Two Turkish soap operas – Noor and Lost Years – have captivated the hearts and minds of Saudis of all age groups. Teens, children, spouses in all age groups enthusiastically watch Noor, a romantic serial where the lead female character shows strong passion for her handsome and romantic husband, Mohannad. Huda Ahmad, a 56-year-old Woman said watching Noor and Mohannad gives her fresh ideas to renew her relationship with her husband. “Our life was bereft of romance. But the feeling is slowly coming back in our lives,” she said. Turkish families share the same traditions with their Saudi counterparts. People here are not enchanted with the dazzling display of green parks and depiction of natural Turkish beauty: they love the portrayed realistic life and human emotions. “Many Saudi families are interested in Turkish serials because the Turkish families have the same culture and traditions,” Dalal Aziz, an academic said. Mazina Hisham, a mother of five, felt that Yahya, the main character in Lost Years is the best example for the youth because of his loyalty and love for parents and his friends. “Moreover, Lamis, the lead female character, with her natural looks has attracted many Saudis,” she said. On the negative side, the serials may cause frictions between a husband and his wife. Besides, the serials adversely affect the children's psyche as they venture into a world not suitable for their tiny minds. “The two serials present the problems of Turkish society; illegal relationships make me so difficult to answer the questions posed by kids. I know some wives also are complaining that their husbands look for beauty in them as they see in the Turkish women,” Mazina added. __
