‘Istanbul Encyclopedia’ Netflix Series Review - A Journey of Reflection and Reclamation

Istanbul Encyclopedia is a compelling and introspective Turkish series that weaves a richly emotional tale of two women—Zehra and Nesrin—each navigating life from opposite ends of generational and cultural spectrums. Though seemingly different in age, experience, and perspective, the two protagonists slowly uncover a mirror within one another, revealing the hidden parallels in their lives. The series thoughtfully explores themes of identity, belonging, and liberation in a world that often constrains women to predefined roles.

Zehra, a bright and determined young woman, arrives in Istanbul to pursue her university studies, stepping into the unknown with hopes of carving out a space for herself. Unbeknownst to her, this city will not only challenge her ambitions but also compel her to confront her inner uncertainties. She finds unexpected shelter with Nesrin, an older woman who was once close to Zehra’s mother but has since drifted away from her past. Nesrin, worn by life and burdened by emotional ties to the city, is preparing to leave Istanbul behind in search of personal freedom and closure. As Zehra seeks beginnings, Nesrin longs for escape—one looking forward, the other backward.

Their relationship begins with friction, born of misunderstanding and generational differences. But as the series unfolds, the emotional distance between them softens. Gradually, they become witnesses and participants in each other's transformation. Their initial conflicts give way to mutual recognition, where both women come to see fragments of themselves in the other. The narrative captures this evolving bond with tenderness and subtlety, making the emotional development feel authentic and deeply human.

The series excels in its portrayal of identity, particularly through Zehra’s character. She is portrayed not only as a young woman in search of her place in the world but also as someone wrestling with the expectations imposed by her background, culture, and upbringing. Her internal struggle is poignantly illustrated through moments of rebellion, confusion, and introspection. She challenges inherited beliefs, questions her morality, and leans on faith when everything else falters. It’s this emotional tension—between self-discovery and societal responsibility—that makes her journey resonate so powerfully.

Nesrin, on the other hand, offers a poignant contrast. Where Zehra is beginning her journey, Nesrin is trying to close a chapter. Yet, her past and unfulfilled desires haunt her, and through Zehra, she finds the courage to confront the decisions she once made. Their intertwined paths become a dual narrative about the cycles of hope, loss, and rediscovery.

What Istanbul Encyclopedia does best is paint a vivid portrait of women navigating their lives within the constraints of tradition, family, and personal longing. The city of Istanbul itself plays a silent, almost spiritual role—both a cage and a sanctuary, a symbol of roots and a place of reinvention.

Ultimately, the series is not just about two women, but about the universal quest for self-definition. In Zehra and Nesrin’s journey, viewers are reminded that finding oneself is rarely a linear path, but rather a constant negotiation between the past and the future.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times