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"Ilk Gokturk" (The First Gokturk), a fantasy period drama rooted in Turkish mythology, is set to premiere on HBO Max in early 2026, introducing global audiences to the founding of the Gokturk State—the first Turkish empire to use the name “Turk” in historical records.
Directed by Alper Caglar, the series follows the origins and expansion of the Gokturk State, a major power in the sixth century A.D. that once dominated territories from the Pacific Ocean to the Caspian Sea.
The empire was also a key force along the Silk Road, connecting East and West through trade and diplomacy.
The storyline spans three chapters: the first is titled “Prologue,” which portrays the foundation of the state; the second centers on the Kursat Revolt, a darker period in Gokturk history; and the final chapter highlights the state’s decline.
Caglar emphasized that while Turkish history often focuses on military conquest, this narrative begins with a fragmented community of just 200,000 people who were surrounded by powerful neighbors such as China, Iran, and the Roman Empire.
The production brings together actors from across all Turkic republics and regions, underlining the shared cultural legacy. All costumes and materials used in the series were sourced in Türkiye, and much of the production was filmed domestically, including the construction of a 50-meter-wide gladiator-style arena in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri.
Designed by Sonja Klaus—renowned for her work on "Prometheus and Gladiator"—this set is reportedly the largest ever built in Türkiye.
Caglar described the Gokturks as a people who, “though fiercely independent, came together under a centralized authority for their freedom.”
According to Warner Bros. Discovery executive Deniz Sasmaz Oflaz, the series is positioned as the company’s most ambitious period drama and one of its first to directly explore Turkish history.
Speaking to "The Hollywood Reporter," she said the series follows a Western narrative style, drawing comparisons to "Kingdom of Heaven" and "The Lord of the Rings," with the potential to expand into multiple seasons and spin-offs, similar to "Game of Thrones."
While inspired by mythology, the series is said to focus more on realism than traditional fantasy. Caglar compared the story to the arcs seen in Star Wars and "The Lord of the Rings," where smaller, less powerful groups rise against dominant empires.
The name “Gokturk,” meaning “Celestial Turk,” became popular in later periods, particularly under the Ottomans. However, the earliest recorded use of the word “Turk” dates back to the time of the Turkic Khaganate in the 6th century, as noted by Caglar.
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