Soap Opera Diplomacy: Turkish TV in Greece

Greece’s high rate of unemployment allows ample leisure time for watching television. Yet the economic crisis has also meant that Greek television producers can no longer afford to write, shoot and broadcast television shows. So stations have turned to affordable Turkish shows, which are gaining in popularity among Greeks, explains Robbie Moore for the International, adding that “Some in the Greek TV industry, as well as members of the Greek Orthodox Church, have expressed their anger at Turkey’s emerging cultural power.” Politicians have called the soaps “propaganda” and suggest a ban, and even the Turkish prime minister has complained about distortions of Turkish history. Magnificent Century is the most popular, described as “racy” and “liberating.” It’s the story of a “real-life Ukrainian slave-turned-concubine who eventually became Süleyman’s queen,” and “And women participate centrally in the messy business of public life at the Sultan’s court,” Moore reports. Magnificent Century, is seen in 43 nations. It and other soap operas with cross-border themes represent soft power, and Turkey is increasing its investments. – YaleGlobal