04 September 2026
Assistant Professor Eda Türkay’s article has been published in Akademik Hassasiyetler!
Dr. Eda Türkay, an assistant professor in the Department of Radio, Television, and Cinema at the Faculty of Fine Arts (GSF) of Istanbul Gelişim University (IGU), co-authored the article “The Use of Cultural Memory as a Tool in Netflix Original Turkish Films: The Case of the Film ‘Lovers’ Festival’” and published it in the 31st issue of the journal Akademik Hassasiyetler.
Focusing on the impact of digital streaming platforms on cinema culture, viewing habits, and cultural transmission processes, the study examines how cultural memory is positioned within the narrative of Netflix original Turkish films.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND CULTURAL MEMORY EXAMINED
The article emphasizes that digital streaming platforms not only offer an alternative to traditional screening venues but also develop new content policies. The study notes that these platforms are building a digital viewing culture by transforming the silver screen into a screen, the audience into users, and the narrative into content. In the research conducted through Netflix’s original production strategy, it is assessed that the platform creates a space for cultural transmission between local and international audiences; while producing content on a country-by-country basis, it uses cultural memory as a source of narrative.
THE FILM “ÂŞIKLAR BAYRAMI” WAS ANALYSED USING A SEMIOTIC APPROACH
In the study, the Turkish original film “Lovers’ Festival,” available in the Netflix library, was selected as a case study with a focus on the dimension of cultural transmission. The influence of cultural memory in the film’s narrative was examined within the framework of Juri Lotman’s cultural semiotics and Christian Metz’s film semiotics. The research sought to answer how Netflix establishes the relationship between local and universal culture in its original Turkish films, and through which narrative strategies elements of cultural memory are presented to local and global audiences.
The article emphasizes that digital streaming platforms not only offer an alternative to traditional screening venues but also develop new content policies. The study notes that these platforms are building a digital viewing culture by transforming the silver screen into a screen, the audience into users, and the narrative into content. In the research conducted through Netflix’s original production strategy, it is assessed that the platform creates a space for cultural transmission between local and international audiences; while producing content on a country-by-country basis, it uses cultural memory as a source of narrative.
THE FILM “ÂŞIKLAR BAYRAMI” WAS ANALYSED USING A SEMIOTIC APPROACH
In the study, the Turkish original film “Lovers’ Festival,” available in the Netflix library, was selected as a case study with a focus on the dimension of cultural transmission. The influence of cultural memory in the film’s narrative was examined within the framework of Juri Lotman’s cultural semiotics and Christian Metz’s film semiotics. The research sought to answer how Netflix establishes the relationship between local and universal culture in its original Turkish films, and through which narrative strategies elements of cultural memory are presented to local and global audiences.
THE ROLE OF CULTURAL MEMORY IN NARRATIVE WAS DISCUSSED
In the article, the tradition of “aşık” poetry featured in the film *Âşıklar Bayramı*, along with Alevi culture, music, rituals, and local symbols, was evaluated within the context of cultural memory. The study noted that the cultural codes in the film give rise to different modes of interpretation for both local and global audiences. The study’s key finding suggests that the cultural flow embedded in the film’s narrative as part of its content strategy could pave the way for cultural amnesia. By opening a discussion on the use of local cultural elements on digital platforms, the study contributes to the literature on cinema, digital culture, and cultural memory.
As the Faculty of Fine Arts at Istanbul Gelişim University, we congratulate Assistant Professor Eda Türkay and wish her continued success in her academic endeavors.
In the article, the tradition of “aşık” poetry featured in the film *Âşıklar Bayramı*, along with Alevi culture, music, rituals, and local symbols, was evaluated within the context of cultural memory. The study noted that the cultural codes in the film give rise to different modes of interpretation for both local and global audiences. The study’s key finding suggests that the cultural flow embedded in the film’s narrative as part of its content strategy could pave the way for cultural amnesia. By opening a discussion on the use of local cultural elements on digital platforms, the study contributes to the literature on cinema, digital culture, and cultural memory.
As the Faculty of Fine Arts at Istanbul Gelişim University, we congratulate Assistant Professor Eda Türkay and wish her continued success in her academic endeavors.