It is beyond the bounds of possibility if someone says he doesn’t like watching impressive storylines, heart-gripping acting, and dramatic plots from Turkish dramas. All genres, including historical Turkish series, have huge viewership in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Balkan States, Latin America, and North Africa.
Indeed, Turkish historical series are not only admired among Turkish people who want to explore their days of yore, but international audiences also watch them due to their outstanding plots, full of action episodes, stunning acting, and costumes.
Many of you have probably already watched the Turkish historical series on Netflix, but there are still too many historical Turkish dizis that you must watch once. In this article, DigitalCruch is going to share one of the best historical Turkish series with its readers.
Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani
Genre: Drama, Historical Fiction, War
Original Release: 2024 – Present
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 10 (continue)
Broadcast Network: TRT 1
Starring: Serkan Çayoglu, Selim Bayraktar, Fikret Kuskan, Tuba Ünsal, Seçkin Özdemir, and Emine Ün
Mehmed Fetihler Sultanı is the most recent Turkish historical series released in 2024 by TRT 1. It presents the journey of Sultan Mehmed. The story begins with the demise of Prince Alaaddin. This news surely disturbed the emperor, and he appointed Mehmed his successor.
However, in the opinion of European states, Mehmed is an amateur, but he proves them wrong after achieving his first milestone against Orhan. Henceforth, he is being tested to fight against the rebel army, but he loses this battle unluckily.
Now, he is being expelled from the kingdom. But he will fight back to regain his position.
Kuruluş: Osman — The Founder: Ottoman
Genre: Historical Fiction, Action, Drama, War, Adventure
Original Release: 2019 – Present
Seasons: 5
Episodes: 158 (continue)
Broadcast Network: ATV
Starring: Burak Özçivit, Nurettin Sönmez, Ragip Savaş, Ayşegül Günay, Aslihan Karalar and Açelya Özcan
Kuruluş: Osman is a new historical fiction that revolves around the life of Osman-I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. The producers of this Turkish historical drama are the same ones who produced Diriliş: Ertuğrul. Yes, it is Diriliş: Ertuğrul’s sequel and many characters of Ertugrul are continuing their performance in The Founder: Ottoman.
There is also good news for fans of Burak Özçivit because he is starring as Osman Bey, the son of Ertugrul Ghazi. Hopefully, this historical fiction will break all records of popularity like Resurrection: Ertugrul.
Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi — Saladin: The Conqueror of Jerusalem
Genre: Historical Fiction, War, Action
Original Release: 2023 – Present
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 22 (continue)
Broadcast Network: TRT 1
Starring: Ugur Günes, Ekin Türkmen, Mehmet Ali Nuroglu, Dilin Doger, Murat Han
This historical fiction takes place in the 12th century and presents the incredible journey of the Muslim dynasty and conqueror of Jerusalem, Selahaddin Eyyubi. He fought several wars against the Crusaders. This show dramatizes all of these historical events.
Selahaddin Eyyubi is considered a prominent leader in Muslim history because he served the people of Palestine, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Egypt.
Vatanim Sensin — Wounded Love
Genre: Romance, History, Drama, War, Love Story
Original Release: 2016 – 2018
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 59
Broadcast Network: Kanal D
Starring: Halit Ergenç, Bergüzar Korel, Boran Kuzum, Pinar Deniz, Miray Daner and Celile Toyon Uysal
Vatanim Sensin is a lovely and heart-touching historical Turkish series that is full of emotions and memories of sacrifice. It is the story of a brave Ottoman commander, Cevdet, and his wife, Azize. Both of them tried hard to survive for their country and family during the Balkan Wars difficult times.
Versatile Turkish actress Bergüzar Korel plays the role of Azize, a mother of three kids and the wife of frontline commando Cevdet. In this series, you will see how a real soldier fights for his country to the last drop of blood and how a wife becomes faithful to her husband until the last breath.
Destan
Genre: Action, Historical Fiction, War
Original Release: 2021 – 2022
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 28
Broadcast Network: ATV
Starring: Ebru Sahin, Ahmet Olgun Sünear, Edip Tepeli, Selim Bayraktar, Burak Tozkoparan, Buse Meral and Deniz Barut
Destan is a wonderful historical Turkish series that tells the worthy and valiant story of a girl from 750 AD. Destan was recently aired, but it did manage to attract a substantial audience. You will be experiencing the thrill, action, and suspense all trapped inside this heroic storyline.
The story mainly revolves around a female mountaineer fighter named Akkiz. She struggles hard and goes through troublesome trials to mark her way toward real destiny. Ebru Sahin plays the role of Akkiz in this historical drama series after Hercai’s massive success.
Similarly, you are likely to witness valuable, ancient, and cultural Turkish aspects with action that carries throughout. You can watch this Turkish series with English subtitles on different online platforms.
Kulüp — The Club
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Release: 2021 – 2023
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 20
Broadcast Network: Netflix
Starring: Gökçe Bahadir, Baris Arduç, Firat Tanis, Merve Seyma Zengin, and Asude Kalebek
The series takes place in 1950s Turkey, where Matilda gets freedom after 17 years of imprisonment. She is a middle-aged lady who worked in nightclubs in her youth but now wants to live a peaceful life away from Istanbul. However, it is also crucial for her to meet her 17-year-old daughter Rasel.
Actually, Rasel doesn’t know anything about her parents. Things entirely transformed when Istanbul police arrested Rasel on the charges of stealing something from a nightclub. On the other hand, there is a love relationship between Rasel and Celebi. But both belong to different religious beliefs.
Payitaht: Abdülhamid — The Last Emperor: Abdul Hamid II
Genre: Drama, Historical Fiction, Action
Original Release: 2017 – 2021
Seasons: 5
Episodes: 154
Broadcast Network: TRT 1
Starring: Bülent Inal, Bahadir Yenisehirlioglu, Hakan Boyav, Duygu Gürcan, Yusuf Aytekin, Zeynep Özan
This Turkish period drama depicts the 14-year monarchy of the mighty Ottoman Emperor Abdulhamid Han. He is considered one of the strongest Sultans of the 19th century. Unlike other Ottoman rulers, Abdulhamid Han was visionary and innovative, working hard to construct a bright future for his nation.
Although this series comprises five seasons, it displays his wiseness and victories. Yes, Abdülhamid is the winner of the Greek War. Withal, this show will also teach you how to deal with the traitors whether they are in a family or a country.
Alparslan: Büyük Selçuklu — Alparslan: Great Seljuk
Genre: Action, History, War
Original Release: 2021 – 2023
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 61
Broadcast Network: TRT1
Starring: Baris Arduç, Mehmet Özgür, Korel Cezayirli, Erdinç Gülener, Aysegül Ünsal, Uygar Özçelik, Esila Umut
This historical fiction depicts the story of a fearless warrior, Alparslan, whose mother was killed when he was a child. The offender who committed this murder was from the Byzantine Empire, and as a young kid, he decided to take revenge.
As a nephew of the monarch of Great Seljuks, Alparslan fights bravely against the Byzantine army and finally becomes the sultan of Seljuks. He conquers several states for Turk clans. It was the battle of Manzikert that took place in 1071.
Yesilcam — Cinema of Turkey
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama
Original Release: 2021
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 20
Broadcast Network: BluTV
Starring: Çagatay Ulusoy, Afra Saraçoglu, Selin Sekerci, Yetkin Dikinciler and Bora Akkas
Do you want to watch your favourite Çagatay Ulusoy in a historical Turkish series in a different role? If yes, then Yesilcam is another historical Turkish that captivates your interest from the very first episode. This series has two seasons and has a respectable audience. The plot setting is fascinated by the golden era of Turkish cinema in the 1960s.
Çagatay Ulusoy, aka Semih Ates (protagonist), plays a passionate producer’s role. The storyline shows the struggle of this producer to create a blockbuster film. Therefore, you find a lot of inspiring details from the cinema industry. Besides, you will also find a touch of romance embedded right into the story.
Bir Zamanlar Çukurova — Bitter Lands
Genre: Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction
Original Release: 2018 – 2022
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 141
Broadcast Network: ATV
Starring: Hilal Altinbilek, Sibel Tasçioglu, Bülent Polat, Murat Ünalmış and İbrahim Çelikkol
This is a famous Turkish drama series that has four seasons out. And people seem to love the strong storyline and all the characters. The genre of Bir Zamanlar Çukurova is based on drama, and it sticks closely to everyday life’s troubles. The story dates back to the 1970s in Istanbul.
You are likely to witness the troublesome love story of Zuleyha and Yilmaz. The story dominates the audience by ingraining thrill and mystery in each episode. The drama has a loyal fan base, making it one of the most well-known Turkish dramas.
Uyanış Büyük Selçuklu — Awakening: Great Seljuk
Genre: War, Action, Historical, Adventure & Tragedy
Original Release: 2020 – 2021
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 34
Broadcast Network: TRT1
Starring: Ekin Koç, Buğra Gülsoy, Gürkan Uygun, Leyla Lydia Tugutlu, Sevda Erginci, Doga Yaltirik, Mehmet Özgür, Leyla Feray, İsmail Ege Şaşmaz and Aytek Şayan
Uyanis Buyuk Selcuklu is another new Turkish historical drama that has aired on the platform TRT1. This Turkish Islamic drama presents the courage, war skills, and bravery of the Seljuk Empire. With 8.3 IMDb ratings, it has been trending among the best Turkish action series from the beginning.
Though its first season has been aired but the news about the making of Uyanis Buyuk Selcuklu season 2 is also circulating among the fans. In addition, if we talk about the cast, then the performances of Ekin Koç and Bugra Gülsoy will enhance your interest in this TRT1 historical drama.
Diriliş: Ertuğrul — Resurrection: Ertugrul
Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance, Action, War, Adventure
Original Release: 2014 – 2019
Seasons: 5
Episodes: 150 (179 episodes on Netflix)
Broadcast Network: TRT1
Starring: Engin Altan Duzyatan, Hulya Darcan, Cengiz Coskun, Ozman Sirgood, Nurettin Sonmez and Esra Bilgic
The story of this historical Turkish series revolves around a warrior of the 13th century ‘Ertuğrul Ghazi.’ Yes, this series captures the heroic journey of the father of the Ottoman Empire. Yes, Ertuğrul was the father of Osman I. Resurrection: Ertugrul shows how a poor Turkish clan ‘Kayi’ changed the lives of their people under the leadership of Ertugrul.
Engin Altan Duzyatan touched new heights of popularity after playing the role of Ertuğrul in this series. Other characters, including Cengiz Coskun, Nurettin Sonmez, and Esra Bilgic, became the center of attraction due to their classic performances.
This series is not only available on Netflix but different European, Middle East, and Asian countries also air it on their TV screens. Due to the terrific display of scenes, impressive acting, and direction, this series is also known as the Turkish Game of Thrones.
Barbaroslar Akdeniz’in Kılıcı — Barbaros: Sword of the Mediterranean
Genre: Action, Thriller, Turkish Islamic Drama, Historical, Biography
Original Release: 2021
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 32
Broadcast Network: TRT1
Starring: Ulas Tuna Astepe, Pınar Deniz, Engin Altan Düzyatan, İsmail Filiz, Yetkin Dikinciler, Batuhan Bayar, Pelin Akil, Caner Topcu
Barbaros is one of the most anticipated and new historical Turkish series starring the famous actor Engin Altan in the lead role. This latest Turkish historical drama series films the story of Mediterranean sailor Barbaroslar and his brothers. The real name of Barbaroslar was Khiḍr Hayreddin Pasha, who was also famous for the title of ‘King of the Sea’.
Indeed, your favourite Ertugrul hero, Engin Altan, plays the central role of Barbaros. TRT1 has already released the trailers of this new Turkish dizi, and fans can probably watch the initial episodes of Barbaros in mid-September 2021.
Kurt Seyit ve Şura — Kurt Seyit And Shura
Genre: Drama, Romance, History
Original Release: 2014
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 21
Broadcast Network: Star TV
Starring: Kivanç Tatlituğ, Farah Zeynep Abdullah, Çağlar Ertuğrul, Demet Özdemir, Melisa Asli Pamuk and Ushan Çakir
If you don’t want to watch Turkish historical dramas about Ottomans, Kurt Seyit ve Şura should be your first choice. It is a true love story of a beautiful Russian woman and a Turkish army officer who fell in love. Handsome Kivanç Tatlituğ is playing the lead role in this mini-historical series. Fans of Farah Zeynep should also be happy because she is starring as Sura.
Moreover, the storyline is about the love story of Sura and Kurt Seyit, who belong to different regions and cultures. Interestingly, this series is based on a novel written by Kurt Seyit’s granddaughter. Hopefully, you will forget ‘The Titanic,’ ‘If Only,’ and ‘The Love Story’ after watching this epic love story of Shura and Kurt Seyit.
Muhteşem Yüzyil — Magnificent Century
Genre: Biography, History, Romance, War, Action
Original Release: 2011 – 2014
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 139
Broadcast Network: Show TV, Star TV
Starring: Halit Ergenç, Nur Fettahoglu, Meryem Uzerli, Okan Yalabık, Mehmet Günsür Selim Bayraktar and Selen Öztürk
Muhteşem Yüzyil is one of the first Turkish historical dramas that got much appreciation at the international level due to its use of classic costumes, acting, direction, and dramatization of the Ottoman Empire.
This historical fiction is the biography of Sultan Süleyman, who became the ruler of Turkey at the age of 26. During 46 years of reign, Süleyman achieved too many victories and was famous as a great warrior in East and West. Moreover, Muhteşem Yüzyil, or Magnificent Century, doesn’t only cover his life as a ruler and display his activities.
On the other hand, if we talk about the cast of Muhteşem Yüzyil,, their performances will astound us. Indeed, Halit Ergenç proved his outstanding acting skills after playing the role of Sultan Süleyman. Co-actors, including Nur Fettahoglu, Okan Yalabık, and Meryem Uzerli, also did their jobs correctly.
Filinta
Genre: Crime, History, Action, Adventure, Mystery
Original Release: 2014 – 2016
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 56 (149 on Netflix)
Broadcast Network: TRT1
Starring: Onur Tuna, Cem Uçan, Kamil Güler, Hakan Yufkacigil and Nur Fettahoglu
Filinta is another one of the best historical Turkish series and is also available on Netflix. Compared to other historical fiction about Turks, which isn’t about Ottoman empires, It is about a police officer ‘Filinta Mustafa’ who served Istanbul in the 19th century with his partners. In an investigation against a powerful gun smuggling mafia, he is unreasonably accused of a crime. He continues his investigations and tries to clear his name as well.
Handsome Turkish actor Onur Tuna is playing the lead role of Filinta Mustafa in this historical drama. Hopefully, you would love to watch this series due to its uniqueness.
Muhteşem Yüzyil: Kösem — Magnificent Century: Kösem
Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance, Action
Original Release: 2015 – 2017
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 60
Broadcast Network: Star TV, Fox TV
Starring: Beren Saat, Nurgül Yeşilçay, Ekin Koç, Metin Akdülger, Aslihan Gürbüz, İsmail Demirci and Farah Zeynep Abdullah
Muhteşem Yüzyil: Kösem is the sequel to the Turkish historical series ‘Muhteşem Yüzyil.’ Magnificent Century discusses the biography, victories, and personal relations of Sultan Süleyman, but Muhteşem Yüzyil: Kösem is about a mighty woman of the Turkish world.
Yes, this series is about a Greek female slave, Anastasia, who became a favourite of Ahmed I and gave birth to many of his children. Ahmed I allots her a new name, ‘Kösem’. Undoubtedly, Kösem Sultan ruled the Ottoman Empire for years via her sons and grandsons.
In the first season, you can see Beren Saat as Kösem. Nurgül Yeşilçay starred as Kösem in the second season of this historical Turkish series. Let’s talk about the reviews of viewers. It is a common opinion that the first season of Muhteşem Yüzyil: Kösem is full of excitement and adventure compared to the second part. Withal, you can’t believe the ratings without watching it. So, watch Magnificent Century: Kösem first and then share your views by commenting below.
Kalbimin Sultani — Султан моего сердца
Genre: Comedy, History, Drama
Original Release: 2018
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 8
Broadcast Network: Star TV
Starring: Ali Ersan Duru, Aleksandra Nikiforova, Emel Çölgeçen, Tansel Öngel, Beste Kökdemir and Tuncer Salman
If you don’t want to watch severe and prolonged historical Turkish TV series, then Kalbimin Sultani should be your first choice. This Turkish series is not only available in Turkish but also available in the Russian language with the title ‘Султан моего сердца.’ Even in this Turkish mini-series, Kalbimin Sultani’s Anna is played by a Russian actress ‘Aleksandra Nikiforova.’ You will love to watch this small one-season historical Turkish series.
Rise of Empires: Ottoman — Turkish Historical Series On Netflix
Genre: Documentary, War, Adventure, Action, Historical Fiction
Original Release: 2020 – Present
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 6 (continue)
Broadcast Network: Netflix
Starring: Tuba Büyüküstün, Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu, Charles Dance, Tommaso Basili, Birkan Sokullu, Ushan Çakir, Damla Sönmez and Selim Bayraktar
This is one of the pioneers and best historical Turkish series produced by Netflix Studios with the partnership of STX Entertainment and Karga Seven Pictures. You can watch all of its episodes on Netflix in English and Turkish. The storyline of this Turkish documentary series is about the great Ottoman Emperor Mehmed II. This series also covers how Mehmed II became a conqueror and vanquished the city of Constantinople. Yes, Constantinople is an old name of Istanbul.
According to viewers, it is a very educational Turkish series that tells how Mehmed II helped the Ottoman Empire to make social and political reforms. However, as Netflix tagged it under its 18+ category, DigitalCruch will also recommend that only its adult and 18+ viewers watch this series.
Yunus Emre: Aşkin Yolculuğu — Юнус Эмре
Genre: Historical Fiction, Biography, Drama
Original Release: 2015 – 2016
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 45
Broadcast Network: TRT 1
Starring: Gökhan Atalay, Payidar Tüfekçioglu, Baran Akbulut, Mehmet Çepiç and Samet Demir
This is a soulful Turkish series that covers the journey of Yunus Emre. Yunus left his homeland and travelled to Anatolia after the invasion of the Mongols. He decides to live a simple life and prefers to follow the way of Darvish. In short, it could be an appealing historical drama if you want to watch the journey of a Darvish.
In this article, DigitalCruch shared one of the best historical Turkish TV series with its viewers with all the necessary details. However, if you have watched any exciting Turkish series from history other than those on our list, you can share them with us. You are also welcome to share your views about Turkish historical dramas by commenting below!
