The Prime minister of Pakistan would like Pakistanis to watch a phenomenally popular Turkish television series called Dirilis: Ertugrul. Imran Khan has been seen on tape, not only recommending the popular serial but insisting all five seasons should be dubbed in Urdu so that the general public can watch and understand.
Months after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s personal request (PTV) launched an Urdu-dubbed version of the hit Turkish series “Dirilis: Etrugrul” or “Resurrection: Etrugrul”. It has been an instant hit. The first episode of “Ertugrul” received more than 400,000 views in the first 24 hours after it was posted on the YouTube channel of PTV Home.
Etrugrul has a vast and obsessive worldwide fan following in 60 plus countries. The show has gained sweeping popularity in the Middle East, South Africa and surprisingly in South America and now in Pakistan.
The series been described as a Turkish or Islamic “Game of Thrones.” But it’s by no means a crude, amoral epic about the lust for power. Unlike most Netflix-style serials these days, the main character Ertugrul is a hero, not an anti-hero. He epitomizes traditional Islamic chivalry or futuwwa. He displays courage, unflinching faith in God, and obedience as a son.
Look deeper into the show and you will see that each episode delivers both spiritual and life lessons by allowing principle characters to talk directly about moral dilemmas and their resolution.
The most notable lessons from this serial are: maintain your orientation towards establishing justice, protect the innocent, trust in God and never give up. Perhaps the most popular quote is
“The victory is not ours, it belongs to Allah” , a sentiment that resonates deeply with many Muslims.
Cutting across the social divide, the series is praised for its plot, high quality production values, talented actors and perfect direction. The adept makers of the series know how keep the audience on edge in each episode.
Former cricketer Shahid Afridi said the series 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,”
Even without the theology, Ertugrul is thoroughly entertaining and represents universal values of good over evil and surviving tough times through perseverance and that can revive the spirit no matter what your faith is or isn’t.
The wide popularity of the “Ertugrul” series is a testament to the power of narratives. Set over seven centuries ago, the show provides entertainment for many, and for some, fuels hope.
