Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Gift, which takes viewers on a mystical journey that bridges ancient Turkish history with modern spiritual awakening through the fascinating archaeological site of Göbeklitepe.
Released on December 27, 2019, The Gift (originally titled “Atiye” in Turkish) premiered on Netflix and ran for three successful seasons, with the second season released on September 10, 2020, and the final season concluding on June 17, 2021. Each episode runs approximately 40 minutes, creating an immersive viewing experience. Written by Jason George and Nuran Evren Şit, and directed by Ozan Açıktan, the series stars Beren Saat in a career-defining performance alongside Mehmet Günsür and Metin Akdülger.
The Gift masterfully combines archaeological mystery, spiritual fantasy, romantic drama, and historical elements to create a unique viewing experience. The series is adapted from Şengül Boybaş’s novel “Dünyanın Uyanışı” (The World’s Awakening) and explores themes of destiny, ancient wisdom, spiritual connection, and the intersection between past and present. This Turkish production stands out by incorporating the real UNESCO World Heritage site of Göbeklitepe into its mystical narrative.
A Painter’s Mysterious Connection to Ancient Symbols
The story centers around Atiye, an abstract painter in Istanbul who has been unconsciously drawing the same fertility symbol since childhood without understanding its meaning. The Gift begins when Atiye’s world changes dramatically after meeting Erhan, an archaeologist who discovers this exact symbol at the Göbeklitepe excavation site, revealing a connection that transcends time and logic.
Atiye’s comfortable life with her wealthy fiancé Ozan is disrupted when she realizes her lifelong artistic obsession with this ancient symbol is not coincidental but part of a larger cosmic pattern. As The Gift unfolds, she must choose between her predictable upper-class existence and embracing a mysterious destiny that connects her to humanity’s oldest known temple complex.
Atiye: From Artist to Spiritual Guide
Beren Saat delivers a mesmerizing performance as Atiye, portraying her transformation from a content art teacher and painter to someone who must accept her role as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern understanding. Throughout The Gift, Atiye struggles with visions, supernatural experiences, and the growing realization that her entire life has been leading to this moment of awakening.
Her character journey explores themes of spiritual calling versus personal choice, as Atiye must navigate the conflict between rational skepticism and undeniable mystical experiences. The series showcases her evolution from someone who paints instinctively to someone who understands she’s been channeling ancient knowledge, making her both a conduit for universal truths and a woman fighting to maintain her individual identity.
Erhan: The Archaeologist Who Bridges Science and Mysticism
Mehmet Günsür brings depth and intensity to his role as Erhan, the archaeologist whose scientific discoveries at Göbeklitepe become the catalyst for Atiye’s spiritual awakening. In The Gift, Erhan represents the intersection of academic research and supernatural revelation, as his methodical approach to uncovering the past collides with inexplicable mystical events.
The chemistry between Erhan and Atiye creates a romantic subplot that transcends ordinary love stories, as their connection appears to be rooted in ancient spiritual bonds rather than simple attraction. Their relationship develops as they both grapple with forces beyond their understanding, making their romance feel cosmically destined rather than coincidental.
The Ultimate Revelation: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Crisis
The series reaches its most intense moments as Atiye fully embraces her role as a spiritual guide and the true purpose of Göbeklitepe is revealed. The Gift builds toward epic revelations about humanity’s spiritual evolution and Atiye’s crucial role in guiding mankind through a period of consciousness transformation that has been prophesied for millennia.
These climactic sequences showcase the series’ ambition to blend personal growth with universal themes, as Atiye’s individual journey becomes representative of humanity’s potential for spiritual advancement. The final season explores how ancient wisdom can provide guidance for contemporary global challenges, making the personal stakes feel genuinely world-changing.
Success on Netflix
The Gift found significant international success on Netflix by offering viewers a unique blend of Turkish culture, archaeological intrigue, and spiritual fantasy that hadn’t been widely explored in mainstream television. The series resonated with global audiences seeking meaningful content that combines historical elements with personal transformation themes. With Beren Saat’s compelling central performance, beautiful cinematography of both Istanbul and the Göbeklitepe archaeological site, and its respectful handling of both Turkish culture and universal spiritual concepts, The Gift established itself as one of Netflix’s most distinctive international offerings, successfully running for three seasons that allowed for complete story development.
A Spiritual Journey Worth Experiencing
If you love mystical dramas with archaeological mysteries and spiritual transformation themes, The Gift is the perfect series to binge on Netflix.
Why This Mystical Drama Captivates Global Audiences
Positive Points:
- Outstanding lead performance by Beren Saat as a complex character navigating spiritual awakening
- Unique incorporation of real archaeological site Göbeklitepe adds authentic historical depth
- Beautiful cinematography that captures both modern Istanbul and ancient Anatolian landscapes
- Thoughtful exploration of spiritual themes without being preachy or dogmatic
- Perfect balance of romance, mystery, and supernatural elements that never feels forced
Negative Points:
- Mystical and spiritual themes may not appeal to viewers seeking purely realistic drama
- Some supernatural elements might feel too abstract for casual fantasy viewers
- Cultural and historical references require openness from international audiences
- Pacing occasionally slows during philosophical and spiritual exposition scenes
- Complex mythology and symbolism may be overwhelming for viewers unfamiliar with ancient history
The Gift offers a rare television experience that treats archaeology, spirituality, and Turkish culture with genuine respect while delivering compelling personal drama, making it essential viewing for anyone seeking meaningful fantasy content.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: Season 1: 8 episodes, Season 2: 8 episodes, Season 3: 8 episodes
- Platform: Netflix
- Release Year: 2019-2021
- Current IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Archaeological Thriller
- Production Type: Turkish Drama (Dizi)
- Status: Completed (3 seasons)
- Main Protagonists: Beren Saat (Atiye), Mehmet Günsür (Erhan), Metin Akdülger (Ozan)
- Antagonist: Forces attempting to prevent Atiye’s spiritual awakening and humanity’s consciousness evolution