The Turkish cinema, which has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, was rooted in the pioneering efforts of Muhsin Ertugrul, who harnessed the artistic abilities of stage actors to bring it to life on the silver screen.
The Yeşilçam period, named after a street in Istanbul that housed several film production companies, emerged in the wake of World War II and played an important role in Turkish cinema. The hardships created by the post-war environment paved the way for cinematic storytelling that resonated deeply with audiences.
The 1960s and 1970s, often considered the golden age of Turkish cinema, witnessed the production of many films that still hold a special place in the hearts of viewers. The societal changes and cultural transformations that occurred in this period were effectively portrayed by Turkish filmmakers, leaving a great impact on the audience.
The Turkish film industry faced challenges due to military interventions and political instability during the 1980s, which led to a temporary decline in production. However, the industry experienced a revival in the late 1990s and early 2000s, giving birth to a new generation of filmmakers and actors who continue to contribute significantly to the evolving Turkish film scene.
What are the best Turkish movies?
This is a list of some of the best old Turkish movies:
- My father and my son (Babam ve Oğlum)
- Hababam Sınıfı
- Thirsty Summer (Susuz Yaz)
- Oh beautiful Istanbul (Ah Güzel İstanbul)
- My black eye (Kara Gözlüm)
- My dear brother (Canım Kardeşim)
- Şabanoğlu Şaban
As for the best modern Turkish films:
- Love loves coincidences (Aşk Tesadüfleri Sever)
- Ayla
- Miracle in Cell 7 (Koğuştaki Mucize)
- My brother (Kardesim Benim)
- Between the Family (Aile Arasında)
- Road Friends (Yol Arkadaşım)
- Come on, my son (Hadi Be Oğlum)
- Happy Time (Mutluluk Zamanı)
- Mom
- Safety Trail (Yolun Açık Olsun)
What are the award-winning films made in Turkiye?
Many Turkish-made films have won awards in various categories. Some of them include:
- Winter Sleep (Kış Uykusu): Directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, this 2014 film deals with the relationship between a former actor and his wife living in a small village in Anatolia. This film won the Palme d'Or at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. The film stars Haluk Bilginer, Melissa Sözin, and Demet Akbağ.
- Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (Bir Zamanlar Anadolu'da): Another Nuri Bilge Ceylan masterpiece, this film tells the complex story of a group of men searching for a body on the plains of Anatolia. The film won the Grand Prix at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
- Father and Son (Babam ve Oğlum): This emotionally charged film directed by Cagan Irmak and released in 2005, focuses on the relationship between father and son against the backdrop of the 1980 Turkish military coup. The film won several awards, including the Best Film award at the Film Festival. Istanbul International Film Festival.
What are Turkish war movies?
Tirkiye, with its rich and turbulent history, has produced some interesting war films. Some of the most notable are the following:
- The Mountain (Dağ): This critically acclaimed film directed by Alper Caglar tells the story of a special military squad sent to repair a field antenna when they suddenly fall into an ambush.
- Gallipoli Peninsula (Gelibolu Yarımadası): This war film by Kemal Uzun and Ahmet Sonmez presents the Battle of Gallipoli from the Turkish perspective.
- 120: A film about 120 children between the ages of 12 and 17 during the Battle of Sarikamish in World War I.
What are some romantic Turkish movies?
Turkish cinema has a long tradition of depicting romance in all its forms. Among the most beloved Turkish love movies:
- Love loves coincidences (Aşk Tesadüfleri Sever).
- Love is Like You (Aşk Sana Benzer).
- Bu İşte Bir Yalnızlık Var.
- A Smaal September Affair (Bir Küçük Eylül Meselesi).
- Jungle flower (Delibal).
What are the best Turkish series?
Turkish TV series have gained international popularity, in recent years. Some of the most viewed are:
- And the days pass (Öyle Bir Geçer Zaman Ki)
- Forbidden Love (Aşk-i Memnu)
- Gümüş
- Fallen leaves (Yaprak Dökümü)
- Valley of the Wolves (Kurtlar Vadisi)
- Ezel
- Sultan's Harem (Muhteşem Yüzyıl)
- Love for rent (Kiralık Aşk)
- Çukur
- Resurrection of Ertuğrul (Diriliş Ertuğrul)
- Our Story (Bizim Hikaye)
- Early Bird (Erkenci Kuş)
- Minor crimes (Ufak Tefek Cinayetler)
Who are the most famous Turkish actors and actresses?
Turkiye's film scene has been blessed with many talented actors and actresses. Among the most famous:
- Kivanç Tatlıtuğ: He is famous for his roles in “Forbidden Love”.
- Beren Saat: She is best known for her roles in “Forbidden Love” and “What is Fatima Gul’s fault?”
- Kenan Emerzalioglu: He is famous for the series “Ezel”.
- Burak Ozcivit: He is famous for the series “The Wren” and the movie “Love Is Like You” with his wife Fahriye Evgen.
- Fahriye Evgen: She is famous for the series “Falling Leaves” and the movie “Love Is Like You”.
- Demet Ozdemir: She became famous in the series “The Early Bird” and “Room 309”.
- Hande Erçel: She is famous for the series “You Knock on My Door” and “Love Cannot Be Understood by Words.”
- Hazal Kaya: She became famous in the series “Forbidden Love,” “I Called Her Feriha,” and “Our Story.”
Who are the most famous Turkish directors?
Many Turkish directors have achieved international fame for their work. Among the most famous:
- Nuri Bilge Ceylon.
- Fatih Akin.
- Yilmaz Erdogan.
What are Turkish film festivals?
Many film festivals in Turkiye celebrate the best of Turkish and international cinema. Among the most prominent are:
- Istanbul International Film Festival
- Antalya Golden Orange International Film Festival.
- Istanbul Short Film Festival
What is the share of Turkish cinema in the country's economy?
The Turkish film industry contributes significantly to the country's economy, with box office revenues exceeding $800 million in 2019. Furthermore, exports of Turkish TV series also generate significant revenues, making the film and television industry a major sector of the Turkish economy.
What is the relationship between Turkish cinema and Turkish culture?
Turkish cinema presents a mirror of Turkish society, reflecting its history, traditions, values, and the transformation it has witnessed over the years. Turkish films and TV series often include elements of Turkish culture, such as rich cuisine, music, traditional and modern clothing, architecture, and more. Genres such as melodrama, Yeşilçam era comedy, historical drama, and contemporary social drama offer different perspectives on Turkish society.
