Global demand for Turkish series up 183% in 3 years: Communications Director

By Irem Demir

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said Tuesday that there has been a 183% increase in global demand for Turkish television series in the past three years.

"Today, nearly a billion people worldwide watch Turkish series, and this is a very critical factor. Indeed, when we look at it from this perspective, we are facing a real success," Altun said at a gala for TRT's new series, "Mehmed: Sultan of Conquests," at the Halic Congress Center in Istanbul.

He said the series is a "major project and a significant investment."

Altun said he hoped the new series would significantly contribute to Türkiye's popular culture industry, cultural heritage and publishing life.

He emphasized that it focuses on the achievements of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, particularly the conquest of Istanbul and portrays him as a ruler who institutionalized the Ottoman Empire and transformed it.

The recent growth and investment in Turkish series and cinema have contributed to the Turkish brand, he said.

TRT Director General Zahid Sobaci also spoke at the gala.

The Mehter Band performed and Altun and guests watched the first episode of the series.