Turkish TV Dramas Are Changing What Bangladesh Watches
In a soundproof studio in central Dhaka, a voiceover artist leans into her microphone. Rubaiya Matin Gity's tone rises with emotion, breathing Bangla life into a Turkish drama that has become a sensation across Bangladesh.
"Yasmeen! Yasmeen! I have fallen in love..." she calls out. On the screen is the latest episode of 'Kara Sevda'-known to the world as Endless Love. It's a Turkish TV show that has won over millions of viewers in South Asia and points to a quiet but clear shift in the country's outlook.
The wild popularity of these Turkish soaps is doing more than just filling prime-time slots. It reflects a growing political and cultural connection between two Muslim-majority nations. Though they're separated by over 5,000 kilometers, Ankara and Dhaka are finding more and more common ground.
A New Favorite on Screen
For decades, Indian dramas were the staple of evening television in Bangladesh. Their family sagas and bright costumes were everywhere. But in the last few years, Turkish productions have started to take their place.
These shows mix modern stories with Islamic aesthetics, strong moral messages, and high production values. And they're working. According to media executives, Turkish shows now pull in a larger audience, especially with younger city dwellers.
"Viewers here connect with the moral themes and family values in Turkish dramas," says Ezaz Uddin Ahmed, head of programming at Deepto TV. His channel was the first in Bangladesh to introduce Turkish serials to the local audience.
"We have a dedicated team of translators, scriptwriters, voice artists and editors working full-time to keep up with demand," Ahmed says. "Turkish stories have become more popular than all the others."
More Than Just Television
This boom on TV has happened alongside a noticeable warming of relations between Dhaka and Ankara. Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh's independence in 1971. After cooling for a few decades, ties have grown stronger again recently.
Some analysts see this cultural exchange as both a reason for and a result of that diplomatic friendship. Anwarul Azim, a professor of international relations at the University of Dhaka, points out that this comes at a time of changing alliances in South Asia.
"Relations between Bangladesh and Turkey are growing stronger now," he notes. "The relationship faltered twice-after the 1971 separation from Pakistan, and again in 2013, when war crimes trials strained ties. But both sides have since recognized the benefits of partnership."
Look around Dhaka's upscale neighborhoods, and you'll see the change. Turkish restaurants are popping up, serving kebabs and baklava to curious crowds. More and more students are signing up for Turkish-language courses.
"I have 20 students in a single batch," says Sheikh Abdul Kader (movies and tv series), who teaches Turkish at Jagannath University. "Every month, new people sign up. They want to understand the culture behind the shows they watch."
For some, the interest goes even deeper. Businesswoman Tahiya Islam, 33, launched a fashion label with designs inspired by the Ottoman era. Her weekend hobby? Horseback riding, which she picked up from watching historical dramas about the empire's golden age.
"During the Ottoman era, couples used to go out on horseback," she says with a laugh. "Now, my husband rides too-and I even have my own horse."
A Different Kind of Story
So why are these shows connecting so well? Media analysts think it's because they speak to the religious and cultural feelings of an audience that is conservative but also curious about the world. The heroines are modern but modest. The male leads are strong but sensitive. The stories often center on family honor and faith.
"These narratives fit with local values without appearing preachy," said a Dhaka-based television critic. "They fill the cultural space left by over-glamourised Indian serials."
What started as simple entertainment has become a form of soft diplomacy. It carries with it food, fashion, language, and a new sense of cultural friendship.
"Culture travels faster than policy," says Professor Azim. "When people embrace each other's stories, it becomes easier for governments to work together."
Back in the studio, as Rubaiya Matin Gity finishes her session, she says she feels a link to a world she's never been to. "When I give these characters a Bangla voice, it feels like I'm part of both countries," she says with a smile. "Maybe that's what this friendship is-understanding each other's language, even through fiction."
