Kuruluş Orhan

Kuruluş Orhan has emerged as the latest sensation in Turkish historical drama, premiering on October 29, 2025, on ATV. As the direct sequel to the globally acclaimed Kuruluş Osman and third installment in the epic Ottoman saga begun by Diriliş Ertuğrul, this series chronicles the transformative reign of Orhan Gazi—the second sultan who elevated his father’s modest principality into a formidable empire that would last six centuries.​

For international audiences searching for Kurulus Orhan English subtitles, this comprehensive guide provides everything needed to watch, understand, and appreciate this epic historical drama that has captivated millions across continents.

The Series: A New Chapter in Ottoman History

Kuruluş Orhan follows Orhan Bey (c. 1281-1362), the eldest son of Osman Ghazi and Malhun Hatun, as he inherits leadership of the early Ottoman beylik. Set in 14th-century Anatolia, the series depicts Orhan’s efforts to strengthen and expand Ottoman territories amid Byzantine opposition, internal tribal politics, and the monumental task of transforming a frontier principality into an organized state.​

The narrative focuses on pivotal historical events including the conquest of Bursa in 1326, which became the first Ottoman capital, the expansion into European territories (Rumelia), and the establishment of the administrative and military institutions that defined the Ottoman system for generations. Unlike his father who fought to establish an independent state, Orhan faced the challenge of governance, diplomacy, and expansion—transitioning from survival to empire-building.​

Production and Premiere

Produced by Mehmet Bozdağ under Bozdağ Film with co-producer Fozan Khan, Kuruluş Orhan represents the continuation of Turkey’s most successful historical drama franchise. The production officially commenced on September 23, 2025, after a reading rehearsal on September 18. The series premiered to significant fanfare on October 29, 2025—a date holding symbolic importance as Turkish Republic Day—with the first episode broadcast at 8:00 PM Turkish Time on ATV.​

Visual effects are handled by Orzan Studios based in Arlington, Texas, ensuring the cinematic battle sequences and period authenticity that characterized the predecessor series. Each episode runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, following the extended format that has become standard for Turkish historical dramas.​

Cast and Characters: The Faces Behind the Legend

Mert Yazıcıoğlu as Orhan Gazi

Mert Yazıcıoğlu (born May 10, 1993, Istanbul) takes on the titular role of Orhan Bey, bringing both gravitas and vulnerability to the character of the young sultan burdened with his father’s expectations. At 32 years old, Yazıcıoğlu has established himself as one of Turkey’s most talented actors through acclaimed performances in:​​

• Karagül (2013-2016) as Baran Şamverdi—the role that brought him widespread recognition across 125 episodes​
• Netflix’s Love 101 (2020-2021) as Sinan—exposing him to international audiences​
• Kızıl Goncalar (2023-2025) as Cüneyd Güneş—for which he won the Golden Butterfly Award for Best Actor in December 2024​

Yazıcıoğlu studied Business Administration at Istanbul Aydın University but left to pursue acting, training at the 3 Mota Eğitim Workshop under Ümit Çırak. His portrayal of Orhan showcases the character’s evolution from a prince learning leadership under his father’s shadow to a visionary ruler who must forge his own path while honoring his legacy.​

Core Cast Members

Bennu Yıldırımlar reprises her role as Malhun Hatun, Osman Bey’s second wife and Orhan’s mother, providing continuity from Kuruluş Osman. Her character embodies the strength and political acumen of Ottoman women who shaped the empire from behind the scenes.​

Cihan Ünal portrays the aging Osman Bey, taking over from Burak Özçivit who played the role across six seasons of Kuruluş Osman. Osman’s presence in early episodes provides emotional weight as he passes the torch to his son.​

Mahassine Merabet plays Nilüfer Hatun, historically a Byzantine princess who became Orhan’s second wife after converting to Islam. Her character represents the cultural bridge between Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations, and she would become the mother of Sultan Murad I, continuing the dynasty.​

Ömer Faruk Aran portrays Şehzade Alaeddin Ali, Orhan’s younger half-brother through Osman’s first wife Bala Hatun. The dynamic between the brothers explores themes of loyalty, rivalry, and shared responsibility in building the Ottoman state.​

Supporting Characters

The series features a robust ensemble cast including Barış Falay as Şahinşah Bey (loyal commander), Çağrı Şensoy as Cerkutay Bey (veteran warrior known for dual-sword combat), Yiğit Uçan as Boran Bey (confidant and bard), Can Atak as Kara Halil (Orhan’s advisor), Şükrü Özyıldız as Commander Flavius (Byzantine antagonist), and Burak Sergen as Tekfur Saroz (regional Byzantine lord).

Historical Context: The Real Orhan Gazi

The Second Ottoman Sultan (1323/4-1362)

Orhan Gazi ruled the Ottoman principality for an extraordinary 38 years, transforming it from a small frontier beylik into a regional power that controlled most of northwestern Anatolia and gained its first foothold in Europe. According to Muslim scholar Ibn Battuta, Orhan was “the greatest of the Turcoman kings and the richest in wealth, lands, and military forces”.​

Major Conquests and Achievements

The Conquest of Bursa (1326): The most significant achievement of Orhan’s early reign was capturing Bursa (then known as Prusa), the wealthy Byzantine city that had been under siege since 1317. Osman Ghazi initiated the siege but died either just before or shortly after its fall—meaning Orhan completed his father’s greatest ambition. Bursa became the first Ottoman capital and remained spiritually and economically significant even after the capital moved to Edirne in 1363.​

After conquering Bursa, Orhan showed remarkable statesmanship by protecting the Christian inhabitants, preserving their churches, and establishing a reputation for justice and tolerance. This approach became characteristic of Ottoman expansion, enabling the empire to govern diverse populations effectively.​

Subsequent Conquests:

• Nicaea (İznik), 1331 – Strategic city controlling routes to Constantinople​
• Nicomedia (İzmit), 1337 – Important port on the Sea of Marmara​
• Üsküdar, 1338 – Establishing presence near Constantinople​
• Karasi Principality, c. 1345 – Annexation of neighboring Turkish emirate​
• Gallipoli (Gelibolu), 1354 – First permanent Ottoman foothold in Europe​

The capture of Gallipoli following a devastating earthquake proved particularly momentous, as it gave the Ottomans their bridgehead into mainland Europe under Orhan’s son Süleyman Pasha.​

Administrative Innovations

Orhan established the foundations of Ottoman governance:​

Economic Reforms: In 1327, Orhan minted the first Ottoman coins (called akçe or asper), a traditional mark of sovereignty. These silver coins remained the basic Ottoman currency for centuries.​

Military Organization: He began organizing a permanent standing army, laying groundwork for what would become the famous Janissary corps.​

Infrastructure Development: Orhan built mosques, madrasas (theological colleges), caravanserais, Turkish baths, and markets throughout his territories, transforming conquered cities into thriving Ottoman centers.​

Diplomatic Alliances: In 1346, Orhan married Theodora, daughter of Byzantine Emperor John VI Kantakouzenos, solidifying an alliance that allowed Ottoman forces to campaign in the Balkans as Byzantine allies. This marriage exemplified Orhan’s sophisticated approach to statecraft, balancing military conquest with diplomatic maneuvering.​

Historical Accuracy in the Drama

The series follows the historical outline approach—major events, conquests, and political developments are rooted in documented history, while personal dialogues, romantic subplots, and specific dramatic confrontations are fictionalized for narrative engagement.​

What the Show Gets Right:

• Main historical figures and their relationships
• The conquest of Bursa and its significance as the first capital
• Orhan’s role in establishing Ottoman administrative institutions
• The expansion from Anatolia into Europe
• Marriage alliances with Byzantine nobility
• The transition from tribal confederation to organized state​

Dramatic Licenses:

• Specific dialogue and personal interactions
• Enhanced battle sequences and individual heroics
• Simplified complex political situations
• Compressed timelines for narrative flow
• Invented secondary characters for dramatic tension