The Turkish Detective

The Turkish Detective is a crime drama thriller series based on the novels by Barbara Nadel. It follows Inspector Cetin Ikmen and his team as they solve various cases in the modern world of Turkey. The series showcases the rich culture, history, and diversity of Istanbul, as well as the challenges and conflicts that arise from different perspectives and backgrounds. The cast is led by Haluk Bilginer, who delivers a captivating performance as the charismatic and unconventional Ikmen. The series also features Ethan Kai, Yasemin Kay Allen, Erol Afsin, and Selma Ergeç in supporting roles. The Turkish Detective is a gripping and engaging show that will keep you hooked until the end.

Surprised at some of the negative reviews, but this should change as this wonderful production progresses I'm sure. I love a crime mystery with twists and turns, especially one with a great sense of place and this has that in spades. But not only do you get a sense of this beautiful, ancient, complex city, but right from the beginning we are beguiled by the subtleties of culture and how the police, led cleverly by Haluk Bilginer's character, Cetin Ikmen have to navigate that for best result. Just enough humour, just enough pathos, and Ikmen's character gives us back our faith in human nature and understanding. Young protagonist Mehmet, used only to 'the British way' in London realises quickly he's going to have to adapt. Ikmen is quick to realise this may take time and so keeps him at distance for interviewing local suspects, but lets him rip at crime scenes - Ikmen recognises his strengths and how to use that. Interesting ongoing sub-plot with Mehmet's ex-girlfriend/reporter who has been devastatingly affected by a suspicious hit and run and Mehmet's need to investigate the reasons. Of course this is all conducted in English with aside, subtitled conversations in local dialect, because this is made to introduce westerners to Istanbul and its people in way that's easier for them, but this was made by a Turkish production company financed by Paramount and so that was their decision for wider distribution I guess. I'd guess the Turkish authorities will be happy that lots of westerners like me will be avidly waiting for the next episode and dreaming of visiting this amazing place, its great for tourism no doubt. Crime/murder mystery fans like me always wait for something a bit different, perhaps an authentic-feeling touch of the exotic and this is it. Congratulations to Ay Yapim on a fantastic quality production, hopefully we'll be seeing more.

This series, inspired by the books of Barbara Nadel, is set in Istanbul. Mehmet Suleyman, who was born in Turkey but lived in London, has returned to become a detective in the local police force. He serves under Inspector Cetin Ikmen and alongside Detective Ayse Farsakoglu. It soon becomes apparent that Hehmet had a specific reason to return to Turkey; his ex-girlfriend, an investigative journalist, was seriously injured in a hit and run incident... he is convinced that it was no accident. This private investigation continues in the back ground while the police investigate a variety of other crimes, these are each wrapped up in a two episode long story.

I really enjoyed this series. In many ways the two part mysteries are typical 'Saturday night crime drama' but the Istanbul location gives it a freshness. When I started watching I assumed Mehmet was the titular 'Turkish Detective' but Inspector Ikman is at least as important to the stories. Characters speak a mix of English and Turkish; perhaps not realistic but acceptable as the writer is English and the production American. The use of Some Turkish reminds us where we are... if that was necessary given the numerous scenes featuring the Bosporus and the Hagia Sophia in the background. The characters are interesting, especially Inspector Ikman and the cast do a solid job bringing them to life. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of easy going murder mysteries looking for something a little different; I hope we get further series.

I really don't understand the great reviews for this series which revolves around a young detective from the UK obviously of Turkish origins - name is Mehmet and looks Turkish (no racism just observation) being paired with a retirement age detective in Istanbul.

It is clichéd and although the lead character Çetin Ikmanhas a certain rough scruffy charm and is likeable and I like his approach and understanding of people, his sidekick Mehmet is wooden and not convincing at all, likewise the female detective seems a token addition. It lacks credibility, and as a frequent visitor to Istanbul and Turkey some of it makes me cringe. I don't mind the mixing of Turkish and English language. The plots are weak but they are based on a novel so perhaps the novel is not good. I am critical because I love the genre of detective crime mysteries and thrillers so I hold this up against the many superb ones I have watched. I am only up to episode 4 so I will continue to finish the series and maybe my opinion will change. It is watchable but as light entertainment. I don't understand the comment about Arabic by another reviewer, I have heard very few Arabic words, Turkish and English are mainly spoken and likewise the subtitles.

I stumbled on this new show on BBC iPlayer having heard nothing about it whatsoever.

It's well written, has good pacing and the first episode (despite a few issues) has given me enough to continue further into the series.

I'm enjoying the character of (the older) old school Turkish detective Cetin Ikmen. He is very competent and knows his patch and culture well in an almost Gene Hunt kind of amplified way and yet I still like him as a person. In parts he's a bit too good - some of his deductions and hunches are too accurate to be credible in my opinion

Towards the second half of the episode 1 I felt Cetin was almost making Sherlock Holmes level deduction's but in the style of Peter Faulk in Columbo and this extended itself to the way in which he behaved and questioned suspects in their world away from the Police Station.

However these generalisations and narratives may be a diversion away from the truth or a deliberate ploy to stop the viewer from seeing something else or whatever we miss that is hidden in plain sight.

I think it's beautifully filmed and I hope my faith in this show is rewarded as the series goes on.