NEW DELHI: Turkish TV series, Diriliş: Ertuğrul (‘Resurrection: Ertugrul and Ertugrul for short) is fast becoming the most popular drama in Jammu and Kashmir.
Turkish ‘Game of Thrones’
The restrictions after the abrogation of Article 370 imposed in the Kashmir, the people in the Valley went on a prolonged strike. As a result, most of them were forced to stay indoors.
According to published reports, in trying times, Kashmiris find catharsis in prayers, reading and watching the popular television series.
Dirilis Ertugrul is one such drama that soothes the Kashmiri sentiments. They find cultural and political similarities in the long-running series.
Many Kashmiris find Ertugrul, also called the Turkish ‘Game of Thrones’ to be highly relatable.
The prolonged shutdowns, e-curfews and imposition of Section 144 since August 5, 2019 have made the series become a sensation in the valley.
Kashmiris are praising the plot since the series helped them “rediscover” and enlighten and broaden the understanding of Islamic history, especially among younger generations.
The worldwide hit series also ‘drives its viewers’ to mentally connect with it.
Binge-watching
Since the valley was locked-down and the local cable operators are prohibited from airing content from the neigbouring Pakistan, Turkey and Iran, Kashmiris are sharing the downloaded files on USB flash drives to watch the acclaimed historical drama, reported The Print.
An action-adventure serial full of sword fights, Ertugrul was popular before the internet lockdown but has gained sweeping popularity despite the uninterrupted internet clampdowns (called e-curfews).
The show’s content with twist and turns has become a popular public activity that has kept people entertained.
Dirilis Ertugrul
Set in 13th century Anatolia (now modern-day Turkey), Dirilis Ertugrul is based on stories of the Muslim Oghuz Turks, fighting Byzantine, invading Mongols and the Crusaders.
The series featuring Ertugrul Ghazi, warrior and father of Ottoman Empire founder Osman I depicts the struggles, tyranny, oppression, suffering, identity and justice of Kayi, a minor group of Turkish tribe of 2,000 people.
It has five seasons, only one season has been dubbed in Urdu. Each season has more than 25 episodes, each around two hours long with Urdu and English subtitles. Dirilis Ertugrul seasons have ended and last year its follow up Kirilis Osman has taken over of which eight episodes have already been aired.
The high-rated drama with the portrayal of traditional Turco-Islamic values has made it a phenomenal global hit. It is reportedly being watched in over 50 years across Asia, Europe and America.
