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Türkiye’s latest limited series, "Istanbul Encyclopedia," premiered on Netflix on April 17, 2025. Directed by Selman Nacar, the show is being praised for its nuanced portrayal of contemporary life in Türkiye and megacity Istanbul, capturing the tensions between secular and conservative segments of society, social hypocrisy, class divides, and identity struggles.
This heartfelt show consists of eight episodes and is noted for its emotional depth, and as a love letter to Istanbul, not just portraying the city but also its memories and personal histories.
The series follows two distinct yet interwoven narratives. Zehra is a young architecture student with dreams as expansive as Istanbul itself. She moves to the sprawling city not only to pursue higher education but also to embark on a personal quest through a course assignment that dares her to document the city's multifaceted spirit.
In comparison, there is Nesrin, Zehra’s mother's estranged friend and long-time Istanbul resident, who embodies the seasoned perspective. Having spent decades molded by the city’s intricate tapestry, Nesrin battles a growing desire to escape that life, once full of promise, has now become burdened by memories and unmet expectations.
This delicate juxtaposition of youthful ambition with mature resignation creates an emotional narrative that resonates long after the screen fades to black.
Beyond its engaging storyline, audiences have been captivated by the series' ability to mirror the realities of urban life. Many viewers were drawn to Zehra's internal struggle between honoring a conservative past and embracing newfound freedoms, while others find Nesrin's bittersweet journey toward liberation both heartrending and inspiring.
It is also worth pointing out that some viewers were very critical of certain themes or the lack thereof that the series was trying to portray. One letterbox user claimed that the series was unrealistic for an architecture student not to be seen drawing designs most of the time.
The series also suffers from pacing issues with situations and problems ramping up the moment the series begins, and then moving to a snail's pace as soon as the second episode rolls around.
To summarise, "Istanbul Encyclopedia" is much more than a television show; it is a reflective exploration of life's inherent dualities. Through the intertwined journeys of Zehra and Nesrin, the series offers a meditation on the passage of time, the scars of memory, and the enduring hope for renewal.
Its rich narrative and evocative imagery have sparked conversations among audiences worldwide, transforming each viewing into a deeply personal experience that transcends geographical and generational boundaries.
In addition to exploring the city's historical and cultural layers, "Istanbul Encyclopedia" invites viewers interested in stories that explore the human spirit against the backdrop of a city that is constantly changing to delve into their own internal encyclopedia of memories and dreams.
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