Best Turkish Historical Series With English Subtitles (2026 Ranked List)
The best Turkish historical series with English subtitles in 2026 are Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani, Kurulus Osman, Kurulus Orhan, Ask Ve Taht, Dirilis: Ertugrul, Mendirman Celaleddin, Magnificent Century, Barbaroslar, Saladin: Conqueror of Jerusalem and Fateh Andalus: Tariq bin Ziyad. You can watch every one of them on Turkish TV Shows with professional human English subtitles and no ads.
Last updated: October 2026. We refresh this list whenever a new season or a major new series is added.
Quick Answer: Which Turkish Historical Series Should You Watch First?
- Best overall right now: Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani, with Season 4 now available.
- Best for new viewers: Dirilis: Ertugrul, where the Ottoman story begins.
- Best brand-new series: Ask Ve Taht (Love and Throne), a Seljuk drama of love and power.
- Best for epic Mongol-era action: Mendirman Celaleddin, now with Season 2.
- Best for palace intrigue: Magnificent Century.
The Best Turkish Historical Series at a Glance
| # | Series | Era and subject | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani | 15th century, Mehmed the Conqueror | Fans of big conquest stories |
| 2 | Kurulus Osman | 13th to 14th century, founding of the Ottomans | Long, action-packed viewing |
| 3 | Kurulus Orhan | 14th century, Orhan Bey | Viewers who finished Osman |
| 4 | Ask Ve Taht | Seljuk era, Alaeddin Keykubat | Drama, romance and power struggles |
| 5 | Dirilis: Ertugrul | 13th century, Ertugrul Bey | Beginners and binge-watchers |
| 6 | Mendirman Celaleddin | 13th century, Khwarazmian ruler vs the Mongols | Battle and survival stories |
| 7 | Magnificent Century | 16th century, Sultan Suleiman | Palace politics and romance |
| 8 | Barbaroslar | 16th century, Hayreddin Barbarossa | Naval adventure |
| 9 | Saladin: Conqueror of Jerusalem | 12th century, Third Crusade | Crusader-era history |
| 10 | Fateh Andalus: Tariq bin Ziyad | 8th century, conquest of Andalusia | Early Islamic history |
How We Ranked These Series
We ranked each series on five things: story and pacing, production quality, how much of the story is available with English subtitles, how popular it is with international viewers, and how easy it is to start without any background. Rankings are our editorial opinion. Your favorite may differ, and every series below is worth a try.
1. Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani (Season 4 Now Available)
Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani is the best Turkish historical series to watch in 2026 because it follows one of history’s most famous turning points: Sultan Mehmed II and the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The series tells the life of Mehmed the Conqueror and also features important stages in the life of Eyup el-Ensari, a figure revered in the Islamic world.
It has strong production values, large-scale battle scenes and a story that stays easy to follow even if you are new to Turkish dramas. Watch Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani Season 4 with English subtitles, or catch up from Season 1 through Season 2 and Season 3. For a full guide, read where to watch Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani with English subtitles.
2. Kurulus Osman
Kurulus Osman follows Osman, the son of Ertugrul, as he builds a small tribal beylik into the foundation of the Ottoman state. It is the natural sequel to Dirilis: Ertugrul and one of the most-watched Turkish historical dramas in the world. With many seasons, it is ideal if you want a long story with plenty of battles, alliances and betrayals. Start with Kurulus Osman with English subtitles, or jump to the latest available season, Kurulus Osman Season 6.
3. Kurulus Orhan
Kurulus Orhan continues the Ottoman founding story after Osman. Set in the 14th century, it follows Orhan Bey, the son of Osman I and the second ruler of the Ottoman state, as he grows from a young warrior into a leader who expands his father’s legacy and takes key Byzantine cities such as Bursa. Expect political intrigue, family tension and large battles. If you finished Kurulus Osman, this is where to go next. Watch Kurulus Orhan with English subtitles or go straight to Season 1.
4. Ask Ve Taht (Love and Throne)
Ask Ve Taht is the newest addition on this list and a different kind of historical drama. It follows Alaeddin Keykubat on his path from imprisonment to the Seljuk throne, through love, betrayal and the hunt for power. Because it is a new series, you can start from the beginning and follow it as new episodes arrive each week with English subtitles. Watch Ask Ve Taht (Love and Throne) with English subtitles or open Season 1.
5. Dirilis: Ertugrul
Dirilis: Ertugrul is where most international fans begin. It tells the story of Ertugrul Bey in the 13th century, fighting the Mongols and the Knights Templar while his tribe moves toward the founding of the Ottoman principality. It has five seasons and around 150 episodes, so it is perfect for a long binge. Watch Dirilis: Ertugrul with English subtitles, then continue into Kurulus Osman and Kurulus Orhan to follow the whole Ottoman rise in order.
6. Mendirman Celaleddin (Season 2 Available)
Mendirman Celaleddin tells the true story of Jalaluddin Manguberdi, the last ruler of the Khwarazmian Empire, who stood against Genghis Khan and the Mongol invasion. It comes from producer Mehmet Bozdag, who also made Dirilis: Ertugrul and Kurulus Osman, and it delivers the same mix of action and history in a new setting. Watch Mendirman Celaleddin with English subtitles, then continue with Mendirman Celaleddin Season 2.
7. Magnificent Century (Muhtesem Yuzyil)
Magnificent Century is the most famous Ottoman palace drama. It follows Sultan Suleiman, who took the throne at 26 and reigned for 46 years, along with his trusted friend Ibrahim Pasha and the women and rivals of the imperial court. It has four seasons and 139 episodes. Choose it if you like romance, rivalry and court politics more than battlefield scenes. Watch Magnificent Century with English subtitles. After it, try its sequel Magnificent Century: Kosem, about Kosem Sultan and Ahmed I.
8. Barbaroslar
Barbaroslar follows the legendary brothers Aruj Reis and Hizir Reis, the sailors who became Hayreddin Barbarossa, grand admiral of the Ottoman navy and known as the Lion of the Mediterranean. It brings sea battles and 16th-century adventure to your screen. Watch Barbaroslar with English subtitles.
9. Saladin: Conqueror of Jerusalem
This series covers the life of Saladin, the Muslim leader remembered for taking back Jerusalem in 1187 and for his role in the Third Crusade. It is a good pick for viewers who want to move beyond Ottoman history into the earlier Crusader era. Watch Saladin: Conqueror of Jerusalem with English subtitles.
10. Fateh Andalus: Tariq bin Ziyad
Fateh Andalus tells the story of Tariq bin Ziyad, the Umayyad commander who led the conquest of Andalusia, and his famous dispute with his commander Musa bin Nusair. It is the oldest period on this list and a strong choice if you love early Islamic history. Watch Fateh Andalus: Tariq bin Ziyad with English subtitles.
More Turkish Historical Series Worth Watching
- Vefa Sultan: the life of the revered Istanbul scholar and spiritual figure Musluhiddin Mustafa, known as Vefa Sultan.
- Destan: an epic of love and war in the Gokturk era of Central Asia.
- The Assassins and the full catalog of Turkish historical series on Turkish TV Shows.
Which Series Should You Watch Based on Your Taste?
- You are new to Turkish dramas: start with Dirilis: Ertugrul, then Kurulus Osman and Kurulus Orhan.
- You want the newest stories: watch Ask Ve Taht, Kurulus Orhan and Mehmed Season 4.
- You love big battles and conquests: choose Mehmed, Mendirman Celaleddin and Saladin.
- You prefer palace drama: choose Magnificent Century and Kosem.
- You want a shorter story: try Mendirman Celaleddin or Destan.
Why Watch Turkish Historical Series on Turkish TV Shows?
- Professional human English subtitles: no machine translation, so names, titles and historical terms stay accurate.
- No ads: episodes play without interruption.
- New episodes every week: the latest episode is added after it airs in Turkey.
- Download to watch offline: use the Download button under the player on supported episodes.
- One membership, the whole catalog: plans start at $9.99 per month (Monthly $9.99, Quarterly $25, Half-Yearly $45, Yearly $80).
Ready to start? Choose a membership plan on the Turkish TV Shows homepage, log in, and press play on any series above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Turkish historical series with English subtitles?
Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani is our top pick for 2026, followed by Kurulus Osman and Kurulus Orhan. For a first series, most new viewers start with Dirilis: Ertugrul.
In what order should I watch the Ertugrul, Osman and Orhan series?
Watch them in story order: Dirilis: Ertugrul first, then Kurulus Osman, then Kurulus Orhan. Together they follow the Ottoman founding story across three generations.
Where can I watch Turkish historical series with English subtitles?
You can watch them on Turkish TV Shows, which offers professional human English subtitles, no ads and weekly new episodes. A membership is required.
Is Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani Season 4 available with English subtitles?
Yes. Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani Season 4 is available on Turkish TV Shows with English subtitles, along with Seasons 1 to 3.
Is Mendirman Celaleddin Season 2 available with English subtitles?
Yes. Season 2 of Mendirman Celaleddin is available on Turkish TV Shows with English subtitles.
What is Ask Ve Taht about?
Ask Ve Taht (Love and Throne) follows Alaeddin Keykubat from imprisonment to the Seljuk throne, through love, betrayal and the struggle for power.
Are the English subtitles made by AI?
No. Turkish TV Shows subtitles are written by human translators, so the dialogue and historical terms are accurate.
Can I download episodes and watch offline?
Yes. Use the Download button under the player to save supported episodes and watch without an internet connection.