Kurulus Osman team again did a good job. Just like the appearance of a Sheppard in episode 76 was a smooth and heart touching but, full of devotion and strength event. So was the arrest of Sheikh Edabali in episode 77. Only a few levels greater. A man of his stature did not lie to save himself from dungeon and held his grounds. That was epic and depicts how Ottomans real spirit was and where they got their strength from. I would reiterate that Faith, devotion, character, and selflessness was the reason that Osman was able to bring a scattered nation into a huge powerful empire.

Role of his companions and elders was admirable. Their love for each other is beautifully depicted in the scenes when Osman visits his sick Alp before even going to visit his pregnant wife, whoo is his first true love. Such a passionate, full of empathy leader is always loved not only by his people but by all knowing ultimate supreme power, Allah Subhan watt Allah.

This episode was comparatively gentler and had a delicate touch too. Turgut and Marie’s wedding and before that exchange of dialogue between Osman and Kosses were the highlight of Muslim tradition.

Gundoz and Osman’s brawl was a humane touch too. As was Sheikh’s disciple protecting him from the torture by throwing himself on Sheik Edabali when Wazir Alem shah’s goon starts his lashing.

This episode was full of struggles and fights with bit less intensity. It could be because Osman bey came out of Inegol unharmed and accomplished or because it had a few romantic scenes between Turgut and Marie or Cherkuty and crazy girl. Even Shekh Edabali is released without much harm, Kunor and Kosses are one step forward to learning Osman bey better to make an alliance with him. All in all it was bit relaxed, with a good clifhanger that left us all wondering how it will end with Osman bey and Wazir under his sharp sword.

History is my favorite subject and Kurlos Osman has brought it all as a reality to enjoy it in picture. Hard to wait for the next one.

Written by: Romana Nisar.

WATCH THIS EPISODE

Kurulus Osman Season 3 Episode 76 Review by Romana Nisar.

This Historic drama team deserves a round of applause for bringing the important characters of History to light. Making all those participants in the building of Ottoman Empire seen and felt in 21st century.

The way Osman thinks and then persues his plans is unparallel to any other drama. He was seriously wounded but did not lose his mind. Quick thinking saved him and thus all things related. He seeks refuge in the mine, treats his wounds, and the way he Thanks Allah after eating that measly food, (the snake) and the water dripping down the cave wall, was epic.

God is everywhere for everyone, but only the chosen ones can see. He did remind me of King Bruce of Scotland who gathered his courage from a spider. When defeated and lost everything.

In grand things of His plans, only a man with faith, character, discipline, hard work, and loyal friends can achieve what Kurlos Ossoman did. We must appreciate Mehmat Buzdaak and his team of writers for showing the struggles he went through. Nothing comes easily in life. The bigger the goals, the bigger the price.

Another important factor that caught my eye was the character depiction of the traitor, Wazir Elishah. A contrast of character we see more in Muslim history. A cunning, conniving, plotter and power hungry selfish man in the role of Wazir Elishah who will eventually fall down because a brave man of faith, who only thinks about his nation never fails. Men like Osman go through hard ships of betrayal and temporary set backs by selfish people but in the end, victory belongs to them.

One who conquers NFAS, conquers all. Wazir Elisha is not stupid but since his motives are selfish, he will get nothing but shame. Lesson of ummah is to use your talent for the uplift of all. When we all work together, we attract more people in persute of greater goodness. When we want only personal gains, even our friends leave us. That’s how Osman is gaining more support from Cosses and soon we will see Cunar joining him too.

I must not forget another twist in the story. Gundoz and Aisha helping Wazir in his plan to handover Marie to Nikola. Gundoz has good intentions but made a very bad choice. A real leader has to keep his wits about. That’s what Osman is. Wisdom does not come with age. He was youngest of three and built an empire over 4 continents. He had a very wise head on his shoulders, a heart of gold and nerves of steal.
What a pleasure to watch history made in 11th /12th centuries as if it’s happening now. Or maybe it will.

Written by: Romana Nisar.

WATCH THIS EPISODE

Kurulus Osman Episode 77 Review

Rating: A

The latest instalment of Kurulus Osman was yet another top episode if you only care about entertainment. With a continuation of the cruelty and greed of Alemsha a main theme in this episode. Additionally, Osman continued his so called “rebellious” ways and we also witnessed the beginning of a story arc for a huge name in the foundation of the Ottoman empire.

The first key moment in the episode was when Sheik Edebali was arrested. Imprisoned for aiding Osman, Edebali was brutally taken away into the dungeons. The man responsible for making Edebali speak was Cellali. His introduction was amazing, down one side of his face was series of scars and in his hand was a whip. This is the sort of character that tends to get killed off quickly, but I just hope they keep him a little longer. In the dungeon one of the ahis who, always show tremendous love and compassion for Sheik Edebali, stepped in front and faced the torment bravely so that no harm would occur to his Sheyk. After ruthlessly disposing of him Cellali turned his attention towards Edebali. No way was he about to torture arguably the holiest man in the entire region. He couldn’t so such a thing! Mercilessly, he began the motion to whip when a hand stopped him. It was the Tall sturdy Konur that had prevented any harm occurring to the Sheik.

This Scene I think began Konurs arc and eventually he will side with Osman. “Why are you in the devils lair son”. Edebali told Konur. The very first time we see him his incredible respect for Edebali is obvious when, he respectfully folded the mats that he and the vizier were using in the lodge. I personally absolutely love Konur Alp, his intimidating physical presence alongside the genuinely badass portrayal of the character by Berk Ercer, is in my opinion perfect for a famous warrior like Konur. It’s a step in the right direction by producers as they continue to bring more historically relevant characters to the show. I can’t wait for Konur to stand beside Osman later in the show.

Throughout the Episode, it was Shown that Osman wanted to take some sort of vengeance for what had happened recently. He began so ruthlessly. Gunduz was sat on his chair clearly struggling, on one hand he is trying his best for his tribe and his intentions are pure but on the contrary, he is guilt ridden, accused of treachery. I don’t like what they have done with Gunduz at all. For most of the show, they made him irrelevant and useless and now suddenly, they gave him the most extreme storyline possible. Gunduz has always been portrayed as naive from the beginning. In Dirilis Ertugrul we witnessed him tricked into making income from usury, but this is a whole new level. I mean its Gunduz we are talking about the one who stood by Osman for his entire life. The scene was dark as Osman walked in enraged with what had unfolded recently. He instantly took the bow, a symbolic weapon that brought back the horrors of Dündar. Then he proceeded to slap his older brother. “I am afraid your end will be like our uncles” Osman told Gunduz. This scene was powerful and tense we could tell Osman Bey was in no mood to talk as he left his mark on Gunduz.

Koses finally approved Mari’s wedding with Turgut, and this wedding was a nice break from the tense episode. Due to utter hatred for Nikola and a burning fire for revenge, Koses has now teamed up with Osman as they both formed an alliance that will look to end the alliance of Nikola and Alemsha. Historically Koses reverts to Islam and is another key personality in the establishment of Osmans empire. I hope we get to see Koses and Osman together more often eventually leading to his reversion. The scales of power have been changed in between the byzantine landlords as Rogatus and Koses conspire to take down Nikola. Nikola in attempting to kill Mari, Paved the way for his own end and to be fair I think its time to put an end to his promising but lacklustre reign as Osmans main enemy.

Osman was helped into the Bilecik where, a new trade bazaar was being setup, by koses where he waited for the vizier in his room. “For every Cruel there is an Osman”. I hated this line. The amount of arrogance and pride that was given off in this one line was just not acceptable. Osman bey was meant to be a compassionate, merciful and just ruler but so far with Buraks portrayal of the character, all we see is excessive Self obsession and arrogance. Moving on to the confrontation with alemsha. Again, I was not impressed. Just before we had witnessed an extremely well carried out confrontation but now this. The whole Scene was awkward until the end. Osman unsheathed his so called “Justice sword” and placed it on the vizier’s neck. Hunched over in fear, Alemsha Could hardly move as the fear of death rendered him speechless.

The next episode promises to be just as good, and I hope the streak of good episodes is continued. I am intrigued to see the outcome of the feud Between Nikola and Koses as well as the continuation of Konurs story arc. Slowly but surely, this show is beginning to deliver the of quality of entertainment we were accustomed to in Dirilis Ertugrul. The plot is a lot better than season two and were beginning to see more historical characters. I just hope that this level remains consistent.

SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE CHANNEL

FOLLOW KURULUS EDITZ ON INSTAGRAM

WATCH THIS EPISODE

Kurulus Osman Episode 75 Review By Neelofer Siddiqui

A dark, deep powerful episode that almost caused me a panic attack by the time it was over!!

The haze of pain that a mortally injured – impaled by a spear – Osman was enveloped in gazing up at treetops silhouetted against a winter sky, at his life fading, at the dream he’d always held close to his heart evaporating away to oblivion, reached across the screen in visceral – heart constricting – waves. It felt real. It felt bewildering.

It was not only brilliantly enacted but also brilliant in the way it made me realize – with earth shattering clarity – the extent to which I was invested in this show, invested in our beloved Osman bey’s dream.

This episode marked his biggest setback thus far & isn’t it both ironical & realistic that this setback – this lethal injury to both him & his dream – didn’t come at the hands of his established enemy – the Byzantines or the Mongols – but at the hands of his own people, some of them with sound intentions & some without..

As is often the case – in a world filled with a multitude of tombstones of similar dreams…

Turn back the pages of history, observe the world around you & you’ll realize that this is a truism that, unfortunately, can’t be denied.

So yes, this episode was a splash of cold reality, a douse of brutal honesty, a brilliantly detailed look at what would soon be – both a new beginning & an end. The birth pains, the cutting of the umbilical cord connecting an old dying State with the one about to be born.

And I’m SO glad the makers are not making creating/ establishing a state seem as easy as a walk in the park, a mere matter of a storm of horsemen, swords & standards aloft, charging at castles, conquering one after another, in quick succession.

My thoughts are all over the place but here are just a few of my thoughts in no particular order.

Trials & Doubts:

This was an overarching theme that wove across the episode in a series of well placed, well thought out scenes.

After a series of failures or setbacks, which, in hindsight, are always a part and parcel of any endeavor, we not only saw several people doubting, second guessing, Osman’s vision, judgement & direction, but the writers themselves, putting words of disturbing logic into their mouths.

Boran: A World Shaken

A physically & psychologically tormented Boran asking Osman Bey if the entrustment, his Gonca had died protecting, was worth her life – and by extension, his life. This simple exchange. I have no words to describe just how moving I found it 😢

Boran’s grief, his brokenness – his struggle to come to terms with his loss, to find peace, to be whole again. His anger, his tears, his bitterness, his doubts – and later, his interaction with Kumral Abdal – everything was so true to life.

Then, on the other hand, the flicker of pain in Osman’s eyes, the way he joined their foreheads together, made us feel just how deeply the question, its implicit doubt, affected him, especially coming from Boran 😢

But not half as much as the questions, the doubts, he saw in Gunduz’ eyes…at the Bey council in Söğüt.

Which brings us to…..

The Progression in Gunduz’ Arc!!:

Ah Gunduz Abi!!!!

This episode made us revisit a question that would often get asked in seasons 1 & 2? What made Ertuğrul Bey choose his youngest son Osman, and not Gunduz & Savcı, both older & more experienced than him, as his heir and successor?

And more pertinent to our topic here, what was it that he saw in Osman’s character that he didn’t in Gündüz’? The brave, the level headed, the even tempered, the good hearted, the deeply principled Gündüz.

The answer to this, in my opinion, was spread across S1 & S2 as well, but it came to a head in this episode in a way that was deeply disturbing.

Gündüz is no Dundar, he is too pure hearted for that but his weakness has always been poor judgement of character. Always seeing the best in people, he can be trustful to the point of naïveté – a very true to life characterization – and that was probably why Ertuğrul Bey, in the best interest of his tribe, chose Osman instead of him.

Osman, who, of course, has his own set of weaknesses, also has the qualities Ertuğrul Bey was looking for in a leader, a visionary, capable of pushing boundaries, of establishing a state for his chaotically scattered people.

If you recall, for the longest time, Gündüz, unlike Osman, trusted Dundar & his intentions as well and in a way, even encouraged Osman to forgive, think better of him.

And in my opinion it was in keeping with his character profile that he fell for conniving scumbag AlemShah’s lies & deceit (the whole big show he made to prove that he, with his State backed power & suave politics could save Boran & Edebali when Osman, for all his big talk, couldn’t!).

I don’t think he handed over Mari to her brother to gain power or AlemShah’s approval. He genuinely believes it’s for the well being of the tribe which, according to him, Osman’s stubbornness & ‘desire to be a hero’ is putting in jeopardy by unnecessarily inviting the Byzantine Emperor’s wrath. That too for a Byzantine girl, sister of one of their biggest enemies, they didn’t even know about just a few months back.

And then, he’s just following the order of the Shadow of the Sultan, the representative of the existing State they’re still a part of, who, in the hierarchy of power, is clearly above Osman Bey.

It’s definitely a complex, ambivalent, debate generating situation….and I’m intrigued to find how this story arc will progress in the coming episodes.

Osman Bey: Fakreddin, The Pride Of Faith.

Herbert Gibbons, The Foundation Of Osmanlis, on Osman Ghazi: “The way his state was formed was the assurance of its permanence and of its great future. It is also an indication of the real greatness of the man who formed it”

His steadfastness of purpose in face of failure, loss of lives & men closest to him doubting him & his ability to lead. It must take immense mental strength to not succumb to self doubt himself and in Osman’s case, after a brilliantly written character arc spanning multiple seasons, we can easily understand where this mental strength, this clarity of vision, this steadfastness of purpose, is coming from.

And the answer reveals one of the historically well known – widely accepted – facets of Osman Ghazi. It comes from Faith – the five pillars, the six articles, the constant struggle to self purify. From following our beloved prophet’s footsteps. It comes from his reliance on God & His Book – wherein, as Kumral Abdal put it in another sublime scene, lies healing & mercy & instructions & guidance. The solution for every problem. The balm for all heartbreaks.

Osman Bey’s Historical Alps: Turgut, Konur, Köse Mıhal so far more to come.

I love how they, all brilliant actors with equally strong screen presence, are being introduced one by one, each with a different story, different arc, different dynamic with Osman Bey. Every single scene they share screen space in is so enthralling for some reason.

The scene where a visibly moved Turgut Bey pledged allegiance to Osman Bey the two linked arms was just on a different level altogether

A Wolf’s Dream: Only A Wolf Can Dream

What a stylishly powerful scene!! The way Osman Bey slid his sword out, the steeling of his eyes as he paused it briefly before Konur’s neck before handing it to his alps!!! BO’s performance was out of this world in this episode!! He is such an incredible actor!

And Konuralp in just a couple episodes has me badly intrigued and I can’t wait for his story, his arc, most importantly, his relationship with Osman Bey, to progress to the point where Osman wins him over to his side!!

Panic attacks aside, I’m enjoying this slow burn that is MB’s signature style – plot, action, scenes, arcs, characters developing slowly, methodically, painstakingly, toward an explosive boiling point, that, judging by the way multiple arcs are being intricately woven, promises to blow our minds away this season!!

 
 
Written byNeelofer Siddiqui
 
WATCH EPISODE

Is Bozdag spying on my private Whatsapp chat with friends or what? Here its KURULUS OSMAN EPISODE 66 REVIEW!

BECAUSE OH MY GOODNESS THIS IS A BRAND NEW OSMAN THAT IS CLICKING ON MULTIPLE CYLINDERS !!!

Vintage Bozdag has reappeared to start the new season through two episodes and seeds are being sown for an epic season. I’m fast buying into this renaissance and left completely stunned by how spectacular Kurulus Osman has been. The infusion of new characters who are layered and purposeful in their motives has brought upon transformative energy and just what KO was needing badly to revitalize a stagnating story!

The opening 15 minutes made for explosive drama as Osman Bey & Turgut Bey once again came face to face. Seeing the new Turgut not be star struck nor intimidated by Osman Bey is such a breath of fresh air because up until now, no potential support character/hero has been allowed to express themselves quite like how the new Turgut Bey is doing. Dare I say it he’s fast ascending towards Aliyar/Gunalp Bey levels, may be even better! Our newest hero though is caught in a pickle unfortunately and it remains to be seen what happens next.

The dynamic between three Tekfurs: Nikola, Kosses and Rogatus has made for an entertaining watch as they secretly plot against one another while pretending to be friends at dinner gatherings. The banter during the dinner scene had me in splits! 😂

And it so turned out that it was Kosses who killed Turgut’s alps after all but the twist during the climax was such a masterstroke that it elevated Rogatus from a seemingly push over Tekfur to that of a clever one. It also brought the Catalans more into spotlight as they appeared to be smarter than we were initially led to believe. They acted like true mercenaries after all with shifting alliances depending on who offers more gold! But just the way all that came together is what made the build up to the climax worthwhile.

Mari, Kosses’s sister too got plenty of screen time in this episode and she made quite the impression as being more than just a damsel in distress. She has nefarious motives of her own but I have this strong feeling that Mari & new Turgut Bey are going to cross each other’s path in a rather different fashion. Lets keep an eye on this development!

Aya Nikola went full ruthless on Turgut Bey’s tribe as revenge for capturing Mari and I thought it was a good reminder of how brutal he can be. He has been more in the background of sorts to start the season understandably as more time is given to Kosses & Rogatus to establish their characters but here Nikola made a menacing impact. I am also enjoying how just like Nikola last season with his sculpting, both Kosses & Rogatus too have been shown to have unique talents for cooking & tailoring. They add so much to their personalities and a big reason why the new additions on villains side have been a major shot in the arm to make the conflict between good and evil be multi-faceted. It provides us with baddies who are not one dimensional and have their own unique traits that show us who they are at their core.

And of course the unlikely and unexpected twist with the killer of Karayel was another awesome reveal that spices things up a ton. With the reveal Umur Bey comes into play and I am curious as to what happens when the killer is eventually learned by Osman Bey and the implication it could have on Malhun hatun.

Speaking of Malhun hatun, I found her to be an unnecessary nuisance and I was glad that Bala diffused a potential conflict that could’ve gone out of hand. This is about the only thing I’m not exactly taking a liking to so far. After the truce from last season’s finale, it’s as if Malhun wants to pour fuel to fire and pretend like the truce never happened. Like I get she feels insecure about Bala now expecting a child and the implications of that but it’s not befitting for her to act the way she is especially considering how she proudly proclaims that she’s the daughter of a Bey. Well then ACT like it hatun! Good grief! I was proud of how Bala dealt with whole ordeal of Malhun having invited over other hatuns from her tribe to help with weaving carpets despite Bala not giving permission for it. Instead of acting out, Bala reluctantly accepted the new reality just so there could be harmony and sometimes that’s what leadership is about. You have to forgo your ego in moments like this to make things work.

Selcan’s presence was key in this episode both on the hatuns’ side as well as being a comforter for Osman Bey who was down on himself after having lost Karayel. She immediately noticed the tension again between Bala and Malhun and sought to resolve the matter by letting every hatun know the order of things and what everyone needs to do. Her also recalling the famous Kayi reputation for weaving carpets was a nice throwback to Hayme Ana and created yet another connection with Dirilis. Little snippets that connect KO & DE like this continue to be fantastic additions that “fill in the gaps” so to speak. Her scene with Osman was both intimate & a huge re-energizer for Osman who felt as if mountains had collapsed on him. However, her reminder to Osman Bey in regards to how Allah does not burden a soul more than it can bare was a deft touch which lifted the ambiance and propelled Osman Bey to get back to doing what he does best!

Osman’s sensational trap against Kosses’s soldiers to compensate for what Kosses did to Turgut’s alps was a masterful fusion of his elite politics as well as military genius. That he didn’t let Turgut’s alps go unavenged shows how Osman Bey has now officially reached a sublime level as a leader where he pays attention to details down to its bare bones and why through his investigation of the possible architect behind the attack on Turgut’s alps he is primed to form the Osmanli Beylik!

Additionally, the flashback scene between Osman & Karayel was a terrific way of reminding viewers of the bond that Osman and his deceased horse shared. I had felt that this aspect of Osman’s character was missing up until now but the flashback ended up acknowledging it and not something we or Osman Bey could easily move on from as if it was inconsequential. It made us feel for Karayel. As a result of Karayel’s demise Osman Bey had to naturally chose his next horse and when Kumral Abdal was shown standing next to the new horse, I immediately knew he would be it and it is a thing of beauty for sure! Helluva successor I must say!

Priest Gregory also got more spotlight to expand his character and now that he’s in Sogut’s church and has managed to inform Rogatus, it remains to be seen what action if any the Bilecik Tekfur takes to possibly double cross Osman Bey if at all.

The support characters like Gunduz, Boran, Goktug, Cerkutay all had their moments as well but I would really like to see all of them get higher level of subplots that can contribute even more to the overall story.

All in all, another outstanding episode and that climax left me absolutely thrilled especially in the way it unfolded where Kosses is talking about peace one moment and right next second Osman Bey is informed of his treachery. Such razor sharp and exciting screenplay! Can’t wait to see what happens next!

#KurulusOsman #DevletOlmaVaktedir #FatehVaktedir

Written by Shehzeb Imam

Watch Episode 66

Episode 62!

Another brilliant episode that was more engrossing than most movies these days! It was soothingly wholesome & multilayered in the way it approached & focused, turn by turn, on two different types of swords, on values & principles that went – must have gone – into nourishing the roots of the plane tree, that, at this point of narration, was still relatively young. The values & principles that made its roots so strong that the tree itself stood tall and firm, despite innumerable challenges, for the next six centuries.

Here are few of my thoughts in no particular order.

The Sword Of Retributive Justice: Qisas.

Loved how this scene played out from the time Cercutay handed Osman Bey Bamsi’s two swords to the distracted but deft way Osman Bey spun them, one at a time, their blades swishing through the air even as Bamsi’s memories began to play out in his mind (and later, on our screens).

From the memory of the time Bamsi did his special double sword flourish before bringing them down to execute Aybar’s murderers – to Osman retracing his movements in Soğut, spinning & flourishing them (Cossack double sword flourish performed with amazing aplomb. It was lit ), before bringing them down to chop heads off murderers of Bamsi, Abdul Rahman & numerous other innocent men, women & children.Taking their lives – and saving the lives of the people they would have surely killed if not executed.

This execution sequence followed by Edebali’s thoughtful sermon on Qisas took this scene to the next level in showcasing the rationale, the logic, behind Qisas or retributive justice.

The Two Swords Of Osman Ghazi, The Sword of Justice & the Sword of Goodness: “Be patient, my Bala”.

Osman Ghazi, who is depicted as a semi-holy person in many early chronicles, always God-conscious & always attempting to follow the footsteps of our beloved prophet (pbuh), passes on this invaluable piece of advice, which he himself learnt from Kumral Abdal, which he himself tries his hardest to follow, to his beloved, his kindred spirit, Bala.

Basically telling her with the help of a story: Deal (try your best to) with those who hurt you, those who wrong you, whether intentionally or unintentionally, with the sword of goodness.

Give them benefit of doubt. Forgive them. Be kind to them.

Because that’s what changes hearts, enables peaceful dialogue, mends relationships & brings people together. And most importantly, keeps one in Allah’s good books.

Although there is no legal requirement to forgive in the Quran, in matters of Qisas, or retributive justice in Criminal Law, (it’s still encouraged however), there may be a moral imperative to forgive, in all other matters, as an imitation of Allah’s boundless mercy. ‘Forgive, so you may be forgiven’.

In following our beloved Prophet’s footsteps, believers should even forgive(or try their best to) those who have not asked for forgiveness. Even enemies.

The Qur’an describes believers as “Those who avoid major sins and acts of indecencies and when they are angry they forgive.”[42:37]

Similarly, another surah asserts, “If you retaliate, then let your retaliation be proportionate to the wrong that was done to you. But if you endure patiently, indeed, it is better for the patient” “Be patient. Your patience is only because of help of Allah. And do not be grieved by them & do not be distressed by what they plan”.

It was absolutely brilliant the way scenarists juxtaposed these two concepts – justice against forgiveness.

Two different contexts.

Two different swords – the sword of retributive justice vs the sword of goodness.

I was really impressed by how competently Kumral Abdal’s story was used to tie together three different scenes, how seamlessly one scene blended into the next – to tell us that (barring cases of abuse or oppression or extreme injustice of-course) it’s the sword of goodness & kindness & empathy & forgiveness and not that of retributive justice, not ‘an eye for an eye for every small insignificant matter’ that keeps families together and societies healthier.

It’s what nourishes the roots of the giant plane tree.

By Allah’s name, Al Adl, the Just: The Sword of Coercion or Injustice can not be justified in any situation.

Another favorite scene. I love how Edebali is settling into his historical role as the first Qadhi or Judge of the Ottoman Empire. I love how Boran learned his lesson, how Osman Bey forgave Boran & volunteered to pay the fine on his behalf & how the Byzantine landlord, moved by his justice decided to sell his property to him.

Osman Bey, Çok Yaşa: The many layers & facets – the fearsome warrior, the just ruler, the shrewd tactician, the brilliant strategist, the gentle lover, the kind & thoughtful husband…

Most importantly, Osman Ghazi the extremely effective & intelligent leader.

Osman Ghazi is portrayed as a dynamic mobilizing leader and an extraordinarily effective & sincere orator. He is someone who is not only able to communicate with passion & enthusiasm, and influence people and their decisions, but also instill in them, faith in his cause, belief in his vision, and passion for his beliefs.

He is also portrayed as someone whose personality is not just strong & dynamic but also uniquely charismatic – someone who has great interpersonal skills & even greater charisma. Someone who is not just able to get himself noticed & respected & followed, but also loved.

Burak Özçıvıt as Osman Ghazi:

I really believe, that in getting BO for this role, MB hit the casting jackpot. Here’s why.

Burak Özçıvıt seems to be genuinely charismatic and possesses great expressive energy that is uniquely his in real life too, and that is probably why he is able to project – seemingly effortlessly – these qualities on screen as well.

Osman Ghazi’s expansive hand & arm gestures, that some people go to great lengths to criticize!, and that I personally love, is reflective of that same expressive energy. It is a subconscious mannerism – an uninhibited expression by a person who is not only passionate but also supremely confident in his own skin.

And interestingly enough, these hand gestures- gesticulating – is not only observed in Osman Ghazi, the character, but also – to a lesser extent – in Burak Özçıvıt, the person as well, in his real life!

Burak Özçıvıt, with his critically acclaimed acting range, brought in, apart from his rather insane superstardom of course, exactly what an unforgettable portrayal of Osman Ghazi needed – His various layers, facets & complexities, his transformation from a reckless boy of 18 to a powerful Bey – to a mature wise ruler – to ultimately a majestic Sultan in the coming seasons.

All things considered, this was an absolutely phenomenal episode! There were several other amazing scenes that I didn’t mention but that were absolutely top notch in terms of direction & script & plot/ arc progression.

Looking forward to the last two episodes of S2 & the big WAR!!!

WATCH KURULUS OSMAN

Lena Hatun is a difficult woman to discern, there is something enigmatic about her and we haven’t quite been able to fully comprehend her character. She is beautiful, talented and resourceful, and we have seen the caring side to her as she is a healer/doctor. However, despite her positive attributes, she has a bit of a gloomy aura which doesn’t make one feel at ease with her presence, or fully trust her.

When she first arrived, we thought she may be a good friend and support to Bala, and they would pair up against Hazel’s evil plots. Disappointingly she paired up with Hazel instead and even that was interesting to watch because she didn’t fully trust Hazel, but her own personal ambition made her think she would be better of working with her and saw Bala as the threat.

Lena is a practising Christian, married to a Muslim and living in a Muslim dominant tribe. This dynamic nicely demonstrates the inter-faith relations and marriages that were very common in those times. What’s also interesting is that she has brought up her son as a practising Muslim. This aspect of her character and storyline is fascinating as it illustrates how inter-religion marriages used to work cohesively because there were a lot of similarities in the culture such as family dynamics, social values and norms. For example, even though she isn’t Muslim, she dresses like the Muslim women because Christian women at that time used to wear similar attire, therefore easier to assimilate and adapt.

The biggest gripe with Lena is how she riled up Savci and did her very best to negatively influence by turning him against Osman. We got to see her ambitious and evil side actually but this was short lived and her plans didn’t come to fruition. Interestingly, after being defeated in her game, she actually stopped and didn’t pursue her ambitions any further. Well at least that is what has been shown to us as the audience. If you can’t beat them, it is better to join them right? However there are still some doubt in our minds. Has she seen the light and truly come to the right side and joined forces with Bala and Osman, or will she continue pursuing her own ambitions secretly with help from Flatius perhaps? Time will tell.

Her best performance so far in the series was probably when her son, Beyhoca, was kidnapped. Her acting was brilliant and she perfectly portrayed all of the emotions a loving mother would. We got to see her tender side and weakness. Some may think it was ridiculous of her to go to the enemy’s den to rescue her son, but she acted as any mother perhaps would. Also to take it a step further, she was willing to sacrifice her own life and was even ready to take poison for it.

Mixed feelings about Lena Hatun, and her overall character hasn’t been that impressive so far, in fact it has been a little underwhelming. There is always hope for improvements in the upcoming episodes and it would be great to see her character develop and have a more gripping storyline. (Also wish she changes her outfit and wears a different colour as it’s kind of boring seeing her wear the same colour throughout the series so far!)

PS- This review was written right before her epic character transformation after her son Beyhoca died and she converted to Islam. Her performance when her son died, her conversion to Islam, and then ultimately when she lost her husband Savci, was absolutely marvellous and deserves a separate review!

WATCH KURULUS OSMAN

Follow Sidra