A Russian veterans’ organization has formally requested that authorities ban Turkish soap operas, claiming the shows distort perceptions of masculinity and contribute to Russia’s demographic challenges.
In a petition sent to the Ministry of Culture, Roskomnadzor (the federal media watchdog), and members of Parliament, the organization argued that Turkish dramas portray an “idealized image” of men, making Russian women less interested in their own countrymen.
“These soap operas create an unrealistic and overly romanticized image of Turkish men, which negatively influences the perception of Russian men,” said Ildar Reziapov, the director of the veterans’ group and a known Kremlin loyalist. “Russian women are increasingly traveling to Turkey, and this has already led to many tragedies.”
The comments have sparked a range of responses from lawmakers.
Vitaly Milonov, a member of Parliament known for his conservative views, voiced support for restrictions but for historical and ideological reasons. “These shows glorify the Ottoman Empire, presenting it as noble and romantic,” Milonov said. “They ignore the reality of conquest, violence, and death. It’s revisionist history.”
Sardana Avksentieva, an MP from the New People party, offered a less drastic alternative. “Instead of banning Turkish content, we should focus on producing quality Russian series where our men are portrayed as attractive, strong, and modern,” she said.
Turkish soap operas enjoy widespread popularity in Russia, with series such as Love Is in the Air garnering millions of views on streaming platforms. The genre’s strong narratives and emotional depth have earned it a global audience, boosting Turkey’s cultural influence abroad.
As of now, Russian authorities have not made any official statement regarding the petition or potential regulatory actions.
