Kayseri: Ilk Gokturk (The First Gokturk), a new fantasy period series inspired by Turkish mythology, is set to premiere on HBO Max in early 2026. The series chronicles the founding and rise of the Gokturk State, the first known Turkish empire to bear the name 'Turk' in written history.

According to Anadolu Agency, the series director Alper Caglar shared insights into the storyline and production details. The first chapter, titled "Prologue," depicts the establishment of the state; the second explores a darker chapter known as the Kursat Revolt; and the final episode illustrates the empire's concluding era. Caglar highlighted that preparations for the production were extensive, including the construction of a 50-meter-wide gladiator arena in Kayseri, designed by renowned production designer Sonja Klaus.

The series features a cast from all Turkic republics and regions, emphasizing the shared cultural heritage. Caglar noted, "Turks united to reject subjugation. Though fiercely independent, they came together under a centralized authority for their freedom." He also explained that the Gokturk State controlled the Silk Road and had one of the largest empires in history.

Deniz Sasmaz Oflaz, Warner Bros. Discovery's vice president of local original productions and streaming operations for Trkiye, described the show as "our biggest period drama and one of the first series that relates to Turkish history-the story of the Turks." She mentioned its potential for multiple seasons and spin-offs.

Caglar emphasized the series' focus on realism, using fewer mythological elements than typical fantasy productions. He pointed out that the narrative centers on a small, dispersed Turkic population around 550 AD, surrounded by vast empires like China, Iran, and Rome. The term 'Turk' first appeared in written records from this era, where they called themselves the Turkic Khaganate, with the name 'Gokturk' being adopted later.