Often described as a Turkish “Game of Thrones,” the series titled “Diriliş: Ertuğrul” (“Resurrection: Ertuğrul”) is set in 13th century Anatolia and tells the story of the lead-up to the establishment of the Ottoman Empire.
DESPARDES — Its popularity is so widespread that Prime Minister Imran Khan recently ordered that all five seasons be dubbed in Urdu to make it easier for the general public to watch and understand. Often described as a Turkish “Game of Thrones,” the series is set in 13th century Anatolia and tells the story of the lead-up to the establishment of the Ottoman Empire. The show brings to life the struggle of Ertuğrul Gazi, the father of the empire’s first leader Osman I.
Pakistani Muslims (including Indian Muslims) and the Turkish nation have historical relations going back even before the Ottoman Empire thru the 100-year old Khilafat Movement until its deseating in the region post World War 1.
The series previously gained sweeping popularity in the Middle East, South Africa and, surprisingly, in South America.
The action-packed Turkish television series has now reportedly taken over Pakistan.
Former cricketer Shahid Afridi said the Turkish ‘Game of Thrones’ has brought history to his living room. “Watching the Turkish series “Diriliş: Ertuğrul,” I am overwhelmed by the achievements and victories that came as a result of their faith and the empire of justice which they were able to establish,” he told Anadolu Agency (AA).
Mohammad Amin, a young engineer based in Islamabad, told AA: “I have watched all five seasons, 390 episodes, online. Only one season has been dubbed in Urdu, while the others, I watched with Urdu subtitles.”
The series is also very popular among women, who watch the show in their homes. “So far I watched two seasons with my husband and kids, and I can say that this is a great effort of Turkey to show us our history,” said Naila Khan, a local teacher from the Mardan district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“I learned from this series that rulers of the Ottoman Empire were pious, thoughtful and brave, and that was the reason they ruled half of Europe,” she remarked.
In September, Turkey, Pakistan and Malaysia agreed to jointly fight the rising global trend of Islamophobia, mainly in the West. The three countries decided to launch a TV channel dedicated to confronting the challenges posed by anti-Muslim hate and make films on Islam’s heroes.
Original article by Anadolu Agency published in Daily Sabah…
