Netflix has been on a good spree, collecting regional tales from across the transcontinental country of Turkey. The drastically different existing themes, courtesy of the weathering of tradition under the weight of time have given the creators more than enough fiber to weave stories out of these lands. Stories of faded gold gildings and colored glass windows, one such telling said to be gracing the screens, is—the Istanbul Encyclopedia.

Woven firmly onto Kilim tapestries, the cultures and traditions, and much more—the people—of Turkey are a spectacle of there own kind, something that the Istanbul Encyclopedia exlplores.

Accredited with the creating of some of the most intricate Turkish tellings, from Hesitation Wound, Between Two Dawns, Tuzdan Kaide, and many more years of honing and creating hidden under the tip of the iceberg, filmmaker Salman Nacar has come up with a premise that puts to test a tale of two gapingly apart generations through two women. Istanbul Encyclopedia is set to convey a nuanced portrayal of contemporary life in Turkey, in this original set to premiere on Netflix on April 17, 2025.

 Istanbul Encyclopedia is set to follow the story of Zehra, a young student who moves to Istanbul and takes up residence with her mother's estranged best friend, Nesrin. The series explores the cultural and generational divides between the two women, highlighting their contrasting desires and lifestyles. As they navigate their differences, the show delves into themes of connection, secrets, and personal growth against the vibrant backdrop of Istanbul. With actresses Canan Ergüder as Nesrin and  Helin Kandemir as Zehra leading the screen. 

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While largely a hidden in plain sight occupancy on Netflix, the Turkish delights that the streaming giant has collected over time are not ones to be not paid any heed to. 

While the process may have slowed down a little, it was in 2021 that Netflix gave a revamp to its Turkish original content, offering a diverse range of movies and series. With recognition coming straight from Netflix's director of original content, tagging Turkey to be a budding hub of creative storytelling. A need for globalization of the same being made apparent by the streaming platforms core. From series like 50 M2, Fatma, and Midnight at the Pera Palace spanned genres from drama to thriller and fantasy. Movies such as Struggle Alley and Azizler provide narratives most compelling of Turkey. 

The storyline not only focuses on the personal journeys of Nesrin and Zehra but also reflects broader societal issues. By examining their struggles to understand each other, Istanbul Encyclopedia offers insights into the complexities of modern relationships in a rapidly changing world. This drama, again, is part of Netflix's expanding collection of Turkish originals, showcasing diverse stories from the region.

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Are you compelled enough to watch this new Turkish addition to Netflix's inventory? Let us know in the comments below!