Weekly Rec: The Magnificent Century

A friend I visited recently mentioned that she was watching a show that was sort of the Turkish answer to Game of Thrones, full of lavish historical sets and harem intrigue. So, obviously, I needed to see this IMMEDIATELY and we spent most of the rest of my visit watching it. Muhteşem Yüzyıl is called The Magnificent Century in English, and it's about the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent in the sixteenth century. It goes back and forth between international politics and harem and family drama, and it's fascinating to see what prestige TV from a very different culture looks like. (For one thing: less sex.) It's also absolutely making me want to read about the time period, so if anyone has recommendations, let me know! Season one is streaming on Netflix in the U.S.; hopefully more seasons will show up at . . . some point? Apparently there are rumors that Erdogan is blocking further exports. But this first seasons has 24 episodes, so don't let the lack of future seasons stop you.