Doha, Qatar – Turkish actor Engin Altan Düzyatan, known globally for his portrayal of Ertuğrul Bey in the historical drama Diriliş: Ertuğrul, discussed the series’ unprecedented international success during a recent press event at the Doha Film Festival. The show’s popularity underscores a growing demand for diverse historical narratives and culturally relevant content, particularly within the Islamic world. Düzyatan’s appearance at the festival highlighted the significant cultural impact of Diriliş: Ertuğrul.
The press briefing, held by the Doha Film Institute, offered insights into the reasons behind the series’ resonance with audiences across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and parts of Asia. Diriliş: Ertuğrul initially aired in Turkey from 2014 to 2019 and has since gained a massive international following, largely through social media and streaming platforms.
The Global Appeal of Diriliş: Ertuğrul
Düzyatan attributed part of the show’s success to its depiction of shared cultural values. “Arab countries enjoyed the show because these are Muslim nations and we have a shared tradition, for example, around hospitality. To a certain degree, we look at the world in similar ways,” he explained. This connection to traditions and values appears to have played a critical role in establishing a devoted fanbase.
However, the actor also emphasized the lack of similar representation in mainstream television. He suggested the scarcity of narratives featuring Muslim heroes contributed significantly to the show’s broad appeal. This resonates with observations by media analysts who point to a historical underrepresentation of Islamic figures and perspectives in popular entertainment.
A Historical Epic Reaching New Audiences
Diriliş: Ertuğrul chronicles the life of Ertuğrul Bey, a 13th-century leader and the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. The series focuses on the struggles of the Kayı tribe as they navigate political turmoil, warfare against the Mongols, Byzantines, and Crusaders, and the challenges of establishing themselves in Anatolia. This period of history, pivotal in the formation of the Ottoman Empire, had previously lacked comprehensive dramatic representation for a wide global audience.
The show received comparisons to the American series Game of Thrones, earning the nickname “Turkish Game of Thrones” due to its large-scale battles, political intrigue, and complex characters. Unlike Game of Thrones, however, Diriliş: Ertuğrul incorporates strong religious and moral themes, which resonated particularly well with viewers in Muslim-majority nations. Al Jazeera reported on the series becoming a surprising hit in the Arab world.
Preparing for the Role of a Lifetime
Düzyatan revealed that his pre-existing skills were surprisingly beneficial in preparing for the physically demanding role of Ertuğrul Bey. He had been an avid horseback rider since childhood, easing the demands of battle scenes and nomadic life portrayed in the series.
Additionally, the actor had also received university-level training in swordsmanship. This prior experience streamlined the process of mastering the combat techniques required for the role. He noted the extensive choreography and physical stamina needed to convincingly portray a 13th-century warrior.
The actor acknowledged the overwhelming appreciation he receives from fans worldwide, particularly in the GCC, MENA, and Asia. According to reports, he has seen a substantial increase in social media followers and recognition during visits to those regions. This genuine connection with his audience is rare and adds to the enduring legacy of both the actor and the show.
Looking forward, the popularity of Diriliş: Ertuğrul has prompted the creation of a sequel series, Kuruluş: Osman, which focuses on the life of Osman I. The ongoing success of these productions suggests a continued interest in Turkish historical dramas and a growing appetite for representation of Islamic heritage on the global stage. Future developments in content distribution and the emergence of new streaming platforms will likely influence the reach and impact of similar series.
