Dirilis Ertugrul has earned a great viewership from Pakistan. It’s because in Pakistan we don’t have dramas that highlight the history of our Muslim heroes, Islam and struggles of the pre-Islamic era. We lack thoughtful content and that became the reason for the success of this Turkish series. It highlights the journey of Ertugrul Gazi who’s the father of Osman (founder of Ottoman Empire). Gazi laid his life for the survival of his people and fought to keep justice alive.
The drama is also aired on our state television network PTV and reported a whopping profit by the end of the year.
If you’re watching Dirilis Ertugrul, you must be loving the characters, story, and dialogues of the drama. Let’s take a look at some of the best characters of Ertugrul and the lessons we learned from them:
1. Ertugrul Gazi
A man of words who is blinded by his mission to save Islam and win land for his tribe. He’s a one-man army who uses his sword for justice and has no mercy for his enemies. Ertugrul Gazi isn’t attracted to the limelight of being the leader of his tribe, he has only one goal, and that’s to save his people and perish the enemies. The only flaw of his character is that he takes law in his hands when things don’t go according to his plans. But as long as his intentions are strong, there’s nothing that can side him from his mission.
2. Wild Demir
He’s a perfect example of loyalty who after giving up all his family for the cause, stay honest with his tribe and kept on serving the mission. He had left a mark on people’s hearts with his impressive storytelling skills, generosity towards kids and old alike. And his passion to sharpen the sword while enchanting ‘Haq Allah’ is the best of all moments. When one thinks to condole him, they can fall short of words because he lives with a heavy pain in his heart. The pain to lost his loved ones especially his daughter, Aykiz. Indeed he’s the man with a heart of gold and one of the closest people to stand in all the good and bad times of Suleyman Shah’s family.
3. Turgut Alp
When you notice his character, you might forget the lead character for a while because of the charisma he has in his personality. He’s as strong as his axe and as soft-hearted as a kid. He speaks less but his actions make him the star of the series, the way he cut off his enemies with his axe is worth watching. Besides having the warrior skills, he’s also strong in his faith which kept him alive throughout the heart-wrenching tortures by his enemies. He had inspired people with his bravery, courage, and loyalty to his tribe and leader Ertugrul Bey.
4. Ibn e Arabi
If wisdom had a face then it would be his. He’s the spiritual guide of Ertugrul Ghazi. His words are so powerful that it can make even the jews think of their misdeeds. He’s a philosopher, poet, and scholar who knows the right time to tell the stories to the right people. You cannot pass this series without applauding his admirable character and his ability to influence people with his words. People like him are meant to ease our journey and are much needed in our lives.
5. Sulayman Shah
Being the leader of the tribe isn’t an easy task at all but the way Sulayman Shah performs his duties is the sign that he deserves that place. His quick decision-making and firmness to stick on the right path even when he has to go against his family have made his role powerful in the first season. He has all the leadership qualities but sometimes his generosity led him to the enemies trap. Although he died a peaceful death but the moment when he was leaving us made us cry to the core.
6. Halime Sultan
She is the lover and loyal wife of Ertugrul who stood with him in all his darkest times. She also saved Ertugrul’s life from Titus attack. She was the Seljuk princess but she left her crown aside to be with Ertugrul. And no matter how bad the times are, she stayed with him and shared his pain as much as she can. She was first bad-mouthed in the series because of bringing the troubles in the Kayi tribe but the way she stood against all the criticism and proved her loyalty is a great example of her endless love towards Ertugrul and his family.
7. Mother Hayme
She’s the strong mother of the tribe who can give her life for the innocent ones and the survival of the tribe. For her, all the children, the Alps of Kayi tribe are like her own sons and daughter. Even though Gundodgu was her stepson but she never differentiated between both. She’s so adamant and powerful that she can give up her life and also her family to maintain the customs and traditions of the tribe.
8. Gundodgu
He’s smart and wants to have peace in his tribe without bloodshed. He has the ability to fool his enemies with their own tricks but he gets less chances to prove himself because of Ertugrul. But I believe if he would have given the opportunity, he would have limited the bloodshed by tackling matters in his way. In the first season, he’s pissed off with his wife’s treacheries but when she repented, Gundodgu still judged her for her past. But no matter how cruel his enemies are, he always backed his family and tribe people to keep his father’s words and justice alive.
9. Selcan Hatun
I love her character for not being the traitor but for the repentance she showed and the way she sticks to the right path with all the pains her actions brought to her. There’s quite an ugly side of her in Season 1 of Dirilis Ertugrul because she’s adamant to take revenge of her father who was beheaded because of being a traitor. But in season 2 you’ll see a struggling and positive side of her paying the cost of all her sins with patience and forgiveness. The one who repents is better than the one who leads his life astray. That’s the best lesson of this character.
10. Claudius (Umar)
It’s never too late to be on the right path and Umar (Claudius) is the best example of it. His intention was to kill Ibn e Arabi but when Arabi saved his life, he bows down to him and recites Kalma e Shahadat. He has great warrior skills and he’s one of the reasons behind the success of the war against Templars. He chose the right path, put himself in danger and at last give his life for the sake of Islam, justice and sovereignty of Allah.
The Star: Geyikli (the cave man)
The nature man who saved Ertugrul from Noyan and help him till he healed from his pain. Geyikli is the star of season 2 who has no family and people but only the aim to be with the right ones. Apparently, he lives in the cave but he’s always alert to what’s happening around. He’s the one who helped Ertugrul to stand after all the injuries and proved his friendship in the hour of need. People like him are the example that if you choose Allah’s way, he will keep sending you help through unexpected sources.
Apart from these characters, the series has also left great lessons of unity, results of hatred and the power of justice. It’s a must-watch series for everyone and it’s becoming a major hit for all the right reasons.
Having said that, it was our list of best Dirilis Ertugrul characters. We would love to know who’s your favorite character of the seasons and why? Let’s talk in comments.
I prefer books and diaries more than phones and Facebook. Soulfully connected to Pakistan. And I passionately believe that I can change the world through blogging.
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