Last Updated on July 28, 2021
Some months ago, Willow and Thatch interviewed WWI historical fiction author Ginger Monette. Since then we’ve exchanged emails, and recently Ginger wrote to say how taken she was with the 2014 Turkish television drama “Kurt Seyit ve Sura” which was based on a series of novels of the same name. She wrote:
I stumbled on a Netflix series and stayed up way too late last night watching episodes. Have you seen Kurt Seyit and Sura? I normally hate subtitled movies, but I love the acting and the romance is just beautiful. It holds a special interest to me as it is set during WW1. Anyway, if you haven’t seen it and are looking to be swept off your romantic feet, check it out.
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Willow and Thatch had been hearing on social media how much historical costume dramas fans loved this series, and told Ginger that I was just thinking about starting it. She replied:
I warn you…. You can’t just watch one episode! (I couldn’t, anyway.) The actor has this piercing gaze, he is swoon-worthy handsome, and the lead female plays the innocent role of a young girl very well. From a plotting standpoint, even though it is set during war, the focus is completely on the romance aspects (which is a good reminder for me as a romance author).
I watched four episodes last night and finally made myself turn it off at 1:30 am when I realised there are 46 episodes! (“Kurt Seyit & Sura” left Netflix US on December 26, 2019, but the amazing news is that all episodes are now available to stream as part of the Filmbox Prime Video Add-on Channel here. And there’s even a free trial.)
Kurt Seyit & Sura is AVAILABLE to STREAM
A few days later Ginger wrote saying that she had finished “Kurt Seyit and Sura” in about 4 or 5 days and had already re-watched parts of it.
Through a combination of “very painstaking research and boundless imagination” Kurt Seyt’s real-life granddaughter, Nermin Bezmen wrote about the lives of a Russian aristocrat and a Turkish soldier, and their romance. She later acted as a consultant during the making of the TV series. The romantic historical drama is set beginning in 1916, and takes place in Russia, Crimea and British-occupied Istanbul.
Ginger said she found the television series to be a “riveting romantic drama that provoked powerful emotions as it whisked her back to an unfamiliar, but interesting, time and place.” There were a few things she wasn’t so wild about, like the subtitles moving too quickly at moments, or some character inconsistencies and implausible scenarios as you would expect from any saga spanning this many episodes.
But overall, the story (a dashing military hero and a beautiful young woman, a heart-wrenching romance in the midst of war, tragedy, deceit, heartbreak, and perseverance!) gripped her tight and hasn’t yet let go.
Let’s look at top reasons to watch Kurt “Seyit and Sura.” Then keep reading for some historical background that will help you better enjoy the period series.
7 reasons to watch Kurt Seyit and Sura
1. The main male character: He’s an incredibly dashing hero who is almost larger than life—like King Arthur or Robin Hood. But he’s also passionate and openly shows his softer side. In a beautiful train station goodbye scene, the robust and powerful Seyit tenderly kisses Sura, then strides away while brushing aside a tear. So touching! Apparently Turkish men are not shy about expressing their feelings as this wasn’t the only time Seyit revealed raw emotion, and there were other male character who shed (real) tears as well.
2. It’s an emotional drama and a beautiful romance: The romance remains at the heart of the story with swoon-worthy dialog that is almost poetic at times. Kudos to them for serving up plenty of romance that doesn’t rely on graphic bedroom scenes. But it’s not all gushy romance. The storyline also includes plenty of compelling action and suspense that ruthlessly beckoned me to watch “one more episode.”
“I cried a lot for my grandpa Kurt Seyt and for Shura while I was writing. There were days and night when I could not see the words from my tears. My heart and soul was torn into pieces and with that heavy burden I kept on writing. The more I wrote the more I loved them. The more I loved the more I wanted to tell about them. They were almost whispering to my ears. It was a magical time altogether.” – Nermin Bezmen
3. There’s interesting insight into Turkish culture, dress, language, and the Russian Revolution: This unusual but colorful setting gives the story an added dimension of interest. I feel more educated for having watched it.
4. It portrays a strong sense of family, friendship, loyalty, and honor: The beauty of these qualities makes for strong ties among the characters that endeared me to them all the more and made the fractures among them even more heart-wrenching.
5. The essence of the production: The culture, directing, cinematography, and acting give it a refreshingly different feel from typical American dramas.
6. The casting and acting: Not only was the male lead superb (one of the best performances I have seen. Ever. Touted as the Brad Pitt of the Middle East, his intensity, facial expressions, and raw emotion had me spellbound.), the performances by the entire cast (including a child actor) were also outstanding. Now that I’ve “gotten over” hating Petro, I’m appreciating his performance as well.
“They added few people who was not actually in Kurt Seyt’s life and kept some of them alive more than they actually lived and killed some of them long before they died in reality. So TV fans will only know the perfect answers for their questions when they read the book itself.” – Nermin Bezmen
7. The conniving, deceitful villains: You will love hating them.
Willow and Thatch readers asked Nermin Bezmen, author of the book Kurt Seyt & Shura, some questions about the true story that inspired the Netflix period series.
The English translation of the novel, Kurt Seyt & Shura is finally available here.
If you need just a little more motivation to watch “Kurt Seyit and Sura,” another Willow and Thatch reader said “I loved the emotions that each character showed. This show kept me on the edge of my seat always wondering if they would ever be happy. Great acting with great clothes and wonderful scenes.”
Tara M. Clapper who interviewed Nermin Bezmen said “I truly believe there is something special and magical about this story. I’m an enthusiastic fan of many tales, but this one is exceptional. It has fairytale scenes and gritty, realistic moments; Shura well represents the simultaneous strength and fragility of her country.”
If you are a fan of sweeping soundtracks, the historical drama has that too. You can listen to parts of it and download it here.
I’ll add more reason – with 46 episodes streaming on Netflix, you’ve found a new multi-episode historical period drama to lose yourself in – but get out the tissues because by all reports this one is a tear-jerker.
Watch the trailer, then keep reading for some quick historical context from Ginger Monette. It should make the watching that much more pleasurable. You can watch the series on Netflix in the US.
Historical Context of Kurt Seyit and Sura
Why did Seyit and Sura have to flee Russia?
The answer requires a little history lesson. WW1 broke out in 1914 between the Axis and Allies. For our purposes here, it’s enough to know that meant: Germany and the Ottomans of Turkey (the Axis) were against Britain and Russia (the Allies).
Sura was the daughter of a wealthy Russian family. Seyit Eminof was a lieutenant in the Czar’s personal guard, who was from Crimea, a peninsula off the southern coast of what was then Russia (now Ukraine) on the Black Sea. (see map) Although Crimea isn’t in Turkey, its residents were predominantly Muslim “Turks” who spoke Turkish (and I suppose Russian as well).
In 1917, when civil war erupted in Russia and the Bolsheviks (headed by Lenin) seized power, Russia was forced to pull out of WW1. Like the French Revolution, it was a civil war basically between the have’s and the have-nots. The Russian Tsar Nicholas II of the house of Rominov and his five children were executed. Since the families of both Seyit and Sura were aristocracy, they became targets of the Bolsheviks as well. Petro, although a Russian aristocrat by birth himself, joined the Bolshevik rebels.
Now targets of the ruling Bolsheviks, Seyit and Sura, along with some 200,000 other refugees, fled across the Black Sea to Instanbul, Turkey. The Russian consulate on Pera Street became a natural gathering place for these Russian refugees as they could search registries for their loved ones, and as the old saying goes, “birds of a feather flock together.” This area became known as Pera, which is where the hotel and lauderette in the series were located.
Why were the British Occupying Istanbul?
In 1918, the Ottoman government negotiated a surrender to the British. As part of the terms of surrender, the Ottomans agreed to allow the British to occupy any Ottoman territory “in case of disorder.” That’s how Istanbul (a city in Turkey and part of the Ottoman empire) came to be occupied by the British. [You may recall from history class that Istanbul has had numerous names throughout the ages including Constantinople and Byzantium.
Why was Captain Billy so suspicious of Seyit and his fellow refugees?
Since Seyit had been a Russian officer and Russia fought on the same side as the Brits, I didn’t understand why (British) Captain Billy had such a disdain for Seyit and the other Crimean Turk refugees. I did some research and was unable to come up with anything definitive. However, I’m guessing that Billy was suspicious of them because they were Turkish (the enemy) by ethnicity—they dressed like Turks, spoke like Turks, and were Muslims like Turks. Perhaps that explains why he was not so vindictive towards Petro and the Baroness, as both of them were Russian (but not Turk Russians).
Kurt Seyit and Sura Synopsis: At the dawn of the Russian Revolution, handsome WW1 Russian Lieutenant Seyit Eminof falls in love with Sura, the beautiful daughter of an aristocratic Russian family. After declaring his love to her in several incredibly romantic scenes, Seyit goes off to war, torn because his father is determined he will marry a Turkish girl.
Fighting beside his three closest friends, Seyit has no idea that Petro, another of the “band of brothers,” has joined the rebelling Bolsheviks and is plotting destruction. When the Revolution breaks out, Russia is forced to withdraw from WW1 and both Seyit and Sura find their aristocratic families the targets of the rebels. After much tragedy and suffering, they escape (along with Seyit’s best friend Celil) to Istanbul and make a life amongst a family from Seyit’s hometown who owns a hotel there.
But their troubles aren’t over. The city is under British martial law and ruled by a ruthless officer who has no fondness for Seyit or his refugee countrymen. When Seyit and Sura welcome Petro with open arms, they have no idea that he is secretly plotting to destroy Seyit and undermine the couple’s love at every turn. Will Seyit and Sura’s love persevere to the end, or does Seyit’s father’s decree and Petro’s deceit destroy them in the end?
Starring Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ as Kurt Seyit Eminof and Farah Zeynep Abdullah as Alexandra “Şura” Verjenskaya.
In Turkish with English subtitles.
Rated TV-14
About Ginger Monette: History came alive for Ginger in homeschooling her three children through reading quality historical fiction rather than dull textbooks. But if she had been told she would one day write novels of her own, she would have laughed aloud. “I fell in love with Pride & Prejudice after watching the 2005 movie adaptation. When a storyline began to consume my thoughts, the words made their way to my laptop and Tree of Life was born–along with a love of writing.”
In 2015 Ginger took the grand prize in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library’s 2015 “Picture This” contest for her flash fiction piece Flanders Field of Grey. She enjoys speaking to groups on a variety of topics from how to choose curriculum to World War I. Ginger lives with her husband, three teenaged children, and two spoiled dogs in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can find her here.
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also want to read 30 Romantic Period Dramas You Haven’t Seen. And be sure to wander over to The Period Films List, with the best historical dramas sorted by era. You’ll also want to read 5 Reasons to Watch The Road to Calvary, another epic historical romance streaming on Netflix.
Angela
May 12, 2021 at 10:27 pm (4 years ago)I pinned this recommendation because it sounded like a good show and a friend also recommended it. I loved it! Season 1 is available with English subtitles through a Filmbox subscription on Amazon Prime. Unfortunately, it does not include season 2. I. Am. Devastated. It’s like I’m right in the middle of an amazing book and I can’t continue the story. Please, if anyone knows a way to watch with English subtitles, let me know. But thanks for the recommendation!
Colleen Pike
January 29, 2021 at 5:36 pm (4 years ago)I watched entire series on Netflix and I was so touched by it. I went today to see if I could pull it up and watch it again and was very saddened to see they have removed it from netflix.
cynthia h orth
May 25, 2021 at 5:08 pm (3 years ago)When I found this on Netflix I watched all 46 episodes, night after night, until I was finished…then I went back and watched more never thinking to record it…now I have looked everywhere for it and found the 20 eps but there are no English subtitles.
Willow and Thatch
May 25, 2021 at 11:31 pm (3 years ago)Have you tried changing the settings and turning them on?
Shirley
June 22, 2020 at 3:32 am (4 years ago)I have been reading about this wonderful period drama.
Why was it taken off?
Please bring it back with English subtitles
Please, please, please
Elizabeth Volcko
December 27, 2020 at 7:51 pm (4 years ago)I agree…one of the best and most beautiful shows ever to be on netflix
Ana
February 23, 2020 at 5:57 am (5 years ago)I loved it so much that from that on I’ll watch everything with Kivanç:D I’m currently watching a Ukrainian period series that has a lot of similarities with the beautiful cinematography of Kurt Seyit & Shura. It’s Love in Chains (2019) from Amazon Prime. It has two seasons and the protagonists and villain really remind me of Seyit, Sura and Petro!
Willow and Thatch
February 23, 2020 at 11:14 am (5 years ago)Yes! Love in Chains is here for anyone interested: https://amzn.to/2PiCUFv
Marlena
February 15, 2020 at 8:52 pm (5 years ago)I love Seyit and Sura, I want to just buy the DVD’s but they dont have any with English subtitles. Maybe we all can contact Netflix or email the producer to release for purchase.
Linsey
March 2, 2020 at 8:57 am (5 years ago)If this is what it takes, I’d gladly write Netflix a letter. I LOVED Sayit ve Sura. It was excellent to get immersed in another time and place with a perspective that obviously was not portrayed through an AmericaN perspective. I had a similar experience with “Magnificent Century,” which is also not available on Netflix any longer .
Netflix:
What do we want? Sayit ve Sura
When do we want it? Now, please!
Spoiler alert—-I have a question about Sayit ve Sura that I’m hoping someone here can help me answer. The last episodes I saw were the ones where Sura gets on the ship with What’s-his-Face from France, Sayit goes to the docks and watches her leave, but doesn’t stop her…..and he caught Petro and exacted his revenge. IS THIS TRUELY THE END OF THE SERIES?
I was devastated that true love didn’t prevail between the two main characters, but was oddly refreshed to find that there was an element of realism there….life doesn’t always work out the way we want it to and we must move on. I feel like this series made me think about what true love is. It’s not only about leaving your family behind (on a train in Russia in the early 1900s) for a flame of passion, for me it’s about the ability to blend two lives together for mutual interdependence and joy. If Sayit didn’t ask Sura about her intentions, he probably didn’t have the communication skills to create something to last long term. And I say, he could have just walked away from that wedding. Maybe it was disgraceful, but all’s fair in love and war. As sad as it was, I’ve concluded that maybe Murka was a better long-term fit for him. It Is based off of a true story after all.
Loretta Majors
March 23, 2020 at 7:04 pm (5 years ago)Seyit won me over! I couldn’t stop watching it! I loved the series. I was very sad to see it end. I hope they’ll do another, similar to it. I’ve watched it 3 times
Rachael T.
January 13, 2020 at 1:20 pm (5 years ago)Seyit ve Sura is a series I could watch over and over again. I was fortunate enough to find it in March 2019 and then re watched the entire series again in August 2019. I’m saddened to see that Netflix has removed it from their watch list and that I cannot seem to find it for sale online in English anywhere. Netflix is doing a disservice to their business with the removal of this show because it is the one series I’ve ever watched in subtitles and as such, was willing to explore other titles on Netflix that had subtitles. I even recommended it to numerous friends and family members, some of whom do not have Netflix accounts, but I told them it would be worth their time to get an account for this show alone. So, here is my plea, Netflix: Please bring back Seyit ve Sura! I will gladly invest (or maintain) in the company that is willing to show Seyit with English subtitles. It might as well be you!!
Lou
January 1, 2020 at 4:10 pm (5 years ago)Have not read ALL the comments above but would like for Netflix to bring this back… I watched it once and was very moved… would love to see it again… Hoping Netflix brings it back.. !!! Thank you
Alicia Saa
December 30, 2019 at 7:59 am (5 years ago)Please Netflix bring Kurt Seyit & Şura back !!!!
Vera
December 28, 2019 at 7:26 pm (5 years ago)I start it and by the time I got to 22 episode was removed from Netflix , plz bring it back !!!!
Yana
December 28, 2019 at 4:56 pm (5 years ago)Please please bring it back! Learned about this show mid December and was only able to watch 6 episodes! Netflix please bring it back
Christine Wright
December 26, 2019 at 12:21 pm (5 years ago)Netflix needs to bring this back!!!!!! I have 5 more episodes to go!!!!! They gave a week’s notice and then took it off the air. What would it hurt to leave it on?
Connie
December 26, 2019 at 11:29 pm (5 years ago)My husband and I are hooked, and suddenly we couldn’t find it on Netflix anymore. We are devastated. It would be great if Netflix brings It back.
Kelly
December 29, 2019 at 11:04 am (5 years ago)Yes I second and third that emotion!!! Plz plz bring it back just for even a day as I too only have 5 or maybe 6 episodes to go. I have Amazon Firestick and Hulu and it is not shown in either.
Leila
December 26, 2019 at 3:45 am (5 years ago)I am so sad to not have finished this show before Netflix took it off. I found it the night of December 25th and got stopped by the 5th episode. It’s true, you cannot watch just one episode. And I feel devastated that I am unable to finish this most beautiful story. Please Netflix, bring this show back. I will not remove it from my list in hopes that Netflix will bring it back.
Kathy
December 25, 2019 at 3:04 pm (5 years ago)Now that I have found it I hope get a chance to watch it!!
Diane Vroulis
December 23, 2019 at 8:41 am (5 years ago)Absolutely fascinating and mesmerizing!
Netflix, please keep this amazing period drama! At the very least, where can it be viewed after December 26, 2019?
Cara Rentschler
December 26, 2019 at 6:36 pm (5 years ago)I know why did Neflix take it off. I got to watch all the episodes, and saved it in my list to watch later, if I wanted too. NEFLIX PUT IT BACK ON!!!! We finally have a really good movie to watch!!!
Anje Palethorpe
December 22, 2019 at 5:36 am (5 years ago)Absolutely loved Seyit and Sura. like many others, thought it extremely sad, but can see why they drifted apart, given their personalities & Sura’s family interference & deceit.
Have read the book – several times and have seen the show 4 times now. I hate that Netflix is taking it off, as it is the best historical romance drama I have seen. DVD doesn’t seem to be available in English or with English subtitles. Kivanc stole the show – he was magnificient – have seen 2 of his other shows since.
Kristen
December 31, 2019 at 4:38 pm (5 years ago)Please bring it back!
My Mom, cousin, and I have been binge watching Seyit and Sura. We are not Turkish or Russian but love watching the dramatic scenes and the faces of the actors.
Joy Coleman
December 18, 2019 at 4:11 am (5 years ago)Please please don’t take Seyit & Sura off of Netflix,I absolutely Love all the Characters, I can’t believe I watched a series with subtitles, but it is so worth the effort, the music, the Actors, their Love story, you become part of their lives, you care for each & everyone of them, I watch an episode every evening, it’s a silly thing I know but I so look forward to being part of this wonderful Love Story about Seyit & Sura, & Cecil & Tatya & the dastardly Petro.. I hope you reconsider, & let us Continue to watch our beloved Seyit & Sura. Thankyou
Sophia
December 11, 2019 at 12:27 am (5 years ago)Hi my name is Sophia. This show has impacted me soo much! I love this show so so much. I am still a teenager but I love dramas and romances. This is one of the best historical romances I have ever seen. The acting is outstanding and so intoxicating. The actors who play Seyit and Sura have such strong chemistry and their love is believable. I can’t get over how I live this. Is there a way that Netflix could reconsider taking it off. I want everyone to see it and I want to be able to watch it again. If Netflix doesn’t reconsider where else can I watch. Thank you so much!
Joann
December 6, 2019 at 1:33 pm (5 years ago)The most gorgeous man in the world? The lead actor is reason enough to watch this series – his eyes are the most beautiful and most expressive I’ve ever seen. I’m going to have to binge watch this more than my 3 episodes a night in order to finish the series by the time it disappears. But from reading other comments, I know I’m going to be heartbroken in the end. This series is magnificent. The hero you love to love, and the villain you love to hate. I’m going to have to track down the book(s?) to find out the real story, but for now, the fairy tale is compelling. And the snow globe with Seyit and Sura in the opening of each episode is magical.
sylvia poole
December 2, 2019 at 2:46 pm (5 years ago)I think I will start it tonight, but ‘ll never finish it by the 26th 🙁 Please Netflix hold onto it a little longer?
Sophia
December 11, 2019 at 12:37 am (5 years ago)Oh you will definitely be able to finish because yo I won’t be able to pull away!!
Pauline Patin
August 19, 2019 at 10:43 am (5 years ago)Like all good stories, I could hardly wait to find out how it ends but, yet, didn’t want it to end! Thank you NetFlix where I stumbled on Seyit & Sura and was glued to my TV for 3 days. I fell in love with the actors, the music and the love story. I want to visit the hotel and take my clothes to the laundry.
Knowing nothing about Turkish culture, S&S had good insite to their customs and ways of living. I loved the hospitality of saying “welcome” to all who enter the doorway and sharing food and tea/coffee and how everyone is a ‘guest’. The rooms within rooms with windows, the way of bathing and washing. The linens, satin pillows, embroidery and veils used in the film were rich adding comfort and warmth.
I look forward to seeing more movies with these incredible actors.
Why!
July 18, 2019 at 11:47 am (5 years ago)I am one who never posts, doesn’t read through pages of forums… but the ending of this saga left me feeling as if my heart had been cut from my chest and I was left standing to bleed with no attention.. gut wrenching! People please give them a happy ending at least on screen!!! If it’s almost half made up WHY THE HECK NOT!!! Give your viewers some rest at night! Especially the ones who were captivated enough to JUST READ THE SUBTITLES!!!!!!!!! That is aggravating!!! Lol!!! I’ve decided to rewatch and end with Murka’s vision of him on the boat with Shura, saying he can’t leave her! I have a little peace now. LOL!
Someone mentioned Murka’s mother she had way too much screen time- annoying. I’ll be kind and stop there.
I read from another viewers post that read Nermin’s English book, that Seyit actually at one point while married to Murka went to Sura’s home made out with her..he did beat her prior because he seen another man leave her home (what the writer wrote??? I don’t know and I wonder which book it’s in, if so!?). The question posted about a baby that died I wonder if him beating her made her lose this child? I wonder if it was his? How often he hooked up with her!! No wonder Murka cried! He was far from noble! The two women should have drowned his butt in the Black Sea in real life! Cheers by the shore!! Well done Nermin Beazmin you have captivated many , we all have hero’s and zeros in our family tree. He is a hero for his people, a zero for his loved ones. -my opinion.
teresita Petrina McCarthy
April 1, 2019 at 12:29 pm (6 years ago)Is there a season 2. I can’t find it.
Francis Lilley
December 31, 2018 at 5:08 pm (6 years ago)I know when Sura met Seyit at her first ball she was 16. How old was Seyit? also curious why Sura never got pregnant? Also is this on DVD yet? If not please send me an e-mail when it is. Thank you so much for this gift.
suzanne Simonovich
May 25, 2019 at 3:48 pm (6 years ago)I was wondering about a pregnancy as well. I read a letter she wrote to Sehit from Paris saying she gave birth to a dead baby. She divorced and was heading to America…Does anyone know of this? I am in search again for letter now, and wondering who was father of this pregnancy.
Elizabeth Farzan
November 18, 2018 at 9:06 pm (6 years ago)After reading the comments by Nermin Bezmen (Seyit’s granddaughter), I know the timeline of the real characters, the 4 which never really existed, Seyit’s suicide, Sura’s eventual marriage and death in California. but Willow and Thatch: I need to know the REAL reason Seyit left Sura. I love historical dramas but I’m not buying the melodrama of the movie. Is there any way you can tell me WHY did Seyit left Sura?
Laurie
November 13, 2018 at 6:49 pm (6 years ago)I found this by accident on Netflix today, and watched the first three shows. Totally hooked already and agree with just about every word of this review. It’s just all so emotional and beautiful and engrossing! I’m thrilled there are so many episodes!
Perrin (Yolacar) Burg
August 21, 2018 at 11:46 pm (6 years ago)First I watched Love Birds, then Magnificent Century now I have been watching Seyit and Sura. What amazing stories. I love them all. Turkish actors and actresses acted their roles perfectly.
I am a Turkish woman who lives in California for the past 30 years and married to an American for 21 years. My mother and her family lived in Crimea until the Bolshevism They escaped to Istanbul. She told me stories that has happened to her and my aunt. How the Bolshevic raided their farm, and they were terrified hiding in a pile of hay in their barn/ When I was watching Seyit and Sura I wished my mom was alive she would had loved it as much as I did. The actors and actresses were excellent as the actors and actresses who were in Love Birds and Magnificent Century were excellent too.
Brack
August 10, 2018 at 5:40 pm (6 years ago)Thank goodness we have 4 TV’s 2 with Netflix….I have been watching this beautiful story for nearly 2 weeks now, so much so, my husband finds me asleep at 1 am and makes me go to bed, I’m so obsessed. The acting is superb by all, even PETRO..The two that play Seyit and Sura are amazing and all the actors. Love Seyit, perfect for this role…his family came off so authentic; members of my family escaped from the Bolsheviks and fled to Germany and then to America. When the Americans joined the first world war, my father was there. I found Sura lacking as a woman-child and she never really grew-up and some of the scenes seemed a little far-fetched (like one that reminded me of a British Sterling commercial) But overall it was excellent. The more mature people like the parents and Uncles were the very best, Thank you Netflix for bringing this right off the pages into our homes. True entertainment seeped in history are always the best and this was well done.
Toinette johnson
August 6, 2018 at 9:43 am (6 years ago)Can’t tell how much I loved this series. I watched for three days and two night. I agree with all the comments I did not like ending hope they are with same actors.
elaine olsen
April 7, 2018 at 12:49 am (7 years ago)Thank you so much for keeping me up late at night im not complaining absolutely loved seyit and sura was episode 46 the end please please can we have more loved the man playing seyits friend celil hated petro and billy it was an amazing story i live in australia and watched it on netflix i am now searching for more turkish programmes
Willow and Thatch
April 7, 2018 at 9:15 am (7 years ago)Ha! Have you tried Lovebird?
Marijane
March 4, 2018 at 3:29 pm (7 years ago)The effect that the TV series,”Kurt & Sura”, had on me was very dramatic. Because of the commanding performance of Kivanc Talitug, the best actor ever, along with Farah Zeynep Abdulla, I totally lost myself in their story. Never have I seen or read a more evocative portrayal of living love in a war-torn area than in this story. Everyone is acclaiming the magnificent acting of Kurt, manifested brilliantly in his stature, facial expressions, body language, and knock ’em dead gorgeous good looks! I hasten to add that Sura, played by Farah Zeynep Abdulla, was one of the best acting renditions of any female actress I have ever seen. She was made to play Zura, which she portrayed brilliantly with every emotion, What excitement she brought to the series. I have seen this show through to the end several times and each time I keep finding more interesting facts and intrigue than before. I was so entranced by the loving, loyal attitude of the family feeling throughout, how they worked through family discord and were so dedicated to the family unit. As a matter of fact, I think a great part of the success of the show was the warm, real-life family glow of the scenes in the kitchen of the hotel which gave the viewer a feeling that she/he was a part of the family. Every actor in the show was of the highest quality. The first time I viewed it, I had a hard time with Petro’s evilness and some of Kurt’s behavior toward Sura. However, upon reviewing the series, my understanding of their behavior became more clear to me. The ending had to be what it became. Because of who he was, a Turkish soldier who worshipped his father and Alushta, he had to give up his Russian aristocrat and pick Murvet, a beautiful yet naive Turkish woman who fit into the Turkish, Muslim way of life. While I do not embrace the way the women were treated as unequal then in Turkey, I have started to understand the anthropology of that situation and the Muslim way of life as depicted in the series I was impressed with how they looked after their women in their community, family. Great acting by Celil, who was also very handsome and talented, and Murvet’s mother, Emine, who was very unsettling the way she ordered Murvet around and treated her, but I realize she thought she was doing right.
Lissy
February 26, 2018 at 8:49 pm (7 years ago)I am currently in possession of a brand new English copy of Kurt Seyt and Shura. I ordered it through Amazon last week. The links provided on this site take you right there.
Mary Jo Jaeger
February 7, 2018 at 3:06 pm (7 years ago)Am absolutely entranced by this series – Seyit and Sura are both spectacular actors but I can’t take my eyes off Seyit – he is amazing – those eyes and the different emotions he can show us are so believable – I am truly a fan! I am about half way through the series – I never thought I would watch something with subtitles but this on has me hooked. I stumbled across it on Netfix as I seem to be attached to period films these days – especially foreign based ones. Would love to know what other shows Seyit plays in.
Gerry Redmond
December 22, 2019 at 7:23 pm (5 years ago)Please do not remove Seyit & Sura from Netflix . We just started watching and cannot finish br 12/26/19. If u do remove it, please advise where else we can see it. Thank you
Cherish Parkes
February 3, 2018 at 4:06 am (7 years ago)My co-worker got me into watching Seyit ve Sura, and I was hooked from the beginning. I loved everything about it. The cast, the costumes. It has got to be one of the best tv series I have ever seen, and I’ve watched plenty! It took me 5-7 days to finish it, and I tried to watch it almost all the time! During my lunch breaks, before work started. You can’t put it down! It’s absolutely amazing!
Aurora
December 10, 2019 at 12:13 am (5 years ago)Oh how my husband and I were hooked into watching this series we watched day and night to ensure we finish it before Netflix ends it. Such a beautiful love story and the acting was superb. The Turkish lead actor Kivan Tatlitug performed an Oscar winning performance , superb display of facial expressions and body gestures. And he is also dramatically handsome with piercing dreamy blue eyes. I watched his utube photos with his wife with the music Perfect by Ed Sheeran. Indeed he is perfect and he chose a kind beautiful and sweet woman. Hope he makes an English movie playing yes, a period drama.
CJ
January 11, 2018 at 3:34 pm (7 years ago)Thank you Willow and Thatch! I found this show because of your post and I have adored every second of it. It took over my life until I got to episode 46. It’s been a while since something has captured me so much. I’ve cried for these characters and it’s struck a chord deep inside. I thought I’d go back and watch episode 1 again but already on #4 and can’t stop the second time around.
*Spoiler Alert**
I just couldn’t stand that Petro was able to deceive so many for so long. And I agree with some posts I read that it was insulting to Seyit and Şura to not figure it all out sooner. It seems a little far fetched that he could do so for so long. I can’t imagine Petro’s inner turmoil, to be disowned from his Father and the shame he carried inside. Of course I hated his character but at the same time, what an amazing actor!
I could go on and on.
I’m happy to see that other fans are as excited about Kivanc as myself. His skills as an actor an amazing and I can’t wait to see more of him.
Are they speaking Turkish the whole time? Even in St Petersburg? I feel like I can hear a difference, maybe…but would love for someone to share who knows…
Was this show a huge hit in Turkey?
Is the Hotel and Laundry scenes filmed in a studio? I got that impression.
Also, I read in a comment above that the women came out looking weak…I thought about that for a while but I don’t see it quite that way. The Baroness fought hard for what she wanted. Tina overcame Typhoid (mysteriously) and the loss of her husband. Güzide stayed faithful to her marriage vows despite her strong feelings for Celil. (That takes strength). Ayla got her revenge and wasn’t afraid to stand up to Petro. And of course Şura took a risk in leaving everything she knows and her family to go to an unfamiliar place. She also felt it was weakness to keep trailing behind Seyit as he appeared to leave her hanging so often. So instead she chose her pride and left.
That ships departure scene is just about the worst. The show seems realistic. Sometimes despite your heart it just doesn’t work out in day to day life. But oh the history they shared. How much loss they weathered together.
I’ve shared with all my friends. Such a wonderful show, thank you again !
Nancy
April 7, 2018 at 5:15 pm (7 years ago)I just finished the series this morning. I have not cried so hard in all my life as watching that ship’s departure scene. I thought I would die of heartache.
sonia
November 22, 2017 at 11:05 am (7 years ago)Kurt Seyit and Sura is a wonderful story of love, war and friendship. I am watching for the 2nd time and anxiously waiting for the book in English. Right now, the book has been translated and released in many countries and languages, but unfortunately NO American publishers wanted to publish it, so the author is publishing herself because of the amount of fans in the US that now want to know more about this true story.
BookAddict
November 25, 2017 at 6:08 pm (7 years ago)Recently discovered that due to the popularity of the Netflix series, they are translating the first book of the original series into English!!! It will be released on Amazon later this year.
Valérie
November 21, 2017 at 1:37 pm (7 years ago)Comme de nombreuses personnes, je suis tombée sous le charme de cette série “Kurt Seyit ve Şura”. Pourtant je ne suis pas une adepte des séries avec de nombreux épisodes habituellement sauf vraiment quand ça me plait beaucoup (exemple : Downton Abbey, qui est un petit bijou). Et puis, je regarde rarement des séries turc. En fait, c’est la première que j’en regarde une. Je suis plus adepte des séries scandinaves mais aussi britanniques. Ce fut une très belle surprise. En commençant la série, j’ai été déjà captivée par le générique qui est magnifique et très romantique avec sa jolie musique très tendre. Puis, ça commençait mal pour moi puisque la série était en turc avec des sous-titres en français et je n’aime pas les VO parce que j’ai bien plus de mal à rentrer dans l’histoire. 46 épisodes!!! Il allait me falloir des mois pour la regarder dans ses conditions. Et bien, à ma grande surprise, ça n’a pas été le cas ici. Même si j’aurai préféré voir la série dans ma langue, elle m’a tout de suite envoutée notamment par le jeu des acteurs, mais aussi la période historique. Je me suis surprise a enchainé les épisodes. Au fur et à mesure, je suis tombée amoureuse des deux héros principaux, Seyit et Sura que je voulais absolument voir ensemble tellement ils étaient fait l’un pour l’autre. Leur amour m’a paru tellement pure que je souffrais à chaque épreuve qui les séparaient. Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, en plus d’être magnifiquement beau, joue à merveille le rôle d’un homme amoureux, tendre, démonstratif, vulnérable mais aussi orgueilleux et fier. Farah Zeynep Abdullah quant à elle, campe une Sura qui s’affirme au fur et à mesure du temps. Si je l’ai trouvé très naïve au début, elle est portée par l’amour de Seyit et grandie au fil des épisodes, pour devenir une femme indépendante et affirmée. Elle est en plus très belle. J’ai aussi beaucoup détesté Petro (un rôle très bien mené par Birkan Sokullu). Tous les personnages sont très justes de toute façon. Il me reste encore une quinzaine d’épisodes à voir mais il est clair que cette série restera un long long long moment à trotter dans ma tête.
Willow and Thatch
November 21, 2017 at 7:37 pm (7 years ago)Parfait!
Mona
November 12, 2017 at 12:29 am (7 years ago)I thought the story as a whole was rather melodramatic and became a middling soap opera after the action moved to Istanbul, but the production values and the music were top-notch and I couldn’t stop watching Petro. The character is a total rat, of course, and I should have hated him, but I couldn’t because Birkin Sokullu, the actor who played him, was not only drop dead gorgeous but also fascinating. The more I watched the better looking Petro got (and the less interesting Seyit became for me). I found myself skipping the scenes with Seyit and Sura and fast-forwarding to the scenes with Petro.
Sura for me was a very weak character. I found her self-indulgent, hysterical, and rather air-headed. I also thought the badly bleached hair completely washed the actress out and did not do much for her looks. All in all, the women do not come out looking very good, which is my biggest criticism of this show. Their whole lives seem to consist of pining for men they can’t have. The men are the ones who set things in motion and are, therefore, far more interesting. The only interesting woman was Zahide, Seyit’s mother. If you think about it, this kind of romantic melodrama is rather demeaning to women in general. But I preferred to not think about it and just enjoy the gorgeous Birkan Sokullu. I wish there were more shows with him on Netflix.
Yardley
February 15, 2018 at 2:58 pm (7 years ago)You are forgetting a major point about Sura. She was only 16 years old when she met Seyit, which explains both her fascination and youthful crush on the dashing Seyit. Women in Turkey, which is mainly a Muslim country, at the time were treated as chattel hence their more uninteresting portrayals yet you could see Sura develop as a young woman taking control of her life as time went on. Syeit and Sura were together for 7 years, and Sura was only 23 when they eventually parted. Don’t forget women in America have only been emancipated through the feminist movement since the 1960’s, and were treated before similarly as shown in the series.
Mária
June 21, 2019 at 2:33 am (5 years ago)From the available Internet information, Shura was 15 when she met Kurt and broke up when she was 24 years old
valarie gailliot
July 28, 2019 at 11:05 pm (5 years ago)I’love this story and the series. I love the cinematography and the the fact the is was part of a real story is a plus. I can’t remember watching acting like this before, it captivated me and I was disappointed at the end but I get it now. The Turks culture and the father in the story was about honoring the parents and their culture. I still don’t like the ending . It would of better if he would of spoken to her alone one last time for closer . I’m eating it a second time, that’s how awesome the film is. The two main actors were perfect for the role. I’d love to have that film but translated into English speaking . Also I also agree with others comments about the subtitle were removed to quickly and often I’d pause to read before it would change. But I recommend this film to any one that loves that time period and loves history romance. One of my favorites now
Pamela
November 3, 2017 at 6:16 pm (7 years ago)How fun to see I am not alone and shouldn’t be embarrassed at how great I felt this series was (I also loved Magnificent Century, but never admitted it to anyone,lol). I’m not into melodrama, and tho this did get a bit deep, the story, production and acting was absolutely wonderful. Historically, it seemed fairly accurate and it’s nice to see the perspective of the Turkish people represented w/such ease– Like, “yeah, the British were the bad guys, DUH!”
As much as I was sad to see their relationship going south, it was actually very realistic and I found myself respecting the series more. We can’t always be with the one’s we love, so we must love the one’s we’re with, no?
I , too, would like to know what became of these very real, everyday people.
Anne
October 31, 2017 at 7:37 pm (7 years ago)I stayed up until 4.30 am hooked on this series, it just draws you in and mesmerizes you. I also hope Kivanc is discovered by mainstream productions and see more of him in the future
Sarah
October 6, 2017 at 11:10 pm (7 years ago)I love Seyit and Sura! I have recommended it to others who love it too! I have watched episodes 1 & 2 several times! Seyit’s eyes are mermerizing!
Nancy Nevitt
September 23, 2017 at 6:00 pm (7 years ago)Couldn’t get the kobo e book. Any suggestions? I would love to read Nermin Bezmen’s book!! Just finished the last episode and feeling sadness about no follow up on Sura. Is it true from one of the posts that she lived in France and moved to US and had a daughter?
Marijane
March 4, 2018 at 3:36 pm (7 years ago)I’d like to know what became of Sura and her friend she left on the ship with. If you find out, pleae let me know. Thanks. Marijane
Nancy Nevitt
September 17, 2017 at 2:58 pm (7 years ago)A friend recommended this movie. What an amazing experience. I’m totally hooked! All the above comments capture my feelings. Thank you for this beautiful production.
Kim Weller
September 15, 2017 at 8:28 pm (7 years ago)I too, have just finished the series and rewatched my favorite parts. I have been haunted for days. It takes some distance from the story to analyze the situations. Sura was so young and I think Seyit was still trying to come to terms with his father’s dismissal of her. I think they truly loved each other like no other, but there were so many political and social factors pulling them apart.
Some beautiful stories are ultimately about love and loss…. I hope the the English version of the book is available again soon.
Felicia
September 9, 2017 at 8:59 pm (7 years ago)Goodness!!! I stayed up many nights watching this show!! To be so disappointed with the ending!! A killer. Not sure I would watch again knowing what happens…
Betty Batey
September 8, 2017 at 6:07 pm (7 years ago)The most haunting love story I have ever known. It broke my heart, literally. I had to take a long walk after watching the entire series and just wept my heart out. I have never been so emotionally connected to a film’s characters before. The cinematography, music, actors, everything was just so incredibly compelling. I knew it would end eventually, that fairy tale and reality would have to merge, but now I don’t know how to go on.
Willow and Thatch
September 8, 2017 at 6:11 pm (7 years ago)Betty, I feel for you. Perhaps you could read the ebook linked above, or watch something completely different. Maybe something lighter from another era?
CJ
January 11, 2018 at 3:20 pm (7 years ago)I wept for a whole day too! Still thinking about it all the time. I totally understand!!
Vesna Nuspahic
February 13, 2018 at 8:04 pm (7 years ago)Me too
Vesna Nuspahic
February 13, 2018 at 8:09 pm (7 years ago)I love the story love acting
Mária
June 21, 2019 at 2:43 am (5 years ago)You are not alone:)
Natalie
August 25, 2017 at 11:38 pm (7 years ago)I stumbled onto this series a few months ago, and was so enthralled that I would stay up into the the wee hours of the night, going to work a zombie. I felt every tear, every tender moment, every anguish and every rage. Never been so swept away by a series. And, Seyit’s was cast perfectly. My heart was throbbing for his character. He owned that role. Well done!!!!!
Sue
August 21, 2017 at 7:12 pm (7 years ago)I don’t know if anyone will be interested in reading my review as I was not happy at all with this series. But first of all there may be spoilers in what I write, so having said that, please keep that in mind. I started watching bit by bit, then got engrossed to the point where I was binge watching until I got to Episode 41. At this point, I hated Kurt Seyit and wasn’t sure if I was even going to finish watching the series. I hated how he threw Sura away, how he was much more indulgent with his new wife, whom he was looking at even before he ended it with Sura. He kept so many secrets from Sura and lied to her. I think if she had know the whole story things would have been different between them. She never failed in her love for Seyit. I think he should have fought more for what they had. That’s what love is about. Just my opinion. And I hate the way it ended, and it was a huge disappointment to me.
Letha Brown
October 26, 2017 at 12:02 pm (7 years ago)I hated the end to. He did just throw her away. I know his dad wanted him married a thrush girl. Sura was sweet. Innocent girl. She love him so much. And he really love her. He threw her away for turish. Girl. When he brought the letter to Sura about her parents. And she fainted after she read it. How. He wanted so much. Kiss her. I sure did not like Pedro. He was devil. How someone who was Kurt friend to betray him in so many days. I felt so sorry for sura. They could another series. Let 30/40 year passed. Where his dau is grown and he n Mitch. Has broken up. Or she has died. And he n sura meet again. And be able to full filll. Their love for each other. When I saw 47. Espouse n saw him holding. His dau h much. I knew he let sura go. She left. Loving him more than her life. I don’t think I’ll ever watch it again. It broke my heart.
Adela
August 15, 2017 at 1:23 am (7 years ago)Totally engrossed and nearly finished! Boo hoo 🙁 Wonderful actors, story and music. I’ve done virtually nothing for the last week! And BTW the food looks delicious too.
Georgianna de Zavala
August 13, 2017 at 12:31 pm (7 years ago)I agree with the comments made so far. I, too was totally taken by Kurt Seyit and Sura. I seldom go ga ga over an actor, but Kovanc Tutlitug is not only gorgeous, but also a superb and versatile actor. I searched in vain for Season 2 with English subtitles, but it was not to be found. I came upon another drama in which Kovanc played a young poet afflicted with tuberculosis, and he was just as impressive in that. It has truly piqued my interest in all things Turkish. I look forward to seeing more from this talented actor.
Jane
September 12, 2017 at 12:05 pm (7 years ago)You will love Magnificent Century!!!! That is what hooked me on Turkish TV dramas!!
CJ
January 11, 2018 at 3:18 pm (7 years ago)Netflix labels it as Season 1. But you can tell there are at least 3 seasons in the whole show. After they leave Russia—and then after he goes to prison. Hair styles are different etc and Sabri is older too
Sophia Vance
December 11, 2019 at 2:05 am (5 years ago)This show is one of the best shows ever made. I love how there is so much history and so many emotions felt through eye contact and longing gazes. Please email me about a way to find this series somewhere other than Netflix!!! Why do they have to take this amazing show off! I wish they didn’t! It has changed my life!
Deena
August 9, 2017 at 2:33 pm (7 years ago)I am currently watching Kurt Seyit and Sura on Netflix. I always watch TV with the captions on, so I am loving following along while listening to Turkish, which I have never heard before. I have dubbed it “The Turkish Downton Abbey” because of the period, the family issues, and the frustration between lovers, much of which is attributable to the writing! I absolutely love Guzide’s red hair and the little guy who plays Sabri is adorable!
Anne
August 4, 2017 at 3:47 pm (7 years ago)wow….I feel like I have found a bunch of new like minded friends online! I have been watching this series….am about 2/3rds of the way through it…..
I find it all interesting historically, and interestingly, refreshingly different from American movies. Sigh…..
I am also wishing there could be a season two….but since it was made in 2008, I suppose not….
Kathryn Clake
July 30, 2017 at 3:06 pm (7 years ago)Actor Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ gave me the URL of a Turkish site which discussed the filming locations of this great series and I got a fairly good translation on Google but much of it was filmed in St Petersburg in the buildings used as museums today. I think there were 25 different locations. The ballroom stages of the series took place in the Marble Palace, where 32 different types of marble were used. The shooting of the ballroom scenes was completed in four days.
In outdoor shootings that reflect the magnificence of the period; Zayachi Island, known as the famous Palace Square and Rabbit Island, and the tourist squares were housed. In the shootings made by the set team of 200 people at minus 27, the ice-holding Neva River was reflected on the whole screen.
Kurt Seyit’s home used was the Vavilov Plant Breeding Research Institute. Built in 1899; Summer house of Tsar’s brother (Boris Vladimirovic Romanov).
CJ
January 7, 2018 at 7:37 am (7 years ago)Love these details! Thanks for sharing!
Natasha
October 26, 2019 at 9:49 am (5 years ago)Thank you for very interesting details!!! The historical part of the serious was one of the things that fascinated me about it.
Kim Petersen
July 27, 2017 at 2:44 pm (7 years ago)I watched Seyit and Sura on Netflix several months ago ~ Also fell in love with Kivanc ~ what a wonderful actor!! After doing research I found that he had a current series that I could watch live on StarTV which is a TV channel in Turkey. The series is called Cesur Ve Guzel. It has ended now but you can watch all of his series on a web site called ~ Kavinc Tatlitug North America ~ The series “Cesur Ve Guzel” is contemporary and teams him with the famous actress Tuba Büyüküstün ~ unbeliveable romantic scenes from these two fine actors. But probably my favorite from Kavinc is “Kuzey Guney” about two brothers. These other series are not historical but shouldn’t be missed. The world is just waiting to discover this very talented and I must say very handsome actor!!!
Sara Yoel
October 31, 2022 at 9:07 am (2 years ago)Guzey guney is on Amazon price already a few years but they neglect to make it available to turned on…frustrating. cezar ve Guzrl with Tiba.
Pamela Rosi
July 27, 2017 at 9:04 am (7 years ago)I agree with all your readers who have commented on the extraordinary acting and passion of this magnificent series. I have seen it twice and have never before been drawn so intensely to watching a dramatic series. It was an accident when a friend of a friend told me about it and that I could see it on Netflix. I also just came across your review which I have not seen elsewhere. Among the many reasons to see Kurt Seyit and Sura are the many cultural differences in how love and physical intimacy is present. How wonderful not to have to watch physical sex and yet be overwhelmed with passion conveyed through intense facial expression and tender longing and emotion. It is also a big plus that as seen on Netflix, KS&S is presented with subtitles so viewers can hear the Turkish language the real voices of the actors. I hope that Netflix will get Kivanc Tatlitug as the lead actor.
Karen Sue
July 26, 2017 at 9:35 am (7 years ago)A good friend suggested I watch Kurt & Sura and I absolutely loved it and even though I did get kind of annoyed at how many obstacles were thrown in Kurt and Sura’s path I wanted more than 48 episodes. Wish there was a book in English so I could read the actual story. Thumbs up for any Downton Abbey fan.
Willow and Thatch
July 26, 2017 at 9:43 am (7 years ago)Karen, there is an ebook in English, check the post again, it’s linked there.
Joanne Chapp
July 7, 2017 at 11:30 pm (7 years ago)Thank you Netflix for bringing us this beautiful story. I couldn’t watch it enough….it had such a profound effect on my life.
Jane Blonshteyn
July 3, 2017 at 11:54 pm (7 years ago)When I finished watching the series I felt such emptiness because for several days I couldn’t stop watching and was looking forward for the next episode. I have not seen anything like this for a long time. There are so many things that touched my heart to the core and on so many levels. The handsome, most beautiful actors, the music (I wonder who is a composer of the main theme going through all the episodes), the romance . I came from Russia in 1980 so this adds the excitement. I just want to mention something that brought some memories. The first ball where Kurt and Sura met reminds me of the first ball of Natasha Rostova and Alexander Bolkonsky in “War and Peace” movie that I remember since my childhood and even though, there were many different versions of this movie made (including American) but one particular (old) version is exactly like Kurt and Sura. Because I couldn’t stop thinking about this series I looked on line and found your website and glad to see that many people share their love for this series. Thanks to you sit, I also purchased a book on Kobo.com and started reading and when I finish I will watch again the series (hopefully, it would be still on Netflix and I agree that there should be DVD).
I find your website a “fresh air” which I needed. Even the font of your site is very classic and elegant. With most of stupid TV shows (and network continue producing more) and most of Hollywood movies for the past decade based on comic books there is practically nothing to see for the adult educated serious audience so I’ve been watching mostly foreign and independent movies but love period drama and I’m so glad and so thankful to you for providing a detailed list of those period dramas which I search on Netflix and Amazon and started watching according to your lists precisely. Thank you so much, so glad I found you.
Rachel
June 28, 2017 at 4:16 am (7 years ago)Thank you for posting this! I started watching the series about a week ago and I think I’m almost halfway through now. I needed some place to go that would understand my shaking-fist “Petrooo!”s and rolling my eyes at Güzide! (Again.. only half way through!)
The Wikipedia page was a little disappointing for reading the storyline/finding out information about the real people that inspired the story. Thank you so much for including the link to an English version, too, since I couldn’t find it on amazon!
Claire
June 9, 2017 at 3:42 am (7 years ago)What a beautiful story, a little bit sad which made me cry. The actors, costumes and settings were all fantastic.
Darlene Neitzel
June 6, 2017 at 6:34 pm (7 years ago)I am interested in knowing if we will being seeing more of Kurt and Sura,I am in love with everything about the series and everyone in it. I also found it just looking at Netflix and I keep watching it over and over again.It is so romantic and I love the language and the costumes and of course Kurt and Sura.Please Please let there be more!
Arlene Forwood
August 3, 2019 at 2:13 pm (5 years ago)There can’t be more because this was a true story and everyone is dead.
Corine
May 18, 2017 at 2:57 pm (8 years ago)Do you happen to know if and or when Netflix will add season 2 of this series?
Jennifer
May 18, 2017 at 8:29 am (8 years ago)One of my very favorites ever!! I finished the show a few days ago and although I’m glad to have my life back oh how I miss them. Amazing story, amazing actors. Thank you for writing this article. Would love to know more about the his grand daughter the author. Please help push for a English version of the book.
Willow and Thatch
May 18, 2017 at 8:54 am (8 years ago)Hi Jennifer, look toward the bottom of the post, just below the feather…the English version is available as an ebook, and is linked from the word Kobo.com
Patsy
June 9, 2017 at 12:25 pm (7 years ago)Will there ever be a book in English, I hope so . It was the most beautiful love story that It makes your heart hurt for them
Willow and Thatch
June 9, 2017 at 12:31 pm (7 years ago)A hard copy? I’m not sure, but the ebook linked above is in English.
sonia
November 22, 2017 at 2:45 pm (7 years ago)Yes, a hard copy is on the works to be released in the US by Christmas, according to the author, Nermin Bezmen.
Michelle
May 9, 2017 at 11:21 pm (8 years ago)Thank you for recommending this it was one the best series love stories I have ever seen, even with the sad ending. The actors, costumes, scenery was wonderful and I fell in love with the haunting music that I purchased the sound track. I loved all the characters and can not get it out of my mind that I have searched the internet for stories of the true lives. The history alone was also fascinating and I am sure I will watch it again.
Seyit & Sura’s actors had such intense chemistry it was totally beautiful to watch. And actually all the actors were quite dramatic. absolutely loved it!
Willow and Thatch
May 10, 2017 at 9:15 am (8 years ago)So glad you liked it!
Nick
April 21, 2017 at 11:57 pm (8 years ago)This needs to be available on dvd for those who dread when Netflix reshuffles what you can watch. There was a Korean show, The Good Doctor, that was dropped and I was able to buy the DVD, though it was not an officially released product.
Josh
April 13, 2017 at 11:57 pm (8 years ago)My wife and I watched it in Spanish — that’s her primary language– but even dubbed into Spanish it was a REALLY good drama … I was constantly surprised out how well done the production was, how often the story took unpredictable turns and how it defies many stereotypes that we have about romance movies in general, and “eastern” cultures. I couldn’t help but constantly be contrasting the story with how Hollywood would have warped the movie to fit its ideas of what romance is supposed to be. I highly recommend this series … and if I still taught media production I would use it in my class!
Sandra
April 9, 2017 at 1:40 pm (8 years ago)I am on episode 38 of the series an I have both praise and criticism. I LOVED the first installment in Russia and the Crimea….romance, adventure, character development . But the move to Istanbul irritated me. It became more like a soap opera with women sniping each other and the men looking like they were lost most of the time. I am plodding my way through the rest of the show but am a little disappointed.
Mari
July 9, 2017 at 9:53 am (7 years ago)I just started the first episodes of their relocating to Istanbul and I agree with you … I’m not feeling it! It’s like the spark went out of it for some reason, but I will continue to trudge forward with this series. I LOVE IT too much to stop now! LOL
Kelly
July 14, 2018 at 9:39 pm (6 years ago)I’m with you. I watched dedicatedly until they left Crimea but now that they’re in Istanbul I’ve petered off and actually haven’t watched for days now. It’s all gotten so soapy. I’m sort of wondering if I’ll finish at all since I know how the whole thing ends.
Linda Scheiffele
April 9, 2017 at 9:45 am (8 years ago)I have watched this wonderful series 4 times on Netflix, I cannot get enough of this beautiful story.
John B Erickson
July 15, 2017 at 1:12 am (7 years ago)I don’t get it…Episode 46 is not the end of the story!!
Where are the remainder of the Episodes along with the Conclusion of the television drama??
Yvette Medina
October 1, 2017 at 7:12 pm (7 years ago)It is the Most Magnificent in this Century. The Cast and especially the seyit and sura will be immortal for this role. The set, location, makeup, custome, script , cinematography etc etc. But most of all how the True emotions are displayed. Downto the last detail. The customs of the Time. How refreshing to see how alive they are in body,mind and soul. Viva Turkey what this production has done for your Country is Inmense……………..Excellence.
Cristina manzi
April 8, 2017 at 9:24 pm (8 years ago)I found it an extraordinary series, enthralling the story, I could not stop watching the chapters one after another all night. The work of Kivanc Tatlitug SPECTACULAR, I have never seen such an expressive actor. I recommend it to all my friends !!!
Me pareció una serie extraordinaria, atrapante la historia, no podía dejar de ver los capitulos uno tras otro toda la noche. El trabajo de Kivanc Tatlitug ESPECTACULAR, nunca vi un actor tan expresivo. la recomiendo a todos mis amigos!!!
Lis Addison
November 16, 2017 at 7:49 pm (7 years ago)The expert performance of Tatlitung Kivanc was accentuated by his ability to express affection, emotion and dignity in a fierce and courageous personality. This kind of portrayal of masculinity is not something we get in the west, where the narrow emotions allowed to men are being tough, sexy or “nice.” The actor not only gave us range, but allowed his soul to shine through as a beacon.
The poignant argument between him and his Dad requiring marriage to a Turkish girl, pointed to a universal note in this day of global identity and racial intermarriage and brought about questions of loyalty vs. following your heart. Are we going to continue to be loyal to the (sometimes) insular biases of our ancestors or become more open to viewing all nations, tribes and cultures as ourselves, worthy of love and compassion? Do we perpetuate the anger, fear and distrust of our forebears, or craft a new way of inclusion and tolerance so that we lieterally take the “other” into our family, our very bloodline?
I wonder why Shura never got pregnant in all those years of passion? Was Tatya’s story actually her story-a miscarriage or stillbirth of Seyit’s child while living under the stress of war and family discord in the Alushta Farmhouse?
While this compelling story was addictive, I found myself fast forwarding in frustration over Petro’s never-ending deceit, and his constant poisoning of Shura’s attitude toward Seyit. Knowing full well this series was written for TV and needed to be strung out for the viewer and for advertisers, I ultimately felt as Shura and Seyit did, that the painful past needed to be buried along with Petro. What a powerful statement and how perceptive of Seyit to see that his and Shura’s paths were ultimately leading in opposite directions.
The program has definitely piqued my interest in the Ottoman Empire, Turkey, and it’s geographical location in the crossroads between east and west.
Robyn Belgrove
December 18, 2017 at 3:59 pm (7 years ago)Very well stated about why didn’t Şura fall pregnant. I also fast forwarded a lot of scene where they became frustrating for me. This series would have to be the most emotional one I’ve ever watched and days later I find myself crying ,which is most peculiar as I’m pretty stoic.
Thank you for similar insights about an amazing series.
Kivanç Would have to be the most handsome and best actor I’ve seen.
Randal
February 3, 2019 at 7:58 pm (6 years ago)A very insightful review/analysis. The acting was unbelievably brilliant and complex, something we do not see very often anymore. There are men like Kurt Seyit in America but Hollywood does not know how to write the characters. One of the greatest series i have ever seen, though it did drag and was repetitive, but who could let go of this epic adventure.
Alicia Doxon
April 8, 2017 at 1:46 am (8 years ago)I fell in love with this beautiful series almost immediately after watching it. The gentleman who plays Seyit is gorgeous beyond belief! Even though it is in Turkish, I loved that it had the English subtitles so that I can follow every word. What I find interesting is how many episodes it has. I have yet to finish watching it but plan to shortly. Thank you to whoever in Netflix decided to add these magnificent shows. Another Turkish series is the ‘Magnificent Century’ regarding the Ottoman Dynasty and Suleiman the Magnificent. Wow now this was an awesome series. I only wish I could begin to watch Season 2 on Netflix….. I love that it is a true story and have been reading all I can about this Dynasty. Such beautiful love stories coming out of Turkey. Keep up the good work. Thank you!!!
Joan Green
April 9, 2017 at 3:51 pm (8 years ago)Totally agree with your comment Alicia. Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ is superb in Kurt Seyit and Sura! And you are so right to bring Magnificent Century to the authors attention. Magnificent Century is fantastic, edge of your seat drama, and sumptuous costumes and settings. Another fantastic love story! Also, checkout Lovebird on Netflix…another series worth watching-with another gorgeous actor Burak Özçivit. (He’s in both MC and Lovebird)
Helene R. Newman
January 7, 2019 at 5:59 am (6 years ago)I love bothe seyit and sura and Magnificent Century, too. I was very hooked on the latter. Fell in love with Suleiman and Hurrem. You might want to read “Empress of the East.’ By Pierce. It really clarifies Suleiman and Hurrem and their real life and love. So much in the series is fiction.
Dorothy
April 7, 2017 at 9:01 pm (8 years ago)I just watched Tgr Butterfly’s Dream and it wasn’t until about 20 minutes into the movie that I realized the actor who played Seyit was one of the main actors in this film. He really Iooked so different in a very different role. The actress who played Sura was also in this film and played a smaller role. I too saw Kurt Seyit ve Sura and just loved it so much! It’s the perfect binge watch must see story! So many layers to the core story and a cast of excellent actors.
Leslie
April 7, 2017 at 6:11 pm (8 years ago)I have watched it twice and I am now reading the book. The book expands on Seyits life as a child and young man. This is helping me to better understand his adult behavior.
Hazelsifatu
May 7, 2018 at 6:03 pm (7 years ago)I was at a friends house dog sitting who now has Netflix – I found this series and started watching I never realised it was so long. The 1st night I stayed up until 3.30 in the morning and all weekend I was watching wanting to see the finish. Unfortunately my weekend ran out and didn’t see it. I am now going to get the book wish it is on Foxtel Beautiful story, love it .
Ginger Monette
April 7, 2017 at 2:22 pm (8 years ago)Thank you, Willow and Thatch! Although it’s been about 2 weeks since I was swept away by Seyit and Sura, I am still thinking about it. I hope Hollywood takes notice of Kivanc Tatlitug as his acting was stellar.
Having enjoyed Seyit and Sura so much, I’ve gone on to watch some other subtitled dramas on Netflix and been pleasantly surprised. Sadece Sen, a Turkish contemporary 2 hour movie, was quite enjoyable, as was Blind Date, a French movie. I watched parts of The Butterfly’s Dream which also stars Kivanc Tatlitug and could hardly believe it was the same actor–VERY different roles, body language, etc. He is just incredible.
lynn
July 11, 2017 at 10:00 pm (7 years ago)I watched Seyit and Sura last night. I loved this series on netflix. Everyone in the movie was great. The best acting I have seen in a long time. I would like to see more movies with great content such as this!
Banderivka
May 12, 2018 at 6:27 pm (7 years ago)Crimea has been recently unlawfully occupied by terrorist Russia but the majority of educated world still considers it as being part of Ukraine. UKRAINE not russia. Please edit your article.
Willow and Thatch
May 22, 2018 at 11:40 am (7 years ago)From Ginger: “In the era of Kurt Seyit and Sura, Crimea was a part of Russia as Ukraine did not exist then. But you are correct, Crimea is now off the coast of present day Ukraine. We have amended the blog post to clarify.”
Natasha
October 26, 2019 at 10:02 am (5 years ago)Thank you for the clarification. True, Crimea used to be a part of Russian until one of the Soviet Goveners wrote it off to Ukrain to please his wife. And now Crimea is back to be part of Russian.How quickly history can change. Thanks to the series I had a possibility to have a good look into that era to understand what was happening to people in those times.