Hello, everyone! Hope you’re doing well. Today, I’m diving into a review of Resurrection: Ertugrul, a drama that has completely transformed the historical drama scene by vividly portraying the inception of the Ottoman Empire with thrilling battles, intricate political plots, and the inspiring saga of a warrior destined to alter the course of history.
Debuting on December 10, 2014, Resurrection: Ertugrul spans 5 seasons, encompassing 150 episodes (restructured into 448 episodes on Netflix) each running approximately 120 minutes in its original format. This Turkish historical fiction, crafted by Mehmet Bozdağ and broadcasted on TRT 1, stars Engin Altan Düzyatan as the titular Ertugrul Ghazi. The series skillfully delves into themes of honor, justice, faith, and leadership, narrating the 13th-century Turkic tribal conflicts that eventually led to the formation of the formidable Ottoman Empire.
Streaming on Netflix internationally from 2016-17 until 2023, the show garnered acclaim in Turkey as well as countries like Pakistan and Azerbaijan. What makes Resurrection: Ertugrul stand out is its vast narrative scope, merging genuine historical components with captivating personal drama and grand battle scenes comparable to major Hollywood productions.
When Honor Paves the Way to Empire
The tale focuses on a 13th-century Turkish warrior who, after an altruistic act inadvertently endangers his clan, agrees to combat a sultan’s foes in exchange for new land for his tribe. Ertugrul Ghazi leads the Kayı tribe through perilous political terrains, confronting adversaries both external and internal while endeavoring to safeguard his people and uphold justice and faith.
The core plot follows Ertugrul’s transformation from a tribal chieftain to a legendary icon whose deeds lay the foundation for his son Osman’s future empire. Each season brings forth new hurdles, from Byzantine schemes to Mongol onslaughts, showcasing how one man’s steadfast moral compass can shape the fate of entire civilizations.
Ertugrul (Engin Altan Düzyatan): The Noble Warrior with Unyielding Ideals
Ertugrul emerges as one of the most engaging protagonists in historical drama, epitomizing a perfect blend of martial prowess and spiritual insight. Engin Altan Düzyatan delivers an iconic performance, highlighting Ertugrul’s unwavering dedication to justice, even at personal cost. His character embodies leadership through service, consistently prioritizing the welfare of his people over his ambitions.
Throughout the series, Ertugrul’s growth is highlighted as he evolves from a young tribal leader navigating intricate political scenarios to a seasoned statesman shaping the future of entire regions. His journey encompasses mastering not only warfare but the more challenging art of establishing enduring peace through strength and wisdom.
Halime Sultan (Esra Bilgiç): The Princess Who Chose Heart Over Power
Halime Sultan, both Ertugrul’s romantic counterpart and intellectual peer, represents the sophisticated Byzantine sphere intersecting with the nomadic Turkic tribes. Esra Bilgiç infuses her role with depth and strength, elevating a character who might otherwise have been a typical period drama love interest. Instead, Halime becomes a key figure in both political and emotional narratives.
The bond between Ertugrul and Halime signifies the connection between diverse cultures and societies, with their romance serving as a metaphor for the peaceful coexistence Ertugrul aims to achieve on a grander scale.
The Birth of a Future Empire
The series reaches several climactic points over its five seasons, each contributing to the eventual realization of Ertugrul’s vision for a fair society. The ultimate climax involves setting the groundwork for what would become the Ottoman Empire, with Ertugrul’s final triumphs marking both personal achievements and historical milestones.
The final episode aired in Turkey on May 29, 2019, after 5 seasons, with the sequel Resurrection Osman continuing the legacy. The resolution expertly balances historical authenticity with emotional fulfillment, showcasing how Ertugrul’s values and actions set the stage for his descendants’ future successes.
Supporting Characters: A Vibrant Mosaic of Historical Figures
The extensive supporting cast features fellow tribal leaders, Byzantine aristocrats, Mongol commanders, and various historical figures, collectively painting a vivid picture of 13th-century Anatolia. Each character, from loyal allies like Turgut and Bamsi to intricate antagonists embodying different political factions, enriches the series’ exploration of leadership, allegiance, and cultural clashes.
The series excels at crafting multi-layered characters whose motivations remain relatable even when opposing Ertugrul, offering a realistic depiction of historical conflicts where right and wrong aren’t always clear-cut.
Netflix Triumph: A World-Spanning Historical Drama Sensation
Airing for five seasons on the Turkish network with 150 episodes, the series was split into 448 episodes for Netflix, making it one of the most extensive historical dramas available on the platform. It achieved immense global popularity, particularly in Muslim-majority countries, due to its positive depiction of Islamic values and historical Muslim leaders. Viewers often found themselves engrossed in all 464 episodes, a testament to the show’s captivating storytelling and high production quality. The series’ worldwide success solidified Turkish historical dramas as a significant export industry, paving the way for numerous similar productions.
If epic historical dramas with genuine period details and inspiring themes of leadership attract you, Resurrection: Ertugrul is the ideal series to binge-watch on Netflix.
Resurrection: Ertugrul redefines historical drama with its outstanding production quality, authentic period details, and inspiring storytelling chronicling the legendary foundations of one of history’s most significant empires.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 150 (448 on Netflix format)
- Platform: Netflix (originally TRT 1, also available on various international platforms)
- Rating: 7.9/10
- Genre: Historical Drama, Action, Adventure, War
- Protagonists: Engin Altan Düzyatan (Ertugrul), Esra Bilgiç (Halime Sultan)
- Supporting Cast: Hülya Darcan, Kaan Taşaner, Cengiz Coşkun, Serdar Gökhan, Cavit Çetin Güner