https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yvU4JurQaCSnz2Nm4uTnFgWyjOmCl9pq/view?usp=sharing

I have really only watched Ertugrul (DE) and Kurulus Osman (KO), so comparing the Saladin show with them makes it a clear winner. I find the show amazing overall. From a strictly historical perspective, Season 1 is probably a 1/10 due to fictional villains and altered character arcs, but as pure entertainment, I think Saladin is a much better show than DE and KO. I do agree with the criticism on this subreddit that some themes feel heavily inspired by Hollywood's Kingdom of Heaven, and the ending felt rushed. That said, I personally cheered when I saw the Leper King in his armor in Season 2.

Given this, why is the show so negatively rated here? Personally, I don't mind historical inaccuracies if they strengthen the plot and don't cross major lines. For instance, I appreciated the emotional connection to modern conflicts woven into Season 1. However, I was really uncomfortable with the plotline where Sultan Nooruddin Zangi adopts Saladin and lies about his lineage. In Islamic tradition, lying about someone's lineage is a very serious ethical and religious boundary. Portraying a ruler who is historically revered for his piety as doing this feels wrong and misrepresents his character.

I also noticed some subtle scenes where characters seemingly invoke someone other than God for help (like "Oh messenger of Allah, help me"). From an orthodox Islamic perspective, this borders on shirk or is at least a significant theological error that the writers should have avoided for a show about Islamic heroes.

Of course, we are already compromising by watching a mainstream TV show with music and modern production elements, but those two specific theological choices felt unnecessarily sloppy. Despite these flaws, I think the show otherwise holds up well. Perhaps my opinion would change if I had watched Uyanis Buyuk Selcuklu first, but compared to Mehmed Bozdag's works, Kudus Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi is probably the best out of the three. Let me know what y'all think!

Just a clarification for those who don't read anything made by AI: The text above may sound like AI, but I've only used AI to correct the initial post I wrote as the era of chatbots has significantly diminished my ability to proofread

I made a post about the historical conflict between Pir Ahmed Bey and Ishak Bey.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Deqr-ENkSXk/?obrf=MXFvNWN3Z2pkcjMzZg==

In the series, Ishak Bey's rebellion took a different turn from history, with no major battle between the brothers so far. Ishak escaped and fled to the Akkoyunlu, just as he historically sought refuge with Uzun Hasan.

So, what do you guys think will happen next?

Will we see the historical battle where Uzun Hasan supports Ishak, helping him defeat Pir Ahmed and take control of Karaman before the ottoman intervenes ?

Or will Ishak's story end in the next episode, with no major battle?

How would you like to see Ishak's story end?

Personally, I'd like to see Ishak die in the next episode, but in Aq Qoyunlu territory. Imagine the Ottomans capturing him and hanging him in Tabriz as a warning to Uzun Hasan not to interfere in Ottoman affairs.

What do you guys think?

They were advertising MFS in one of my favourite current shows, Taşacak Bu Deniz. I haven't watched a single episode of MFS although I've been meaning to, and I know it's in the 4th season. IS it going downhill are the ratings really that bad that they need to pull this? If so, wrong show to advertise lol completely different audience. Really took me by surprise not gonna lie

Ep 84: n/a (the start)

Ep 85: down -2.99

Ep 86: up +3.46

Ep 87: down -0.33

Ep 88: up +1.51

These are only the past five episodes

Note: Dizilah ratings only count official television viewership in Turkey. But if they counted a global rating from actual fans, the MFS ratings would've got their right which is higher ratings. Also a lot of fans watch MFS on other websites than the official YouTube channel for better english subtitles. If we combined those views on other websites with their official Youtube page, millions would be added.

In the episode 83 (season 3’s finale), Mehmed and Vlad had a fictional physical fight. There Mehmed won. But when a Turkish historian was reacting to the ep, he said that he honestly believes Vlad’s actor Ertan Saban would destroy Mehmed’s actor Serkan Çayoğlu in an MMA fight. Who do you think would win?

Spoilers and Episode 89 trailer discussion.
I genuinely believe Season 4 has the potential to become the strongest storyline in Mehmed: Fetihler Sultanı. The Aq Qoyunlu characters aren’t merely obstacles for Mehmed to overcome. They represent a rival Turkic Muslim state with its own dynastic rights, military traditions, strategic interests, family loyalties, and political legitimacy.
And that’s why Uzun Hasan, Mirza Uğurlu, Mirza Zeynel, Mirza Masih, Selçukşah Begüm, Töre Bey, Başvezir Savcı Bey, and even Mirza Maksud deserve serious discussion.
My rankings below are based on the SERIES: demonstrated feats, tactical ability, leadership, character writing, consistency, and narrative importance—not simply who wins the final battle.
🏆 TOP 10 CHARACTERS — WRITING, POWER, AND STORYLINE
1. Uzun Hasan Padishah — The central sovereign
Hasan is my number one because he represents the entire Aq Qoyunlu political vision. He is a husband, father, ruler, military strategist, and defender of his dynasty’s honor. His greatest strength isn’t merely commanding cavalry; it’s refusing to let another ruler dictate every decision affecting his state.
The conflict over Trabzon, Despina Hatun’s dynastic connection, the rights claimed by the Aq Qoyunlu, and the rivalry with Mehmed create a conflict where both courts have their own political logic.
His refusal to surrender İshak Bey despite accusations of treachery is especially interesting. If Hasan believes that surrendering İshak would violate his sovereign obligations or allow a rival to dictate Aq Qoyunlu justice, he has a legitimate dramatic dilemma. However, protecting someone must not mean excusing every crime that person commits. A strong ruler investigates, judges fairly, and protects his state’s lawful interests.
2. Mirza Uğurlu Mehmed — The warrior and succession contender
Uğurlu is second because of his battlefield reputation, ambition, and the succession conflict surrounding him. His confrontation with the Ottoman military establishment makes him more than another royal son waiting for his father’s throne.
The series’ portrayal of his clashes with Has Murad Pasha and Bayezid gives him the aura of a dangerous commander. His strongest storyline is the tension between personal ambition, loyalty to Hasan, and the question of who deserves to inherit the state.
Uğurlu is particularly compelling when he acts independently instead of simply reacting to Mehmed. He should be written as a commander capable of planning, adapting, and winning through tactics—not surviving because the script protects him.
3. Mirza Zeynel — The fallen warrior whose legacy matters
Zeynel ranks third because his character embodies martial courage, family loyalty, and the human cost of dynastic warfare. His importance is not erased by defeat or death.
A warrior’s legacy depends on what his actions mean for the people who survive him. Zeynel’s relationship with Hasan, Uğurlu, and the wider dynasty gives the Aq Qoyunlu story emotional weight beyond the struggle for territory.
4. Mirza Masih — The formidable prince
Masih deserves a top-five position because the story benefits from having another capable member of the dynasty whose loyalties and ambitions can complicate Hasan’s decisions.
He should not simply exist to support his brothers. His own tactical judgment, rivalries, and response to political pressure should determine his place in the family. A compelling prince can disagree with his father without becoming a villain.
5. Selçukşah Begüm Hatun — The political strategist
Selçukşah deserves recognition alongside the leading warriors because dynastic politics is not decided by swords alone.
Her influence over family alliances, succession, and Hasan’s choices makes her an essential character. Her position is especially interesting when her interests conflict with those of other members of the household.
She should be judged by her strategy, foresight, and consequences—not dismissed because she is a woman operating in a military-centered storyline.
6. Sultan Mehmed II — The imperial strategist
Mehmed remains an extraordinary character because of his ambition, intelligence, and ability to organize an empire. But he should not automatically be considered morally correct whenever his objectives conflict with Hasan’s.
A great conqueror can be strategically brilliant and still make a questionable political decision. His threat to make Hasan’s state pay in the Episode 89 trailer raises the stakes, but the consequences of that threat should be examined rather than assumed to be justified.
7. Mirza Maksud — The dangerous rival
Maksud is fascinating precisely because he can be both formidable and politically suspect. His rivalry with Mustafa, his place in the dynasty, and his military presentation make him a character worth taking seriously.
The chainmail helmet and armor in the new trailer look excellent. More importantly, his equipment visually communicates that he belongs on the battlefield. I want the show to give him genuine tactical achievements rather than treating his armor as decoration.
A traitor can still be a capable warrior. Those are separate judgments.
8. Alpagut Töre Bey — The military professional
Töre Bey represents the military institution behind the throne. His value comes from discipline, command, and the ability to translate a ruler’s decisions into battlefield results.
The series should let him challenge poor plans, recognize dangerous opponents, and demonstrate that a great army needs experienced commanders—not just princes with impressive names.
9. Başvezir Savcı Bey — The statesman
Savcı Bey is important because the Aq Qoyunlu state needs more than personal loyalty to Hasan. It needs administration, intelligence, logistics, diplomacy, and sound counsel.
His best scenes should demonstrate that a vizier can protect the state by warning the ruler against a disastrous decision—even when the warning is unwelcome.
10. Şehzade Mustafa — The volatile contender
Mustafa belongs in the top ten because his rivalry with Maksud and his relationship with Mehmed create a second layer of succession politics.
His challenge is learning that royal birth does not eliminate the need for discipline. A prince who crosses a frontier, escalates a dispute, or endangers an army without proper authorization can create a crisis that the sovereign must then resolve.
Bayezid is also essential to this storyline, particularly as Mehmed’s son and a commander whose actions have consequences beyond his personal rivalry.
⚔️ TOP 10 WARRIORS — SERIES POWER RANKING
This ranking concerns martial portrayal and demonstrated or strongly established battlefield roles, not moral virtue. The exact order remains open to revision as the season reveals more feats.
Uzun Hasan — Overall commander and veteran ruler whose military record gives him enormous credibility.
Mirza Uğurlu — A dangerous offensive commander whose clashes with Ottoman forces establish his threat.
Mirza Zeynel — A formidable Aq Qoyunlu warrior whose courage and battlefield importance shape the dynasty’s story.
Has Murad Pasha — An experienced Ottoman commander who should not be reduced to a single defeat or ambush.
Şehzade Bayezid — A serious military figure whose actual performance should determine his ranking, not his father’s reputation.
Şehzade Mustafa — A contender whose battlefield record and rivalry with Maksud need to be assessed separately from his political judgment.
Mirza Maksud — A dangerous rival whose armor, presence, and potential tactical skill make him one to watch.
Alpagut Töre Bey — An experienced commander whose leadership and battlefield discipline are essential to the Aq Qoyunlu army.
Mirza Masih — A dynastic warrior whose final position should depend on his individual feats and decisions.
Savcı Bey — Included for his command and statecraft contributions; if the ranking is restricted strictly to one-on-one combat, he should be replaced by a fighter with more demonstrated dueling feats.
This is not a claim that every character above has already defeated everyone below them. It is a provisional ranking of overall martial portrayal and command potential. The show should provide clear feats—victories, duels, tactical decisions, and battlefield outcomes—to settle the order.
⚖️ WHY HASAN’S CASE DESERVES TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY
The Ottoman–Aq Qoyunlu conflict should not be reduced to “Mehmed is the protagonist, so Mehmed is right.”
Hasan had real strategic interests in Anatolia. The Ottoman conquest of Trabzon in 1461 affected his ally and his dynastic connections. Ottoman expansion and commercial restrictions also threatened Aq Qoyunlu interests. The rivalry was therefore about sovereignty, trade, territory, alliances, and the balance of power—not simply personal jealousy.
The Papacy and Venice also pursued diplomatic and military cooperation with Hasan against the Ottomans. That context explains why the conflict became international. It does not automatically prove that Hasan was right about every decision, nor that every Christian state was acting as one unified force. The show should portray the competing alliances and motives with nuance.
From an Islamic ethical perspective, several principles matter:
Justice: Qur’an 4:135 and 5:8 require justice even when family loyalties or hostility are involved.
Treaties and obligations: Qur’an 5:1 and 16:91 emphasize fulfilling covenants.
Limits on warfare: Qur’an 2:190 commands fighting those who fight while prohibiting transgression.
Reconciliation: Qur’an 49:9 calls for justice and reconciliation when groups come into conflict.
These principles do not automatically settle every medieval territorial claim. They provide a framework for asking whether rulers respected agreements, protected people, restrained retaliation, and avoided unnecessary bloodshed.
🏰 THE BORDER QUESTION: MUSTAFA, BAYEZID, AND MAKSUD
My view is that a prince should not unilaterally cross a rival state’s frontier and trigger a war without proper authorization from his sovereign.
If Mustafa or Bayezid acts without Mehmed’s permission, that should be treated as a serious breach of command. Likewise, Maksud’s rivalry with Mustafa does not justify every action he takes.
The Episode 89 trailer specifically shows Mehmed ordering Bayezid to assemble Anatolian sipahis and reach the Aq Qoyunlu border. That is not the same thing as proving Bayezid crossed it without permission. The next episode needs to establish who gave the order, where the troops went, and whether an incursion actually occurred.
A border dispute should be judged by the evidence: who crossed, what agreement existed, whether an attack occurred, and how each ruler responded. Otherwise, the show risks making political responsibility depend entirely on which character the audience likes.
🛡️ İSHAK BEY, TREACHERY, AND THE DUTY OF A RULER
Hasan refusing to surrender İshak despite allegations of treachery is one of the most interesting potential parallels in the series.
The thematic comparison with Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Suleiman Shah’s resistance to demands involving rebellious princes such as Numan and his children is about a ruler refusing to let external pressure alone dictate the fate of someone under his protection.
But the comparison works only if the circumstances are examined. Protecting a person from an unjust seizure is not the same as shielding that person from legitimate accountability. Hasan’s strongest position is not “İshak can do no wrong”; it is “no rival ruler gets to dictate Aq Qoyunlu justice without a lawful basis.”
That is a far more compelling sovereign principle than simple stubbornness.
📜 THE TURKIC TRADITION AND THE RIGHT TO RULE
Turkic dynastic politics involved family legitimacy, military reputation, the support of commanders, and the backing of powerful tribal factions. These were not modern constitutional systems, and the succession was often contested.
That makes Uğurlu’s story especially important. A succession contender with military support and backing among emirs should not be dismissed as irrelevant merely because another relative ultimately held the throne. At the same time, political support and a reported proclamation must be distinguished from an uncontested, lasting reign.
The show can explore that tension without pretending that every claim is equally established.
🔥 WHAT I WANT FROM THE REST OF SEASON 4
Hasan must remain a sovereign with independent agency. He should make strategic choices, win some confrontations, suffer setbacks, and learn from them.
Uğurlu must receive genuine victories and meaningful consequences. He should not need plot armor to remain dangerous.
Zeynel’s legacy must matter. His death or absence should change the family and the state rather than become a forgotten plot point.
Masih and Maksud must be more than supporting princes. Give both independent goals, credible military feats, and difficult moral choices.
Selçukşah and Savcı Bey must influence policy. Their political intelligence should matter as much as a sword fight.
Mehmed must be formidable without being automatically vindicated. His decisions should have costs, and rival states must be allowed to defend their own interests.
The show must distinguish personal revenge from justice. That is where its Islamic ethical themes can become genuinely meaningful.
FINAL VERDICT
Uzun Hasan is my #1 overall character, Mirza Uğurlu is #2, and Mirza Zeynel is #3. Masih and Selçukşah complete my top five because the dynasty needs both military power and political intelligence. Mehmed II remains a major figure at #6 in this character ranking—not because he is weak, but because the story is more compelling when the Ottoman court is not treated as the only side with legitimate interests.
Season 4 is at its best when both states have credible reasons to act, when warriors win through skill rather than plot armor, and when loyalty, justice, sovereignty, and family honor collide.
Uzun Hasan deserves to be judged as a ruler in his own right—not merely as the man Mehmed must defeat. And Uğurlu, Zeynel, Masih, Selçukşah, Maksud, Töre Bey, and Savcı Bey deserve the same seriousness of writing as the Ottoman characters.

At this point the writers should just kill off gulbahar and cicek, just keep Gulsah. I’m tired of the favoritism. There’s literally not ONE piece of evidence about Gulsah and mehmed except him gifting her land years after Mustafa’s death. That’s IT. I get that the Karaman storyline is for Mustafa which is why they have to show more of Gulsah but they’ve been doing this since season 1?

Someone said something about Gulsah being Turkish and that’s why the producers favor her so much and im starting to believe it. Because based on what we know, Bahar is meant to be even more involved now that her son is a governor of Amasya. And Mehmed literally calls her his Queen of Queens, but somehow we can’t get ONE scene of them since season 2? And somehow Cicek seizes to exist? Even if it’s one of the most BIGGEST moment for her son? But Gulsah gets to be there for her son? I’m trying to understand what these writers are doing and what exactly Cicek and Bahar did that makes them hate these women 😭

IMO the last episode 5 of AŞK was the best of them all and if the whole series had been like episode 5 perhaps it would not have been canceled. Episode 5 had a balance of politics, conquest plans, dynastic intrigue, love scenes and harem drama. Unlike the other episodes it did not overly emphasize the love story or the harem petty squabbles. There were exciting battle scenes and plenty of political dynamics. It’s too bad the formula got right after it was already canceled. I was wondering how they were going to pull off the ending and the ending was done well and not too abrupt. I have said this before that there was so much more to say about Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad who led the golden age of the Seljuks and I’m glad it was finally touched upon in this episode. I hope someone does a well written and directed show about him.

I still can’t believe that the janissaries drew their swords out on innocent Wallachian civilians in the season 3 finale. Even Kurtçu was insisting on it till Mehmed scolded him. Ts was pure oppression. Historically, they were hard-headed and tough to control.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/189d3ZG8Z2ObKPtP2HBk8VbG4EgYlk0tJ/view?usp=drive_link

Salaam,

What are some scenes you guys remember where a character thought they would die and recited Shahada, but ended up not dying. Ex: Ertugrul when he was gonna be executed in s2 by Korkut, saadetin kopek when he thought Sultan Aladdin was gonna behead him in s4, halime against ural in s3, etc.

In episode 88 of mfs uzun Hasan refuses to hand over rebels to Mehmed because of his customs. Ertugrul and Süleyman shah do the same in Diriliş Ertugrul. Halime and her were rebels but they refuse to hand them over even if they go into war because of their customs.

I supported Ertugrul when he did that so I can’t honestly condemn uzun Hasan for what he’s doing. I honestly think Uzun Hasan is right and has been from the beginning.

At this point it’s no stranger to us that Mehmed likes Mustafa more than Bayezid.

Mehmed appoints Mahmud Pasha, the one 3 of the greatest statesmen in Mehmed’s time (Candarli, Zaganos, Mahmud) as Mustafa’s Lala.

While Mehmed appointed Ishak as Bayezid’s Lala, many could argue that he was one of the weakest and clumsiest Pashas in Mehmed’s time.

Here’s the flaw and beauty of the two Sehzades and their Lalas.

Mahmud was undeniably dominant in statecraft, a very trusted and well-respected Pasha by Mehmed himself. His politics were nearly on par with Candarli, having small but a lot of influences inside and outside the Harem. However, Mahmud’s strength was the same thing that failed Mustafa. Due to his greatness, Mahmud rarely learned lessons and made mistakes but at the same time was well versed in war and in politics, a knowledge he held and taught to Mustafa. This causes a significant reflection on his guidance at Mustafa’s actions. Mahmud influences others and when he makes a mistake, we should be damn sure that it’s a very costly mistake. Just like what happened in this season so far, Mustafa influences the Janissaries Hearth but he made a mistake by falling into the trap of killing Uzun Hasan’s brother in law, a trap set up by the traitors Uzun Hasan’s harem and also by letting Ishak of Karamanoglu live after a coup de tat attempt on Suleyman.

Ishak on the other hand was closer to Kurtcu Dogan Pasha than Mahmud as Pasha when measured by power, influence and knowledge. And that says a lot. Fyi, I rank Candarli 1st, Mahmud 2nd, Zaganos 3rd, Sehabettin 4th, Ishak 4th and Dogan 5th. Despite this Ishak never backs out of a fight even when his life was really on the line as we witnessed last season. He might not be as Wicked and Knowledgeable as Mahmud and Zaganos but when it comes to state duties Ishak rarely fails. Yes he often made mistakes and blunders and that is what he’s teaching and guiding Bayezid with, lessons and patience. The result we got was a Bayezid that’s charming, resilient and headstrong despite the apparent favouritism against him. And yes, Bayezid himself didn’t have influence as strong as Mahmud and Mustafa, but the people and those who are influenced by Ishak and Bayezid surely would do anything for them.

I just want to point out that if it was Bayzeid that did what Mustafa did in this episode he would’ve been LONGG gone.

And honestly I don’t hate Mustafa. I actually blame Mehmed. He cuddled that boy in every mistake that he did or tried to put the blame on Bayzeid for not watching after him. This is all kind of his fault and I can’t feel bad for him

I just posted the Yeniçeri yemini Mustafa did last season a few hours ago at night which you can go check in community group. Now I woke up to this.

I’ve been rewatching the show, and honestly, i just cannot cheer for ertugrul, he constantly does stuff for selfish reasons and claims it’s for a greater purpose when it isn’t, it’s just for him to create his own state
Tells people to obey him or he’d cut their heads off
Says he raised his children to die for his “great cause” and “let them die for it”
This guy’s actually evil in some scenarios

I mean just recently in this season, Mustafa was completely wrong to just kill the Akkoyunlu Mirza Behram without knowing the situation but he barely got any punishment from Mehmet, just a slap on the wrist. Meanwhile least season Mehmet was strangling Beyazit for his mistakes

Then Gulsah saying in the open telling Mustafa he shouldve let Beyazit die in front of his wife and little son and somehow they start hating on Ayse for it...mehmet doesn't reprimand gulsah at all, he gets mad for a second but she responds and gets out scott free and even begins terrorizing ayse over it...wth is this?

Below is the oath new janissaries shout as a promise. Mustafa and Hüseyin Ağa also did it. I think it’s also in Magnificent century cuz I saw a clip of it. I might have typed mistakes cuz I was going back and forth listening to Mustafa becoming janissary in season 3, and writing it down after pausing the vid. I also replaced “Ya Ali” with “Ya Allah” because it might be shirk to call upon other than Allah.

“Bismişah, Allah Allah, Hü!
Yolum yolunuz.
Kolum kolunuz.
Dolum dolunuz.
Dinim dininiz.
Başım yolunuzda.
Canım uğrunuzda.
Malım, törenizde kurban.
Dilim tercüman.
Erenlerden ferman.
Yoldan ayrılırsam: tuttunuz kılıç,
boyunuma doğarak.
Mürdür, gerçekler demine
Pir gayetine, Ya Allah, Hü!

Ey düşman-i-Muhammedi,
Siz küfrani, biz şükrani.
Siz bir taraf, biz bir taraf.

Gök girsin, kızıl çıksın!

Kendi kılıçımla doğranayım.
Yer gibi çeltileyim.
Toprak gibi savrulayım!”

Historical signature - MFS is peak for caring about these things.