Hyderabad: Turkish web drama sets style goals for city folk

Many of us have done it in our youth, trying to mimic or imitate celebrities in films, sports, fashion, even politics. Young generation loves attention and imitation of their heroes, or heroines, especially from reel life is one way of standing out to get attention. Hairstyles, attires or mannerisms are copied zealously. These days, it is not very uncommon in Old City to come across youth sporting features of lead characters from a hugely popular Turkish web series - Dirilis: Ertugrul (Resurrection: Ertugrul). Its narrative and gripping filming of the fictional events in the life of Ertugrul Ghazi, the father of the Ottoman Empire's founder, Osman I, is holding Muslim in thrall, particularly in the sub-continent. While the free-wheeling narration and much romanticised version has taken Pakistan by storm, youth in some parts of India like Old City are increasingly drawn to the heroic protagonists of the series, so much so that they are longing to get a feel of the film's aura.

Ertugrul highlights the struggles of Kayi, a Turkey tribe that went on to establish one of the most powerful global empires in the Anatolia region. It is filled with captivating plots, religious overtones, heroic fights, mysteries and myths. The series is also dubbed in Urdu and available on the internet. It is originally released on Netflix in English and Turkish. There has been binge-watching in Pakistan and in some parts in India, too.

It has been seen of late that several Muslims, especially the young generation, are getting fond of Ertugrul. Ertugrul fan gear such as fur leather caps, rings, costumes etc is hooking youngsters gradually. Girls are not lagging much in this craze. During the winter, Ertugrul style-caps with claret-coloured have become popular in and are available in markets in the city. People are also lapping up Ertugrul emperor Kayi symbol (IYI) jewelry such as finger rings, lockets, printed clothes. Stickers are appearing on vehicles, too. Above all, the tone of the drama has also become famous and most of them have it as their ring and caller tones. "After the drama became popular and watched by the young generation, there are asking for finger rings, and lockets etc. The sale of caps has also increased during winters," said Mohammed Asif, an owner of Madina Islamic store in Mallepally.

"During the lockdown, I along with entire family watched the series of Ertugrul, and still the episodes are being seen at home. After watching the series and observing his heroic character I started loving Ertugrul and following him with wearing cap and finger ring," said Tariq Omer, a customer at a shop.

The accessories are also available in online stores and the online buyers are buying the products, which include a Kayi (IYI) symbol printed on t-shirts and face masks, Ertugrul style-caps, rings, lockets, keychains, hand bands and the female jewelry head chains etc.

Many girls are preferring to dress up like Halime Hatun, a role played by Turkish actress Esra Bilgic. Her head chains or jewelry is also becoming famous among girls. "At a recent wedding, I dressed up like her and also designed a dress as Halime. I also wore a headscarf along with the head chains same as those used by her. The jewelry is also available in markets," said Marium Khan.

Observing the craze of Ertugrul, a local has recently opened the Arabian restaurant in the name of 'Ertugrul Mandi' at Masab Tank in Hyderabad. The owner created fully dramatic scenes in a food court with pasting the drama character posters in the entire restaurant.

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