Kuruluş: Orhan — A New Chapter in Ottoman Epic Drama
Kuruluş: Orhan (Establishment: Orhan) is a Turkish historical drama television series that premiered on October 29, 2025, on Turkey’s ATV network. It continues the beloved Ottoman saga created by Mehmet Bozdağ and produced by Bozdağ Film, serving as the direct sequel to Kuruluş: Osman and the third major installment following Diriliş: Ertuğrul.
Background & Franchise Legacy
The Ottoman saga began with Diriliş: Ertuğrul, depicting the life of Ertuğrul Ghazi and his struggle to uphold his people’s honor and faith. Kuruluş: Osman continued this legacy by focusing on Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, chronicling his battles, leadership, and the formation of the Ottoman Beylik (state) through six seasons from 2019 to 2025.
With Osman’s story concluding in mid-2025, the franchise shifts focus to his son Orhan Bey, expanding the narrative into the next generation of Ottoman rule.
Plot Overview
Set several years after the events of Kuruluş: Osman, Kuruluş: Orhan highlights a critical transition in Ottoman history:
The Rise of Orhan
The series centers on Orhan Bey, the eldest son of Osman I, who ascends to leadership following his father’s era. It chronicles his efforts to solidify and expand the fledgling Ottoman state, navigating internal politics, external threats, and personal challenges as he transitions from warrior to ruler.
Empire’s Expansion
Orhan’s reign historically marked a turning point for the Ottoman Beylik — Bursa becomes the first Ottoman capital, and the state begins to take shape beyond its Anatolian borders. The drama explores these key developments: strategic conquests, alliances, diplomatic maneuvering, and the spiritual and moral dilemmas of leadership.
Core themes of the series include:
- Legacy and succession — Orhan balancing his father’s legacy with his own vision.
- War and strategy — battles with Byzantine forces and rival beyliks.
- Faith and justice — Islamic values shaping both governance and personal conduct.
Main Characters & Cast
The new drama introduces several key figures:
- Orhan Bey, portrayed by Mert Yazıcıoğlu — the protagonist and new leader of the Ottoman state.
- Osman Bey (guest role), played by Cihan Ünal — Orhan’s father, whose legacy looms large in the narrative.
- Malhun Hatun, played by Bennu Yıldırımlar — a powerful and influential figure in the early Ottoman leadership.
- Nilüfer Hatun, portrayed by Mahassine Merabet, reflecting both personal and political alliances.
- Other supporting characters include family members, allies, and new adversaries shaping the early empire’s fortunes.
Production & Release
Production began in late September 2025, with the first official trailer released on October 5, followed by additional promotional material through the month. The show’s first episode aired as scheduled on October 29, 2025.
Filming takes place primarily at Bozdağ Film’s historic sets near Istanbul, with expansive outdoor battle sequences and detailed period costumes bringing the 14th-century world to life.
Historical Context & Fiction
While the drama is rooted in historical figures and events — such as Orhan Ghazi’s real conquests and administrative reforms — Kuruluş: Orhan blends historical fact with dramatic storytelling. This means some characters, timelines, and interpersonal plots are fictionalized for narrative impact, as is common in epic historical dramas.
For example:
- In recorded history, Orhan expanded the Ottoman state significantly and captured key Byzantine cities like Bursa.
- His marriage to Nilüfer Hatun and leadership style are woven into the drama for both historical and emotional depth.
Reception & Expectations
Even before its full release, Kuruluş: Orhan has generated significant buzz within the global Turkish drama community, particularly among fans of historical period series. Promoted as a story of nation-building, courage, and faith, many viewers anticipate an engaging mix of action, politics, and rich character arcs underpinned by Ottoman lore.
The series has also been recognized in award ceremonies in 2025, winning accolades for production values and performances, highlighting its early impact on audiences and critics alike.
How to Watch
The drama airs on ATV (Turkey) with weekly episodes. Subtitled versions in languages like Urdu and Arabic appear on various platforms shortly after original broadcast, making it accessible to international audiences. Here at SNTV we collect best possible locations for the English and Urdu translations to offer you easy watch experience.
Conclusion
Kuruluş: Orhan marks a new era for one of Turkey’s most enduring historical dramas, shifting the narrative from Osman Bey’s establishment of the Ottoman state to Orhan’s expansion and consolidation of power. Combining historical richness, dramatic storytelling, and high production values, it promises to captivate both existing fans of the franchise and new viewers drawn to epic historical sagas.