How Ertugrul Inspired a Resurgence in the
Muslim Imagination
Worldwide
From Omar Mukhtar to Ertugrul: Legends of Muslim Resistance and Heroism
Introduction: Celebrating Muslim Heroes on Screen
From historical obscurity to global recognition, figures like Omar Mukhtar and Ertugrul have captivated audiences worldwide. Their stories, portrayed in Lion of the Desert and Diriliş: Ertugrul, reflect courage, faith, and resistance against oppression, resonating deeply with Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Both heroes embody the principles of justice, leadership, and moral courage, inspiring millions across generations.
Omar Mukhtar: The Lion of the Desert
Historical Context and Legacy
Omar Mukhtar, a 20th-century Libyan revolutionary, led a prolonged struggle against Italian colonial rule. Known as the “Lion of the Desert,” Mukhtar fought with a small group of Bedouin fighters against a modern army equipped with tanks and machine guns. Despite overwhelming odds, he adhered to an Islamic ethic of war, treating even enemies with dignity.
Cinematic Depiction: Lion of the Desert
The 1981 film Lion of the Desert, funded by Muammar Gaddafi and directed by Moustapha Akkad, brought Mukhtar’s story to the global stage. Anthony Quinn’s portrayal immortalized him as a symbol of anti-colonial resistance. Scenes like Mukhtar declaring, “We take it back by night,” highlight his unwavering courage. Though banned in Italy for decades, the film inspired resistance movements worldwide—from Palestine to Kashmir.
Global Symbol of Resistance
Mukhtar became a pan-Arab and Muslim icon, embodying courage, faith, and leadership. His legacy continues to inspire those facing oppression, reflecting the enduring relevance of Muslim heroism in confronting injustice.
Diriliş: Ertugrul – A 13th-Century Legend Resurrected
Historical Setting and Storyline
Diriliş: Ertugrul, launched on TRT 1 in 2014, follows Ertugrul, a 13th-century warrior leading the Kayı tribe in Central Asia. Set against the backdrop of a declining Seljuk Empire, Ertugrul battles Crusaders, Mongols, and traitors to secure a homeland for his people. His leadership and bravery lay the foundation for the future Ottoman Empire through his son, Osman.
'Even if they move mountains and turn them into dungeons, they can’t stop the light of God'
'Even if they move mountains and turn them into dungeons, they can’t stop the light of God'
- Ertugrul
Structure and Global Reach
The series spans five seasons, originally 150 episodes, edited for international audiences. It blends historical drama, epic battles, and moral lessons, appealing to global viewers with translations in multiple languages. The show’s popularity extends across Pakistan, Kashmir, Gaza, and even Western countries, inspiring cultural practices, names, and traditions influenced by Ertugrul’s narrative.
Heroism, Ethics, and Islamic Values
Sufi Guidance and Ibn Arabi
A defining feature of Diriliş: Ertugrul is its focus on ethics and spiritual mentorship. Ibn Arabi, the Arab-Andalusian Sufi mystic, serves as Ertugrul’s spiritual guide, emphasizing justice, humility, and moral leadership. This guidance shapes Ertugrul’s decisions and strengthens the ethical foundation of his rule, reflecting Sufi principles of leadership and social justice.
Hazrat Ali’s Legacy and Moral Courage
The series frequently references Hazrat Ali, highlighting ideals of courage, wisdom, and justice. Ertugrul and his alps draw inspiration from Ali’s bravery, mirroring historical Muslim heroes like Saladin and Omar Mukhtar. This spiritual framework reinforces the show’s portrayal of morally upright, faith-driven leadership.
Cultural Impact and Representation
Empowering Muslim Identities
Diriliş: Ertugrul presents Muslims as thoughtful leaders, scholars, and agents of their destiny—challenging centuries of one-dimensional portrayals in Western media. The series highlights family, loyalty, and spiritual values, providing audiences with a positive representation of Islamic culture and history.
 |
| Halime Sultan, Ertugrul's wife, is presented as a source of strength and leadership throughout the show. |
Global Resonance
From South Asia to the Middle East, viewers connect with Ertugrul’s narrative, finding parallels with local struggles against oppression. In Kashmir, for instance, the series became a symbol of resilience during periods of political and social restrictions. Similarly, in Pakistan, it has inspired naming traditions, weddings, and cultural practices.
Social, Ethical, and Political Lessons
Justice, Brotherhood, and Leadership
Ertrugrul’s leadership emphasizes fairness, social justice, and loyalty. The series portrays bonds between warriors as central to community building, highlighting mentorship, ethical governance, and equitable social structures. The depiction of women as empowered participants reinforces inclusive leadership within Islamic tradition.
Faith and Moral Guidance
The series integrates Islamic practices, rituals, and social customs into storytelling, normalizing faith in daily life. It encourages viewers to uphold justice, resist oppression, and value moral integrity over material wealth, offering a model of principled governance rooted in spiritual ethics.
 |
| Women aren't placeholders and are central to the repeated cycles of forgiveness and redemption through the series. |
Revisiting the Pre-Ottoman Era
Although historical records of Ertugrul and his tribe are limited, the series emphasizes Sufi values, moral leadership, and the survival struggles of nomadic Turkic tribes. It reconstructs a pre-Ottoman past that aligns with spiritual and cultural identity, blending history with storytelling to inspire modern audiences.
Restoration of Muslim Narratives
Diriliş: Ertugrul counters stereotypes prevalent in Western media by portraying Muslims as protagonists with agency, ethical grounding, and cultural depth. Its storytelling emphasizes justice, bravery, and spiritual discipline, offering a corrective to centuries of negative portrayals.
Conclusion: Enduring Legacy of Muslim Heroes
From Omar Mukhtar’s anti-colonial struggle to Ertugrul’s quest for justice and unity, these figures illuminate the timeless values of courage, faith, and leadership. Their stories, whether on the big screen or television, empower Muslims worldwide, offering lessons in ethics, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Both Lion of the Desert and Diriliş: Ertugrul demonstrate that the portrayal of Muslim heroes can inspire hope, cultural pride, and global admiration, ensuring their legacy endures across generations.
0 Reviews:
Post a Comment