Between Empire and Modernity: Turkish Dizi as Instruments of Soft Power

Walking today through the streets of Istanbul, it is easy to come across a film crew, a costumed actor, or an improvised set just around the corner. This goes far beyond mere urban folklore or entertainment; it is a tangible sign of a broader transformation that has turned the city into one of the beating hearts of a new global cultural industry. Cinema and television have long been powerful tools for presenting a country to the world, as demonstrated by Hollywood, Bollywood, and more recently South Korea. Today, however, Türkiye has also carved out a leading role. Its television series, also known as dizi, have attracted millions of viewers far beyond national borders, reaching most of the world.