Netflix Bans the Series “Famagusta” Everywhere Except Greece
The Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has successfully banned the controversial series Famagusta, which focuses on the events of the 1974 Cyprus conflict. The Greek-Cypriot-produced show will only be available for viewing in Greece.
In a statement on platform X, RTÜK Chairman Ebubekir Şahin noted that the series Famagusta "sparked reactions from the Turkish public due to its rhetoric against the historical event of the Cyprus landing."
- "The series had already been aired in its country of origin and was later licensed to Netflix. As the regulator, RTÜK held the necessary discussions with Netflix, and an agreement was reached that the series would not be broadcast. It will only remain in Netflix's catalog in the country where it originally aired—Greece," the RTÜK chairman stated.
As a result, the series will not be available in Netflix catalogs in Turkey or any other country.
Andreas Georgiou, the producer and creator of Famagusta, responded to RTÜK and Netflix’s decision, expressing his disappointment.
The show's creator emphasized the importance of mutual understanding and love among people, regardless of nationality.
- "This is precisely the message of our series Famagusta, which was created by people who deeply love humanity. Every individual has the right to live and love freely... without borders or limitations!" the director wrote.
The news that Famagusta would be arriving on Netflix first surfaced two weeks ago. The show was originally scheduled to premiere on September 20.
The 24-episode series tells the story of the Cyprus conflict 50 years ago. At the heart of the plot is 17-year-old Christina, who is running through the streets of Famagusta with her three-month-old son during a bombing raid. After an explosion, she loses consciousness. When she regains consciousness, her baby is nowhere to be found.
Fifty years later, she and her husband are still searching for their lost child.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have strongly condemned the series, claiming it "does not reflect the facts" and "serves as Greek-Cypriot propaganda."