Azerbaijanis in love with historical Turkish TV series

By Ruslan Rehi̇mov

BAKU (AA) - Azerbaijanis are in love with popular Turkish television series, especially the historical ones.

Viewers in Azerbaijan who watch Turkish channels on satellite and cable television, have accepted Turkish series as their own.

Popular series include “Eskiya Dunyaya Hukumdar Olmaz (Grand Family),” “Cukur (The Pit),” “Mucize Doktor (Miracle Doctor),” “Arka Sokaklar (Back Streets),” “Afili Ask (Stellar Love),” and those based on historical motives – “Payitaht Aldulhamid” and “Dirilis Ertugrul,” also known as “Resurrection: Ertugrul,” have attracted the most attention from viewers during the past few years.

The inclusion of the famous Azerbaijani oil-rich philanthropist Zeynalabdin Taghiyev in the “Payitaht Aldulhamid” series also increased its popularity in Azerbaijan.

The inclusion of Azerbaijani vocal artist Shamistan Alizamanli as guest actor in “Resurrection: Ertugrul” enshrined the series in people's heart.

Alizamanli told Anadolu Agency the reason for Turkish series are being watched with "great interest" is because Azerbaijan and Turkey share common roots, history and culture.

He said that “Resurrection: Ertugrul” hit a record number of viewers in Azerbaijan, same as it was in Turkey.

"This series also attracted the attention of the world. Because it was telling the history of a great empire like the Ottoman Empire," he said.

Alizamanli said he was "welcomed with great love and respect" by series’ producer and scenarist Mehmet Bozdag, who hosted Alizamanli at his house.

"This was an indication of love for Azerbaijan," he added.

The actor said it was "a great pleasure" for him to take part in the series he was always watching in love, adding that he likes watching “Payitaht Aldulhamid” series, which are based on historical facts.

* Writing by Jeyhun Aliyev