ATHENS/SOFIA
Turkish soap operas whose number is constantly rising on the private television channels in Greece made Turkish language become popular.
Turkish soap operas which are being broadcast by Greek subtitles teach Greek fans few basic Turkish words which are Merhaba (Hello), Nasilsin? (How are you?), Canim (Honey) and Tamam (OK).
Greeks state that there are not much differences between lifestyles of Turks and Greeks and say that Turkish made soap operas remind them their own family lives.
Cafe manager Kostantina Ilia told AA that she knows many Turkish words and said, "I am not sure when I can come to Turkey but I would like to take Turkish lessons in order to learn more words."
Lena Dometiu, another Greek fan of Turkish TV dramas, said that they find the stories and filming successful.
Dometiu told AA that there are not much difference between lifestyles and cultures of both countries.
Television channels which broadcast Turkish soap operas state that they receive various opinions from viewers and even though there are mainly positive feedbacks, they also receive opinions of angry viewers who demand a ban on TV dramas.
-Bulgarians interested in "Muhtesem Yuzyil"-
A private television channel from Bulgaria stated that the first episode of the new season of one of the most popular Turkish soap operas, "Muhtesem Yuzyil (Magnificent Century)" raised the viewing rate by 4-folds on Wednesday night.
Private television channel of TV7 which broadcast the soap opera in Bulgarian dubbing broke viewing records.
According to information received by AA from the TV7 officials, the viewing rate rose nearly 4 times during the broadcast hours.
Reporting by Nevbahar Kabakli/Ivo Radoykov
