Turkish historical fiction series Diriliş: Ertuğrul popularly referred to as the Turkish Game of Thrones‘ by fans, has become a sensation in Indian-occupied Kashmir, beating the internet ban in the valley.
According to a report in Print India, “Diriliş: Ertuğrul, which means ‘Resurrection Ertugrul’, is travelling from one household to another in flash drives, circumventing a government effort to stop local cable operators from airing content produced by Muslim countries such as Turkey, Pakistan and Iran.”
Fans not only enjoy the show but say it has helped them “rediscover” Islamic history.
Though the show was popular in the area before the lockdown, its popularity appears to have skyrocketed following the blackout, including in previously uncharted areas of the Valley. Watching the show together has become a family activity for most families living there.
According to Kashmiris, with no internet, restrictions on civil movement and the shutdown between August and October, contributed to its popularity, to the extent that “analysing” the series is becoming an activity of sorts at coaching centers, street corners and even at mosques.
As for how they gained access to the show, many people had already downloaded the series before the internet ban, while some got it on trips outside the Valley. The series was then shared between different households.
Set in 13th century Anatolia, Diriliş: Ertuğrul follows the time before the establishment of the Ottoman Empire and illustrates the struggle of Ertugrul Gazi, the father of Osman I – the founder of the Ottoman dynasty.
It has five seasons, all of which have more than 25 episodes, each around two hours long.
Previously, Prime Minister Imran Khan had requested PTV to air the show and had recommended all Pakistanis to watch it because it “promotes the true Islamic values.”
Following the PM’s request, PTV acquired the rights to the drama and will soon be airing it after it is dubbed in Urdu.
