The much-anticipated series formally titled (Saladin: The Conqueror of Jerusalem) is an ambitious joint venture between Turkey's Akli Films and Pakistan's Ansari and Shah Films. Production began in the summer of 2022, and the showrunners asserted that a primary target of the series was non-Muslim audiences who might be unfamiliar with this chapter of history. The project emerged following the global success of another Turkish historical drama, Dirilis Ertugrul , with the shared aim of bringing another great leader's story to a worldwide audience.
By bringing this story to international screens with modern CGI, high production values, and complex character development, the series offers a compelling counter-narrative to Eurocentric historical dramas. It provides a nuanced look at medieval geopolitics through a lens of faith, justice, and leadership.
Here is a blog post summarizing the series' current status and why it remains a must-watch.
Audiences searching for a multi-episode, long-form television production are typically looking for Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi . This major television series is an international joint venture produced by Turkey’s Akli Films and Pakistan’s Ansari and Shah Films. Plot and Scope
In recent years, Netflix has been producing high-quality historical dramas that captivate audiences worldwide. One such series is "Salahuddin Ayyubi," a Turkish-made historical drama that tells the story of the life of Saladin, the legendary Muslim leader who united Egypt and Syria and led the Muslim armies against the Crusaders during the 12th century. The series, which premiered on Netflix in 2020, has gained significant attention and praise for its engaging storyline, impressive production values, and outstanding performances.
Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi does not just focus on battles; it explores the complex political landscape of the time.
However, , particularly from those seeking historical accuracy, have pointed out several major issues:
The storyline heavily features the complex politics of the 12th century, including the struggle for power within the Zengid dynasty and the resistance against the Crusaders.
The series is helmed by Turkish producer Emre Konuk alongside Pakistani producers Kashif Ansari and Dr. Junaid Ali Shah. Where to Stream the Modern TV Series
Set in the volatile atmosphere of the 12th-century Crusades, the story begins with the Islamic world in disarray and the holy city of Jerusalem under Crusader control.
The Crusades, which lasted from the late 11th to the late 13th century, were a pivotal moment in world history, marked by brutal conflicts between Christians and Muslims. Salahuddin Ayyubi's military campaigns against the Crusaders, particularly his victory at the Battle of Hattin in 1187, are still celebrated as a testament to his strategic brilliance and leadership.
: Lead actor Uğur Güneş highlighted that he researched Salahuddin’s life in depth to portray him as a man of justice, reason, and mercy , rather than just a conqueror. Historical Figures
The producers constructed a massive, highly detailed replica of 12th-century Jerusalem, Damascus, and Cairo on a 200-acre plot of land in Istanbul. Every detail, from the architecture of the mosques to the bustling ancient marketplaces, was meticulously recreated.
