Doha: Turkish actor Engin Altan Düzyatan, best known internationally for his leading role in the historical drama Diriliş Ertuğrul, reflected on the series’ remarkable global impact during a press briefing at the Doha Film Festival (DFF) presented by the Doha Film Institute. Speaking about the strong connection the show formed with audiences in the Arab world, Düzyatan noted that Turkish and Arab societies share many cultural values, especially generosity and hospitality, which helped the story resonate deeply across the region. He added that the lack of television productions focusing on Muslim heroes made the success of Ertuğrul even more significant, as it filled a void long felt by viewers seeking stories rooted in their own heritage.
Düzyatan expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love he receives worldwide, particularly in the GCC and wider Middle East, saying that audiences across the region embraced both him and the character in exceptional ways. Diriliş Ertuğrul, which aired from 2014 to 2019, portrays the life of Ertuğrul Bey, the father of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire, and follows the Kayı tribe through political turmoil, battles against Mongols, Byzantines, and Crusaders, and the wider struggles of Anatolia. The show has become a global cultural phenomenon, often referred to as the “Turkish Game of Thrones.”
Reflecting on the physical and artistic preparation for the role, Düzyatan explained that his lifelong experience with horseback riding and his university-level training in stage combat and sword work helped him adapt quickly to the intense demands of the character. He emphasized that the cast and crew underwent six months of rigorous preparation to achieve the show’s high standard of realism, training together on fight choreography, horseback coordination, and large-scale action scenes. International stunt and choreography teams also contributed to building the show’s authenticity, and Düzyatan described the project as one where “everyone was in the right place,” from the writer and director to the actors and technical teams.
Asked whether he would consider taking part in a production centered on Arab history, Düzyatan expressed strong enthusiasm, saying it would also offer him a valuable opportunity to learn Arabic. He noted that due to the global success of Ertuğrul, many viewers only recognize him through that role, and he hopes to present new characters to audiences in the region through future projects. He added that roles like Ertuğrul do not come often, but he looks forward to taking on work that inspires viewers across different cultures.
He also spoke about the broader shift in viewing habits, explaining that Turkish television dramas have achieved greater international reach than cinema largely because series offer convenience and accessibility, especially after the global changes in film consumption following the COVID-19 pandemic. While Turkish cinema has a strong artistic history dating back to the 1970s, Düzyatan noted that global audiences increasingly gravitate toward long-form storytelling they can watch at home.
Throughout the briefing, Düzyatan emphasized the power of cinema and television to connect nations and create shared cultural experiences, noting that this aligns with the Doha Film Festival’s mission to bring regional and international audiences together through meaningful stories. The 2025 edition of the festival continues until November 28, highlighting the Doha Film Institute’s commitment to supporting regional talent and elevating authentic narratives from across the region.
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