Dirilis: Ertugrul

Netflix suggested I watch this based on having watched The Last Kingdom and other sword costume sagas. I was expecting a show that was cheesy and predictable by western standards. Instead I was impressed by the plot twists and the manly heroism of the earthy, charismatic Ertugrul, a total bad ass warrior. I'm still in the middle of it and have found myself strangely hooked by the catchy Turkish theme music, the beautiful Halime, and Turkish tribe politics.

I am a Christian, but I have never enjoyed a series as much as this ever,! I learnt so much about the spirit and traditions of the Islamic faith and was amazed at how passionate Muslims are about their faith in God. If only the world today had a leader like Ertugrul. I was struck by his determination that all people no matter their beliefs would live in a just political system together. I had lost faith in God..but this series has brought me back to my God.

As a man, I love this series for the adventure and fighting and great plot. Not to forget the great costumes - extremely well done.

However, the biggest surprise I had was falling in love with Mother Hayme, the mother of the lead character and matriarch of the tribe.

I can easily say I have never seen a role of a strong, traditional motherly figure portrayed this well in any film or TV series. She is a strong figure that forms the backbone of her tribe - honoring her husband's lead role, but never afraid to point him in the right direction if he makes a mistake. Any time he is absent, she takes control and makes sure the tribe has sound leadership. Not to mention how she guides her sons through their difficulties and fights. Solid acting and all around great character!

Oh and Ertugrul is pretty cool too! ;)

This is series worth watching. The storyline is excellent, every episode end in a cliffhanger making you watch the next, again and again and again. The only reason I did not give it 10 stars is the english subscripts that is not good, a lot of spelling and grammatical errors, but despite this, you can follow the series easily. What I enjoyed, was to see a world portrayed from the Muslim side. As a Christian it made me think that we should rather look at the similarities between the Christian believe and the Muslim believe, than the differences, and start from there. The underlying values seems to be very much the same. It is a long series, but definitely worth watching.

My sons and I have been watching this show for a month now. We watch a couple of episodes a night. Being a Roman Catholic and also my love for history this show is excellent. No one was perfect, the Crusaders did was they thought was right, the Mongols and their dreams, but the Turks were fighting for their very existence and a land to settle. This show has everything and Hayme Ana looks so much like my late mother that at times I cannot hold back my tears. Enjoy this wonderful production.