Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, paid a visit to Bozdağ Film Studios, where some of Türkiye’s most globally recognized television series are filmed. Accompanied by Mehmet Bozdağ, Chairman of Bozdağ Film, Minister Ersoy toured the sets that have brought to life major productions such as Diriliş Ertuğrul, Kuruluş Osman, Destan, and Ateş Kuşları—series that have captivated millions of viewers both domestically and internationally.
During his visit, Ersoy underscored the immense influence Turkish dramas have had on international audiences, with nearly 1 billion viewers in over 170 countries. He praised these series as powerful instruments of soft power that now surpass traditional advertising methods in terms of global cultural outreach.
Türkiye’s Rising Influence in the Global Drama Industry
Speaking from a set replicating the historical streets of Istanbul, Minister Ersoy emphasized how Turkish TV dramas have become a cornerstone of Türkiye’s cultural identity on the world stage. He noted that Türkiye now rivals the United States in the global television sector, positioning itself as the second-most influential country in international drama exports.
“The success of Turkish series is not coincidental. We are reaching not only television screens but also mobile phones and digital platforms in people’s daily lives,” Ersoy stated. He added that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is actively working to promote Türkiye as a global hub for film production.
Türkiye as a Global Open-Air Film Set
Ersoy explained that Türkiye is becoming one of the world’s premier open-air film sets, with numerous cities and regions being adapted for high-quality film and series production. While Istanbul remains a major center, the Ministry is also promoting other locations, including Antalya, for use in national and international film projects.
This expansion strategy reflects the government’s belief in leveraging entertainment for public diplomacy. “Through drama, we are able to deliver Türkiye’s image and message directly into people’s homes more effectively than conventional advertising,” Ersoy noted.
Turkish Dramas Drive Global Tourism Interest
Beyond cultural recognition, Turkish dramas have had a tangible impact on global tourism trends. Ersoy pointed out that many international travelers choose Türkiye as a destination based on locations featured in their favorite Turkish series.
“People are booking trips to places they’ve seen on screen. These shows influence travel behavior more than we ever imagined,” he said.
Through collaboration with the Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), Türkiye has enhanced its promotional efforts in nearly 200 countries. Turkish dramas have become a key asset in these campaigns, increasing visibility and desirability of Türkiye’s historical and natural sites.
1.5 Billion Views from Mini-Series Campaigns
Minister Ersoy shared the results of recent experimental campaigns conducted by the TGA. Short-form drama content—produced specifically to highlight destinations such as Istanbul and Antalya—was released globally and received more than 1.5 billion views across digital platforms.
“These mini-series generated hundreds of millions of individual views and received overwhelmingly positive feedback,” said Ersoy. “They show that we can reach international audiences directly, through storytelling that appeals emotionally and visually.”
With this strategy proving successful, Türkiye plans to expand the model, aiming to reach even more target markets by leveraging the storytelling power of Turkish television. The goal is to place Türkiye’s culture, attractions, and lifestyle directly into viewers’ hands—on their phones, laptops, and TV screens.
Bozdağ Film Studios: More Than a Film Set
Bozdağ Film Studios has grown into a tourist destination in its own right. Located in Riva, Istanbul, the massive 250-acre production complex is one of the largest in Europe. Minister Ersoy noted that these sets are no longer used solely for filming purposes but are also attracting visitors from around the world interested in experiencing the magic behind their favorite shows.
“The studios have achieved something remarkable. They are now both a film production center and a point of cultural tourism,” Ersoy said.
He emphasized the importance of expanding similar setups to other key tourist locations, suggesting that integrating the film and tourism sectors is a win-win. “This is not just an investment in media—it’s also an investment in tourism. I congratulate everyone involved,” he concluded.
Cultural Diplomacy Through Storytelling
The success of Turkish series is no longer confined to television ratings or streaming numbers. These productions have become integral tools of cultural diplomacy, elevating Türkiye’s image and generating real-world outcomes, from tourism revenue to international cultural interest.
By combining storytelling with destination marketing, Türkiye is setting a new standard in cultural outreach. Bozdağ Film Studios is leading the way in this evolution, turning film sets into narrative-driven gateways for global audiences to explore the country’s history, heritage, and beauty.
