Alparslan: The Great Seljuks (2021)
A sweeping Turkish historical epic chronicling Sultan Alparslan's wars, statecraft, and the legendary rise of the Great Seljuk Empire.
Alparslan: The Great Seljuks - Series Information
- Original Title: Alparslan: Büyük Selçuklu
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Created by: Sedat İnci
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, War, Politics
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (150 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 61
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Turkish
- Spoken Languages: Turkish
- Networks: TRT 1
- Production Companies: Akli Film
- Production Countries: Turkey
Alparslan: The Great Seljuks - Plot
It deals with the state structure, political events, wars of the Great Seljuk Empire and the life of Sultan Alparslan.
Alparslan: The Great Seljuks - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the epic world of Sultan Alparslan.
The blessed journey of Sultan Alparslan, who opened the doors of Anatolia to the Turks...
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Alparslan: The Great Seljuks - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Sedat İnci
Main Cast
- Barış Arduç
- Fahriye Evcen
- Mehmet Özgür
- Sarp Levendoğlu
- Gizem Karaca
- Erdinç Gülener
- Barış Bağcı
- Yurdaer Okur
- Şahin Çelik
- Betül Çobanoğlu
Writers
- Ayça Mutlugil
Alparslan: The Great Seljuks - FAQs
Is Alparslan: The Great Seljuks based on a true story?
Yes, the series is rooted in real history. Sultan Alparslan was a genuine 11th-century ruler of the Great Seljuk Empire, best known for his decisive victory at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, which opened Anatolia to Turkish settlement. The show dramatizes his reign with fictional characters woven around verified historical events.
Who plays Sultan Alparslan in the series?
Barış Arduç takes on the lead role of Sultan Alparslan, bringing intensity and gravitas to the iconic warrior-king. Fahriye Evcen stars alongside him as Akça Hatun, while Mehmet Özgür portrays the legendary statesman Nizamülmülk, and Sarp Levendoğlu plays the Byzantine emperor Romanos IV Diogenes.
What is the Battle of Manzikert's role in the series?
The Battle of Manzikert (1071) serves as the dramatic centerpiece of the series. This real clash between the Seljuk forces and the Byzantine Empire, in which Alparslan captured Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, is depicted as the defining moment that unlocked the gates of Anatolia for the Turks — the very journey the show's tagline celebrates.
Where can I watch Alparslan: The Great Seljuks?
The series originally aired on TRT 1 in Turkey. For international viewers, streaming availability varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most current options in your country, as platforms carrying Turkish historical dramas differ widely depending on your location.
How many seasons and episodes does the series have?
Alparslan: The Great Seljuks ran for two seasons and a total of 61 episodes — Season 1 comprised 27 episodes and Season 2 expanded to 34. Each episode runs approximately 150 minutes, making it one of the longer-format Turkish historical dramas in the genre.
How was Alparslan: The Great Seljuks received by audiences?
The series earned a strong following among fans of Turkish historical epics, praised for its large-scale battle sequences, detailed period production design, and Barış Arduç's commanding performance. It sits comfortably within the prestige tier of TRT 1 productions, drawing comparisons to Resurrection: Ertugrul for its scope and ambition.
Is Alparslan: The Great Seljuks connected to other Turkish series?
While it stands alone as a complete story, the series shares thematic DNA with other TRT 1 historical epics like Kuruluş Osman and Payitaht: Abdulhamid. It is also thematically linked to The Great Seljuks (2020), which covers an earlier period of the same empire, making both shows natural companion viewing.
What are similar shows to Alparslan: The Great Seljuks?
If you enjoyed this series, Resurrection: Ertugrul and Kuruluş Osman offer similarly epic Turkish historical storytelling. For broader Islamic history epics, Mehmed: Sultan of Conquests and Payitaht: Abdulhamid are excellent picks. Barbaroslar and Barbaros Hayreddin Sultanin Fermani round out the genre with naval and Ottoman-era adventures.
More About Alparslan: The Great Seljuks
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