In case you guys don’t already know, I write smut. Officially, I like to refer to myself as an “author of multicultural rom-com’s set against the backdrop of magnificent Türkiye”, but after an interview that I did last year was pulled from a major Turkish newspaper because my writing was deemed “too vulgar”, I’d rather just call a spade a spade. So, yeah, smut.

I know that a huge number of book sales come from a rather active corner on Tiktok called “Booktok”. You make a reel about your book, you make it hot and steamy, and the masses will come. Seems simple, yeah?

I’ve tried to make reels but I just can’t seem to get my head around it. I guess I could pay someone to do it, but, hey, I live in Türkiye, and most of us can’t afford bread these days let alone pay for a social media advisor manager. I’ll stick to blogging and the very occasional sale of my smutty books, thankyouverymuch!

Recently, I stumbled upon a BookToker (yes, that’s a real term) gushing over Turkish diziler, and my aimless scrolling came to a crashing halt. Turkish diziler is MASSIVE on Booktok!

The world of Turkish diziler is a treasure trove of slow-burn romances, heartwarming stories, and captivating plotlines. From Erkenci Kuş (Early Bird) starring the dreamy Can Yaman to Sen Çal Kapımı (You Knock on My Door), there is no shortage of swoon-worthy content. While the world has recently caught on to these gems, we expats and Türkiye enthusiasts have been enjoying them religiously for years.

Now, let me introduce you to a few of my absolute favourites that will undoubtedly make you fall head over heels:

Seversin (English: Love and Hate)

Tropes: Grumpy/sunshine, redemption, second chance.

No. of episodes: 20 episodes

This one-season wonder revolves around Tolga, a famous actor with a huge chip on his shoulder, and Asya, whose encounter sparks a “hate at first sight” kind of chemistry. Prepare to be wrapped around its fingers!

“İyi Günde Kötü Günde” (Happily Ever After)

Tropes: love triangle, second chance

No. of episodes: Only 6, so your next rainy Sunday is sorted.

Synopsis: Leyla, a wedding planner, finds herself organizing the wedding of her ex, Sarp. The drama unfolds as past and present collide in this short but gripping series.

Gönül İşleri (Love Affairs or Affairs of the Heart)

Tropes: Opposites attract, second chance

No. of episodes: 28

A tale of three sisters and their journey with hearts and love. The hottie, Can Yaman, got his start on this show so its worth watching for him alone!

Bay Yanlış (Mr. Wrong)

Tropes: Love/hate, opposites attract

No. of episodes: 14

Another banger with the beautiful Can Yaman. This specimen is built for rom-com’s and I’ve now just realised I’ve referred to three of his shows in this post. I’m clearly fan-girling but, damn, he is one beautiful man!

Ah Nerede (Oh Where?):

Tropes: This one has so many different rom-com tropes in it, I don’t know where to begin.

No. of episodes: 7 (was originally a 1975 film starring Tarik Akan)

Follow the adventures of three brothers who chase their own passions after being sent to Istanbul for education. This series is a delightful blend of various rom-com tropes that will keep you hooked.

Her Yerde Sen (Everywhere I Go):

Tropes: opposites attract, love/hate, mistaken identity

No. of episodes: 23

Architect Demir faces chaos and comedy when he buys his childhood home, only to discover that he shares it with Selin, who refuses to move out. A true recipe for laughs and love!

Benim Tatli Yalanim (My Sweet Lie)

Tropes: I’m a sucker for the single dad trope so I’m totally down for rewatching this one.

No. of episodes: 28

Get ready for a heartwarming story of a single father whose little white lie opens the door to a blossoming romance.

For those who prefer to indulge in the world of podcasts, “Dizzy for Dizi” is a must-listen. Hosted by two Californian girls, they religiously watch these diziler and provide insightful breakdowns of each episode. Their latest obsession? “Aşk 101 (Love 101)” – think Gossip Girl meets 90210.

Before I wrap up this passionate ode to Turkish dizis, I want to hear from you! What’s your favourite Turkish dizi right now? Have any recommendations for me? Let’s keep this love affair alive and share Turkish rom-com’s with the world!

As for me, I’ll continue my quest to conquer Tiktok, even if making steamy reels feels like an impossible task. Until then, I’ll happily immerse myself in writing my smut and enjoying the heartwarming tales of love and passion from Turkish diziler.

True romance knows no boundaries, and Turkish diziler are living proof of that!

And here’s a photo of Can Yaman… just because.

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Did you know that Janey in Mersin was named one of the Top 20 expat blogs in Türkiye by Feedspot? Ch-ch-check it out here!