genres, from historical reenactments to modern social commentary. They are excellent for travelers who want to dig deeper into Turkish culture and history beyond the mainstream.
🧳 Tips for Tourists Watching Turkish Series
- 🗣️ Language & Subtitles: Most shows are in Turkish, with English or other language subtitles. You may learn simple greetings like merhaba (hello), nasılsın (how are you?), or teşekkürler (thank you). Practicing these phrases during your trip can enhance interactions.
- 👨👩👧 Cultural Insights: Pay attention to the emphasis on family meals, respect for elders, and the importance of friendships. You may notice how central hospitality is in every episode, reflecting real Turkish culture.
- 📍 Filming Locations: Add destinations to your travel plan. For example, scenes from The Gift highlight Göbeklitepe, while Love 101 showcases Istanbul high schools and cafés. In Another Self, the Aegean coast becomes a character of its own.
- 🍵 Food and Drink: Many shows feature Turkish tea, baklava, or meze spreads. Trying these during your visit can recreate the series experience. Look out for traditional breakfast scenes—they will inspire you to try one at a local café.
- ⏱️ Time Commitment: Turkish dramas often have longer episodes compared to Western shows—sometimes up to 90 minutes. Plan your viewing accordingly, and don’t be surprised if you get hooked and want to binge‑watch.
- 📚 Learn While Watching: Some shows, like Rise of Empires: Ottoman, double as history lessons. Taking notes will prepare you for museums and heritage sites in Turkey.
- 🎬 Mix Genres: Try both romances and thrillers. This will help you understand different aspects of Turkish storytelling—from warmth and humor to suspense and intensity.
Conclusion
Turkish series on Netflix are far more than binge‑worthy entertainment. They provide a cultural passport into Turkey’s traditions, modern life, and cinematic creativity. From romance that warms the heart to thrillers that keep you at the edge of your seat, these shows give travelers an intimate look into Turkey’s soul. By watching them before or during your trip, you can enrich your journey, discover new places, and connect with the country on a deeper level.
Remember, each series can serve as an itinerary suggestion. If you love the coastal landscapes in Another Self, plan a trip to Ayvalık. If you are captivated by The Gift, make sure Göbeklitepe or Istanbul’s archaeological museums are on your list. If The Protector sparks your imagination, wander Istanbul’s old streets to see where ancient legends meet modern life.
✨ Travel Tip: Keep a small notebook handy as you watch. Jot down filming locations or cultural references that inspire you. Later, you can trace these moments during your trip—whether it’s sipping tea on the Bosphorus, exploring the streets of Beyoğlu, or wandering the ruins of ancient Anatolia. You’ll find that the world on screen feels even more magical when you step into it yourself.