Turkish dramas, or *dizi*, have become increasingly popular worldwide. From their captivating storylines to powerful performances, Turkish dramas have taken the global stage by storm. Shows like *Diriliş: Ertuğrul*, *Muhteşem Yüzyıl*, and *Kara Sevda* have garnered massive followings, but what about the hidden gems that don’t get the recognition they deserve? If you’re a fan of thrilling narratives, deep emotional arcs, and incredible acting, then these underrated Turkish dramas are worth your time.
1. The Gift (2019–2021)
Genre: Mystery, Drama, Fantasy
Starring: Beren Saat, Metin Akdülger
Starting with a mystical and engaging story, The Gift is a blend of fantasy and mystery, following the life of an artist named Atiye. As she unravels secrets about her connection to ancient ruins, the drama delves deep into her self-discovery, history, and the powers that shape her destiny. The show is set in beautiful Turkish landscapes, making it visually stunning, with a storyline that keeps you hooked. While *The Gift* is a Netflix original, it didn’t quite get the attention it deserved outside of Turkey. If you enjoy blending historical mythology with modern-day intrigue, this series is for you.
2. State of Emergency (2021)
Genre: Drama, Political, Thriller
Starring: Uğur Güneş, Kaan Çakır, Aslıhan Malbora
This political thriller presents an intriguing plot set against the backdrop of espionage, political conspiracies, and national security crises. *State of Emergency* revolves around military officers who find themselves entangled in a web of corruption, betrayal, and looming threats to their country. The series is packed with suspense and offers a powerful commentary on the state of political affairs in modern times. Despite its gripping storyline, it remains relatively unknown internationally, making it one of the underrated Turkish dramas worth watching.
Watch *State of Emergency* on BluTV
3. The Pit (2017–2019)
Genre: Drama, Action
Starring: Aras Bulut İynemli, Dilan Çiçek Deniz, Rıza Kocaoğlu
Set in the dangerous underworld of Istanbul, *The Pit* (or *Çukur*) is a show about power, loyalty, and the sacrifices that come with being part of a crime family. The protagonist, Yamaç, finds himself caught up in the world of crime and violence after joining a notorious family. While the series is hugely popular in Turkey, it didn’t gain as much international fame as it deserves. *The Pit* stands out for its incredible character depth and intense drama, making it a must-watch for fans of action-packed stories with emotional twists.
4. Bir Zamanlar Çukurova (2018–2022)
Genre: Drama, Romance, Historical
Starring: Hilal Altınbilek, Murat Ünalmış, Uğur Güneş
This historical drama set in the 1970s is an emotional rollercoaster that explores love, betrayal, and power struggles in a rural Turkish town. *Bir Zamanlar Çukurova* (Once Upon a Time in Çukurova) follows the tumultuous lives of Züleyha and Yılmaz, two individuals from very different backgrounds who struggle to stay together amidst family and societal pressures. The show’s blend of romance and historical events makes it a standout, yet it’s not as widely recognized outside of Turkey. With captivating storytelling and incredible performances, it’s a hidden gem in Turkish television.
Watch *Bir Zamanlar Çukurova* on ATV
5. Ezel (2009–2010)
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Starring: Kenan İmirzalioğlu, Cansu Dere, Baran Akbulut
*Ezel* is one of the most well-crafted Turkish dramas you will come across, but unfortunately, it remains relatively underrated outside Turkey. This gripping crime thriller follows the story of a man seeking revenge after being betrayed by his closest friends. With its intricate plot, deeply emotional moments, and brilliant character development, *Ezel* set the bar for Turkish thrillers. Despite critical acclaim in Turkey, it didn’t get the global recognition it deserved. If you’re into stories of betrayal, revenge, and justice, *Ezel* is a must-watch.
6. The Protector (2018–2020)
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Drama
Starring: Çağatay Ulusoy, Hazar Ergüçlü, Okan Yalabık
This show marked a milestone as Turkey’s first original series for Netflix. *The Protector* follows Hakan, a man who discovers that he is the last in a line of ancient protectors tasked with guarding Istanbul from dark forces. While it’s a mix of superhero and fantasy genres, it didn’t garner as much attention as other global hits. The series offers exciting action scenes, a compelling storyline, and strong performances, particularly from Çağatay Ulusoy. If you’re a fan of superhero stories with a Turkish twist, this series is a great pick.
Watch *The Protector* on Netflix
7. Kara Sevda (2015–2017)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Starring: Burak Özçivit, Neslihan Atagül, Kaan Urgancıoğlu
One of the most beloved romantic dramas in Turkey, *Kara Sevda* follows the intense love story between Kemal and Nihan, two individuals from completely different social backgrounds. Despite facing numerous obstacles—family drama, betrayal, and personal struggles—the couple’s love endures through it all. While *Kara Sevda* enjoyed massive success in Turkey, it didn’t reach the same level of international recognition as other popular romantic Turkish dramas. With its emotional depth and powerful performances, it’s a series that deserves more global attention.
8. Vatanım Sensin (2016–2018)
Genre: Historical, Drama, War
Starring: Haluk Bilginer, Bergüzar Korel, Onur Saylak
*Vatanım Sensin* is a historical drama that tells the story of the Turkish War of Independence from the perspective of both soldiers and civilians. The show captures the emotional and personal struggles of people fighting for their freedom. It beautifully portrays sacrifice, loyalty, and love during a critical time in Turkish history. While the series was a massive hit in Turkey, it has not gained the same level of recognition globally. *Vatanım Sensin* offers a rich historical narrative that makes it one of the most underrated dramas in Turkish television.
Watch *Vatanım Sensin* on Kanal D
Conclusion
While Turkish dramas like *Diriliş: Ertuğrul* and *Kara Sevda* have dominated the global stage, there are many other incredible series that haven’t received the recognition they truly deserve. From political thrillers to historical epics, Turkish television offers a wealth of diverse content that can cater to all tastes. These underrated dramas prove that there is more to Turkish TV than the blockbuster hits. If you’re looking for something fresh and captivating, give these hidden gems a try.
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If you’ve watched any of these underrated gems or have other recommendations, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
