Makers of Turkish series 'Ertuğrul' overwhelmed by sweeping response in Pakistan

The makers of world-famous Turkish drama “Diriliş: Ertuğrul” have said that the team is overwhelmed by the sweeping response after the series garnered heaps of praises with its Urdu-dubbed version currently being aired in Pakistan on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recommendation.

The director of the digital for Turkish Radio & Television (TRT), Riyaad Minty spoke to BBC Urdu about the success of the drama in the South Asian nation. Minty is the head of the TRT team working with Pakistan Television to broadcast this show in Pakistan.

“Ertuğrul has gone viral in Pakistan and its episodes are trending on YouTube in Pakistan every day,” Minty said, adding that there are more than 30 million views and over 600,000 subscribers on Youtube channel.

“However, with growing popularity, these numbers are expected to climb up in the coming days,” he hoped.

Originally produced by the Turkish state-owned media company TRT in collaboration with a private company, the historic drama was later dubbed into various languages and was streamed online around the world.

Read also: PM Imran shares views about PTV telecast of Turkish series Diriliş: Ertuğrul

Created by Mehmet Bozdağ, the popular TV series features Engin Altan Düzyatan in the lead role.

The series depicts the pre-history of the Ottoman Empire, chronicling around the plight of the nomadic Kayi Oghuz Turkic tribe, led by Ertugrul, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire.

“Diriliş: Ertuğrul” is also available with English subtitles on Netflix and YouTube which has contributed to its popularity beyond Turkey.

PM Imran had shared his views on Turkish series and recommended Pakistani youth to watch it.

During a recent media interaction, the prime minister said, “Pakistani youth can learn about Islamic history and ethics by watching the Turkish drama.”