Turkish series have recently shifted the whole paradigm of viewership setting the records of popularity. Namely, Dirilis Ertugrul recently made history with gaining 3 billion viewers from all across the world, getting their name on the pages of the Guinness Book of World Records. From the makers of Dirilis, another substantial series Uyanış: Büyük Selçuklu (Awakening: The Great Seljuks) has premiered.
The series was initially rumored to be titled as Nizam-i-Alam (World Order). It has already made a place in the hearts of the people that had been waiting for it and now watching it. On the other hand, there are a lot of people that are curious and want to know a little about the series before they go deep into the show.
What is this about?
The series Uyanış: Büyük Selçuklu starts with the assassination of Alp Arsalan, Muhammad bin Dawud Chaghri followed by ascention of Sultan Melikshah I to the throne of the great Seljuk Sultanate.
Whereas many revolts within the state were taking place, Melikshah had to deal with a greater threat as well, known to us as Hashashin, introduced in the series as Ismaili threat Batinilar (Batinis) conspiring against the throne and killing the Seljuk Sultan as well as bringing an end to the Caliphate of Baghdad. Batinis also happen to have a hand in hand with Fatimids that are hell-bent on waving their own flag all over the world. Sultan Melikshah I, accompanied by his long-lost-and-found son Ahmed Sanjar has to fight against the conspiracies of Hassan Sabbah, the infamous assassins and one of the greatest cult leaders of history who is leading Hashashin to wreak havoc on the world.
Who are the Hashashin / Batinilar?
Hashashin was literally the first terrorist that the pages of history ever witnessed, many of us know as The Order of Assassins, or simply The Assassins, being unaware of the origin as it was derived from the word Hashashin. The name “Assassins” has been around for centuries (although it has gained worldwide fame in recent years). Assassins actually were an armed cult from Nizari Ismailis.
Who are the Nizari Ismailis? These are people who are part of a dangerous terrorist group from the Middle East who constantly use drugs, and are also ruthless killers led by Hasan Bin Sabbah. Nizari Ismailis used to kill on the basis of religious or political hatred. Over time, from the Middle Ages to the mid-14th century, assassins became associated with assassins. Especially when it comes to European cities.
Who is in the series?
One of the best thing in the series is that Murat Garipağaoğlu who previously played Emir Sa’d al-Din Köpek in Diriliş: Ertuğrul will be seen playing Abdul Malik bin Attash mentoring and guiding Hasan Sabbah in his pro-Fatimid, anti-Seljuk campaign.
Other famous historical characters appearing in the series are the great mathematician, philosopher, poet, and astronomer Omar Khayyam and prominent Muslim scholar, philosopher, and theologian Imām Al Ghazāli. Considering these characters being in the series makes it super riveting for fans that have a thing for pre-renaissance and Muslim history.
Who wouldn’t love some Seljuks fighting The Real Assassins Creed? (I definitely would).
