Friday Flix Series Review: Dirilis Ertugrul
The fever of web series Dirilis Ertugrul started off last year when Prime Minister asked everyone to watch the Urdu-dubbed version of the series. He urged everyone to watch it over Pakistan Television PTV and first there was a group of people who started watching it and then the whole nation. The love made Ertugrul star Engin Altan visit Pakistan. Whereas, Esra Bilgic came to Pakistan to be a part of Peshawar Zalmi along with the representation of multiple brands.
Cast and Crew
Set in the 13th century, it is a historical drama based on the life of Ertuğrul Ghazi, the father of Sultan Osman, who founded the Ottoman empire. Dirilis Ertugrul is aired between 2014-2019 in Turkey. The cast includes Engin Altan Duzyatan, Esra Bilgic, Cengiz Coskun in titular roles. The series is created by Mehmet Buzdag.
In 2020 during Lockdown and Ramadan, when Dirilis Ertugrul (Resurrection: Ertugrul), started streaming on Netflix. The Turkish historical series has gotten massively popular in Pakistan particularly among young Muslims. The show was previously broadcasted in Turkey on TRT World in December 2014. And ran for 448 episodes more than five seasons.
Plot – Dirilis Ertugrul
Engin Altan Düzyatan plays the heroic, Ertuğrul, fighting a group of Crusaders, Templars, Byzantines, and Mongols. As the son of the tribe’s leader, Suleyman-Shah, Ertuğrul carries the responsibility of his people, the ‘Kayi tribe,’ on his rippling shoulders, but he also keeps much heavier burden in his heart: his undying love for his queen, the Seljuk princess Halime Hatun, played by Esra Bilgiç.
With romance, gorgeous costumes, and an even more gorgeous musical score. Ertugrul is filled with a great storyline and bloody battles. Some people say that it is an Islamic version of Game of Thrones. The depiction of the whole series goes around with the Islamic rituals and strong scripting. That has indeed carved out a special place in our entertainment landscape.
The story starts when Süleyman Şah, Bey of the Kayi sends his son, Ertugrul, to ask for land from the Emir of Aleppo. This becomes almost impossible when Kayi is put in a series of problems. The problems happened with the Templars after saving Şehzade Numan, Halime Sultan, and Şehzade Yiğit. Because of the traitor in the Emir’s palace, Nasir. Nasir works for the Templars, but he was slashed by Ertugrul and the truth was revealed to Emir. Series of problems arise when the series progress. With killing, nearly impossible love and difficulties take over.
Dirilis Ertugrul – Religious or Political reason?
This series was suggested by Imran Khan and contains an element of thought for both political and religious reasons. Critics somehow believe that Khan might be creating strong Islamic roots and promotion in Pakistan. And also unite them on one ground. And to get rid of the narrative of Islamophobia.
That’s not just all, this series rightly justifies and glorifies Muslim values. Since the storyline depicts the bravery of Muslim Oghuz Turks fighting the Mongol invaders, Christians, Byzantines, and the Knights Templar in Anatolia. It certainly glorifies Muslim values and Ottoman Empire as well. Muslims throughout have been portrayed negatively in movies and series. This series changed the narrative on a larger scale. Dirilis Ertugrul carved a powerful portrayal in media around the world too.
The absence of explicit scenes and nudity throughout the series became an element of attraction for many desi families. It became a family show with kids. Even I have seen plenty of my 10-12-year-old cousins watching and discussing and dissecting the series scene by scene.
The portrayal of strong women
Not just men, the series showed that women are powerful, enigmatic, and absolutely brave. They are not just the leads’ love interests, they are powerful in both politics and business. A scene where Halime Hatun defends herself with a sword when a man tries to assault her shows women in that era took no stone to themselves. Either it’s love or hate. Both Selcan Hatun and Halime Hatun lead the series with charm and grace.
The series is still airing on YouTube, PTV, and Netflix and the fan following hasn’t diminished as of yet!
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