The Role of Turkish TV Series in the Formation of Perception about Turkey and Turkish People: The Cases of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jordan and Kyrgyzstan

We can say that television still plays an important role in the area of visual media. TV series, commercials and entertainment programs occupy a large place in the daily life of viewers. In particular, the perception, attitude and, accordingly, attitude change in viewers resulting from television series is a phenomenon that gives rise to curiosity in researchers. Therefore, this study aims to measure the level of perception about Turkey and Turkish people in viewers created by Turkish TV series broadcast abroad. The main claim of our research is that Turkish TV series can lead to a country and nation perception in viewers, while the viewers might develop an interest in and affinity with Turkey and Turkish people. In the framework of these arguments, a fieldwork was conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jordan and Kyrgyzstan, which was the research universe of the present study. In the light of the data obtained, the perceptions of the viewers about the personality traits of Turkish people, their perceptions of Turkey's power, life in Turkey and Turkey's active role were influential on the wish to have an affinity with Turkey. Increased interest in Turkey was found to have resulted in increased wish to have an affinity with Turkish people and Turkey.