"Famagusta" Series on Netflix Sparks Controversy: Turkey to Ban the Show

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have sharply condemned the series "Famagusta," which is set to stream on Netflix. They argue that the show "misrepresents historical facts" and "promotes Greek Cypriot propaganda." As a result, the Supreme Council of Radio and Television will restrict access to the series in Turkey, effectively banning its broadcast.

The ban was announced by Zorlu Töre, Speaker of the TRNC Assembly, following a meeting with Ebubekir Şahin, Chairman of the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously criticized the series harshly.

The Turkish diplomatic agency stated on social media: "The series titled 'Famagusta,' set to be broadcast on Netflix, serves as black propaganda by distorting historical facts to benefit the Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus."

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes the series "attempts to portray Turkish soldiers as occupiers" and "shows great disrespect" to Turkish Cypriots who died during the events on the island between 1963 and 1974.

The Ministry’s statement added: "Such futile attempts to distort the facts only strengthen our resolve to fight for our national cause—Cyprus."

TRNC President Ersin Tatar also voiced his disapproval of the series. He claimed that the series "distorts the Cyprus peacekeeping operation and defames Turkish soldiers."

Tatar added, "There is a Greek hand in this matter. We will take the necessary measures."

It was announced last week that the series "Famagusta" will be available on Netflix starting September 20. The show will premiere on that date.

The series initially aired on Mega Channel in January, with the second season broadcast in the spring and early summer. The third season is planned for release in the fall.

The 24-episode series portrays events from Cyprus 50 years ago that still impact people's lives today. The story follows 17-year-old Christina, who flees Famagusta’s streets with her three-month-old baby during a bombing. After the explosion, she loses consciousness and, upon waking, finds her baby gone.

Fifty years later, Christina and her husband are still searching for their lost child.