Celebrated Turkish crime novelist Ahmet Umit is expanding his literary universe onto international screens with major adaptation projects underway. The author, whose books have reached millions of readers worldwide, recently shared updates regarding television adaptations of his historical detective stories.
What's new
Two of Umit's crime novels are making strides toward the screen. Filming has wrapped on a Netflix screen adaptation of "A Memento For Istanbul" ("Istanbul Hatirasi"), which has now moved into post-production. Additionally, the film and television rights for "The Land of Lost Gods" ("Kayip Tanrilar Ulkesi") have been acquired by Gaumont Germany, the production company behind the Netflix historical drama "Barbarians."
About the series
The upcoming Netflix adaptation of "A Memento For Istanbul" centers on a murder investigation deeply tied to the rich history of Istanbul. Key details regarding the screen projects include:
- Cast and Character: Turkish actor Nejat Isler stars as Chief Inspector Nevzat.
- Production Status: Filming is complete for "A Memento For Istanbul" and post-production is underway. Umit expects a 2027 premiere, though a confirmed launch date is not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
- The Land of Lost Gods: This project connects Berlin with the ancient city of Pergamon. While rights have been acquired and development is in progress, the adaptation has not yet materialized and its future remains uncertain.
What to expect
Umit prefers not to interfere with the filmmaking process, believing cinema is a separate artistic discipline. However, he emphasizes that maintaining the core spirit of his work and protecting the integrity of Chief Inspector Nevzat remain crucial to him.
Beyond screen adaptations, Umit's literary work continues to explore global history. Following his novel "Five Days of Rome" ("Roma'nin Bes Gunu"), his next book will take place in Istanbul during the Post-World War I Allied occupation. He also aims to take detectives Yildiz Karasu and Tobias Becker to Cairo in a future mystery.
Source: turkish historical drama - BingNews · Published October 24, 2026 · Photo by Vin Stratton on Unsplash