Mehmet Huseyin Bilgin

Much-loved Soaps Polish Turkey’s Image in Balkans

Under former prime minister Ahmet Davutaglu, Turkish foreign policy shifted towards its current "zero problems with neighbours" policy, and to win-win policies that allow Ankara to spread its influence politically, economically and culturally.

The boom in Turkish soap operas throughout the Balkans during this time provides a good example of this influence.