Dost TV is a Turkish satellite television channel known for its religious, educational, and cultural programming. Since its establishment in 2005, it has stood out in Turkey’s media landscape as a trusted and consistent voice promoting spiritual values, ethical living, and community engagement. The name “Dost,” which means “Friend” in Turkish, reflects the station’s philosophy: to be a companion to viewers on their journey through life, offering both spiritual guidance and emotional support.
Background and Establishment
Dost TV was founded on March 3, 2005 by Ankara İletişim Hizmetleri A. Ş., a media company based in the Turkish capital of Ankara. The channel emerged as a natural extension of Dost FM, a radio station that had been active since 1995. With the slogan “Biz Dostuz” (We are friends), the station strives to embody values like empathy, humility, and moral responsibility in its broadcasts. Unlike mainstream entertainment-focused channels, Dost TV maintains a thematic and value-based broadcasting policy.
Corporate Structure and Broadcasting License
Dost TV operates under the official license category of U-TV (Thematic Broadcasting). It is a legally recognized and regulated media institution in Turkey, supervised by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK). Its main address is:
- Address: İstanbul Caddesi, Devrez Sokak, No: 1, İskitler, Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey
- Phone: +90 312 341 21 21
Its editorial and technical staff are composed of professionals who specialize in producing Islamic and cultural content, along with educators, theologians, and media experts.
Broadcast Platforms and Reach
Dost TV broadcasts 24/7 via satellite, mainly through Türksat 4A, which covers Turkey and parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Additionally, it is accessible through major digital platforms in Turkey such as Tivibu, D-Smart, Cable TV, and IPTV services.
The channel also offers free live streaming through its official website and YouTube channel, allowing both Turkish citizens and the Turkish diaspora abroad to stay connected. Its online presence ensures global accessibility via mobile phones, tablets, and computers.
Programming Philosophy and Mission
The core mission of Dost TV is to promote permanent, value-based broadcasting rooted in Islamic ethics and cultural tradition. Rather than chasing high ratings with sensationalist content, the channel focuses on programs that enrich the soul, inspire critical thought, and nurture a love for faith and knowledge.
Its broadcasting principles emphasize:
- Friendship and respect in communication
- Promotion of timeless moral values
- Accurate, respectful, and compassionate language
- Educational and spiritually uplifting content
Popular Programs and Content Categories
Dost TV offers a diverse range of programs catering to different age groups and interests. The broadcast schedule is divided into thematic blocks including educational sessions, children’s programs, interviews, and religious discussions. Some notable program categories include:
- Religious Education:
- Kur’an Öğreniyorum (Learning the Qur’an)
- İlmihal Dersleri (Islamic Catechism Lessons)
- Talk Shows and Interviews:
- Dost Konuşmalar (Friendly Conversations) – featuring scholars and guests discussing spiritual topics
- Dost TV Özel – exclusive interviews with influential religious and cultural figures
- Cultural & Historical Documentaries:
- Hayatü’s Sahabe – biographies of the Prophet’s companions
- İslam Tarihi (History of Islam) – documentary series on Islamic civilization
- Family and Women’s Programming:
- Hanım Kuşağı – content tailored for women on ethics, parenting, and health
- Çocuk ve Biz (Children and Us) – parenting-focused shows
- Children’s Programs:
- Küçük Sahabiler (Little Companions) – religious storytelling and cartoon content designed for children
Special Religious Programming
During the holy month of Ramadan, Dost TV enhances its schedule with live iftar and sahur programming. One of its most viewed segments during this period is Bab-ı Reyyan, a special iftar-time talk show. Hosted by respected presenters such as Hayri Akıncı and Seyfettin Bulut, the program features theologians, public figures, and cultural leaders discussing spiritual themes, fasting, charity, and self-improvement.
Additionally, the channel covers religious holidays, Islamic lectures, and community events throughout the year.
Digital and Social Media Engagement
Dost TV has adapted to the digital age with an active online presence. Its YouTube channel hosts program archives, special series, and live broadcasts, attracting millions of views and tens of thousands of subscribers. Particularly popular series include:
- Dost Konuşmalar (Friendly Talks)
- Menkıbeler (Sufi Anecdotes)
- Cuma Sohbetleri (Friday Sermons)
On Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms, the channel maintains a continuous dialogue with viewers, sharing program highlights, spiritual quotes, and updates.
Target Audience and Community Impact
The primary audience for Dost TV includes:
- Adults aged 25–60 interested in religious and ethical content
- Families looking for Islamic educational resources
- Turkish-speaking viewers in Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium)
- Students and learners of Islamic studies
However, with its inclusive and educational approach, the channel also reaches children and youth, particularly through its moral storytelling and Qur’anic learning content.
Social Responsibility and Education
In addition to broadcasting, Dost TV supports a range of educational and charitable initiatives in partnership with organizations like Dost Foundation. These include:
- Online Qur’an courses
- Charity campaigns and Ramadan food drives
- Book donations and literacy projects
- Live Qur’an recitation events where viewers can participate remotely
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dost TV aims to:
- Upgrade to HD and 4K broadcasting standards
- Expand its presence on global streaming platforms
- Introduce multilingual subtitles (especially in Arabic, English, and German)
- Produce more youth- and family-oriented content
- Develop a mobile app with personalized content recommendations
Through these efforts, the channel hopes to continue being a “media friend” to viewers worldwide—offering spiritual companionship and moral clarity in an age of information overload.
