27.04.2026 17:32
Turkish productions are watched by large audiences in Ecuador, but the biggest impact of Turkish TV series has been reflected in population records. Data obtained from Ecuador's population registry reveals a growing trend of giving children Turkish names.
Turkish productions are watched by large audiences in Ecuador, and the greatest impact of Turkish TV series has been reflected in population records.
TURKISH TV SERIES ARE WATCHED WITH GREAT INTEREST IN ECUADOR
Turkish TV series have taken over daily life in Ecuador. Since 2015, Turkish series that have influenced Ecuador have turned into a cultural trend that has changed consumption habits, family dynamics, and even birth records. Turkish productions have achieved what seems impossible, making Mexican and Colombian series forgotten by Ecuadorian audiences.
AT THE TOP IS "BINBIR GECE" (ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS)
According to ratings data collected since 2015, the turning point of this change in the country was the series "Binbir Gece." The data shows that this series reached a surprising 44.2% share in the "ABC Housewives" category, setting a benchmark that very few national or international productions have achieved since. Following this success, the series Fatmagül reached 33.7%, Beni Unutma 38.8%, and more recently, Altın Çocuk 27.4%, becoming the most-watched productions.
Karina Medina, Programming Director of Ecuavisa, stated that this success is no coincidence, saying, "We have seen incredible results with Turkish productions." Medina expressed that the channel's commitment to featuring Turkish productions will continue, adding, "Ecuavisa plans to premiere new series ahead of the upcoming World Cup, and Turkish content will continue to be the backbone of the evening broadcast schedule."
Dr. Juan Pablo Viteri, a Media and Cultural Studies expert, answered the question of why Turkish productions are preferred over Hollywood, stating that the answer lies in shared values. "Our similarities with Turkey stem from the fact that we are both blended cultures with a very strong religious foundation," he said. Viteri noted that this common moral framework allows for a much closer experience of family life and certain ethical dilemmas compared to Anglo-Saxon or European productions.
Communication expert Dr. Gustavo Cusot expressed a similar view, noting that these stories convey conservative values that resonate with traditional families. Cusot emphasized that the classic melodrama structure remains the main attraction, saying, "Although these countries seem far from us, the stories repeat themselves. There is always a villain, a hero, and more than one love story."
"I ENJOY SEEING THINGS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT WE SEE IN THE WEST"
Young viewers Adrian Idrovo and Arez Khalegh Parast claim that Turkish productions strengthen their bonds with their mothers. Arez described how she becomes immersed in the world of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent after returning from school, fascinated by the blend of history and fiction. Adrian highlighted the educational and visual value, saying, "I enjoy being able to see other countries, cultures, or landscapes that are different from what we usually see in the West." Arez and Adrian noted that thanks to Turkish series, the conversation in the living room continues even after the TV is turned off.
NAMES LIKE AYLIN, DEMIR, ELIF
The greatest impact of Turkish series has been reflected in population records. Data from Ecuador's civil registry reveals a growing trend of giving children Turkish names. Names like Aylin, Demir, and Elif have become part of Ecuadorian identity. While parents used to take inspiration from Hollywood or Mexican stars, today's names often come from characters in Istanbul-based series.
"IF YOU MAKE A FRIEND IN TURKEY, IT LASTS A LIFETIME"
Laudi Caterine Martinez, a language coach who lived in Turkey for a year, remarked on the kindness of Turkish people, saying, "If you make a friend in Turkey, it lasts a lifetime," highlighting the bond between the two peoples. Martinez added, "You can love or hate the series because of their length, but for those with a real connection to the country, the series serve as a bridge to those memories."
In Ecuador, it's not just Turkish television that is watched; Turkish culture, names, and values are being absorbed.