Watch Kurulus Orhan Episode 1 with English Subtitles | Full HD Free on KayiLovers.com

November 6, 2025

2,373 8 minutes read

Episode 1: “The Weight of Legacy” – Complete Breakdown

Kurulus Orhan Episode 1 premiered on October 29, 2025, launching the epic continuation of the Ottoman saga that began with Diriliş Ertuğrul and Kuruluş Osman. After six seasons chronicling Osman Bey’s establishment of the Ottoman beylik, the torch now passes to his son Orhan Bey (Mert Yazıcıoğlu), who must prove himself worthy of transforming his father’s dream into an empire.

KayiLovers.com brings you Kurulus Orhan Episode 1 with English subtitles in full HD quality, completely free—continuing our mission to make Turkish historical dramas accessible to global audiences.

The Nine-Year Siege: Episode 1 Central Plot

The episode opens with a powerful declaration from Orhan Bey: “We will be the state of all Muslims, all non-Muslims, seventy-two nations”. For nine long years, Orhan has besieged the Byzantine stronghold of Bursa, attempting to fulfill his father Osman Bey’s greatest ambition. The city stands protected by the powerful Tekfur Saroz and the undefeated Commander Flavius, who have turned Bursa into what seems like an impenetrable fortress.

The historical Siege of Bursa (1317-1326) represents one of the most significant moments in Ottoman history. Unlike quick conquest stories, this nine-year campaign demonstrates Orhan’s defining characteristic: strategic patience. The Ottomans systematically captured surrounding villages and fortresses, slowly strangling the city’s supply lines rather than risking costly frontal assaults.

Osman Bey’s Council: The Ultimate Test

As his health deteriorates, Osman Bey (now portrayed by Cihan Ünal, replacing Burak Özçivit) calls a critical toy (council meeting) that will determine the future of the siege. He summons all the beys from the camp, and Orhan faces his greatest political test yet.

The council erupts in controversy when the beys express their desire for a new commander to lead the siege after nine years without decisive victory. Şahinşah Bey (Barış Falay) boldly volunteers for the position, challenging Orhan’s authority in front of everyone. This shocking proposal drops “like a bomb” in the middle of the assembly.

The scene captures the real challenge Orhan historically faced—proving himself not just as Osman’s son, but as a capable leader in his own right. The extended siege had tested everyone’s patience, and doubts about Orhan’s leadership threatened to undermine his authority.

Alaeddin’s Loyalty: A Brother’s Bond

In a surprising turn, Alaeddin Bey (Ömer Faruk Aran), Orhan’s younger half-brother and son of Osman Bey and Bala Hatun, steps forward with the voice of reason. If Osman Bey plans to remove Orhan from command, Alaeddin himself volunteers for the duty.

This act reveals the deep bond between the brothers—Alaeddin isn’t seeking power for himself, but protecting his brother’s honor while showing he’s ready to serve if needed. The moment showcases the complex family dynamics that would characterize Ottoman succession for generations.

Nilüfer Hatun: Orhan’s Greatest Strength

Amid all the political turmoil, Nilüfer Hatun (Mahassine Merabet) emerges as Orhan’s greatest source of strength. Historically a Byzantine princess who converted to Islam, Nilüfer represents the cultural bridge between civilizations that would define Ottoman expansion.

In one of the episode’s most touching scenes, Nilüfer arrives at Orhan’s camp after hearing he was ambushed. Their conversation reveals the emotional weight Orhan carries:

Nilüfer: “Orhan, why did you come?”
Orhan: “Thank goodness you came. They said Orhan Bey fell into a trap. I don’t even remember what happened next. I looked and here I am.”

The scene shows Nilüfer treating Orhan’s wounds while he confides his fears about the council’s decision. She promises to discover what the tribal women are saying, noting that “the best information is obtained from the bey hatuns (ladies)”. Her devotion provides Orhan with the emotional support he needs to continue fighting both military and political battles.

Orhan’s Daring Night Mission

While waiting for the council’s decision, Orhan remains determined to fulfill his duty. He executes a bold plan to cut off Flavius and Saroz’s lifeline by targeting their secret supply tunnel.

During the night operation, Orhan’s forces ambush and kill Octavius, Flavius’s beloved younger brother, who was transporting critical supplies. The mission succeeds in disrupting Byzantine logistics, but comes at a cost—Boran Bey (Yiğit Uçan), Osman Bey’s close confidant and talented bard, suffers serious injuries during the operation.

Flavius’s Oath of Vengeance

The death of Octavius devastates Commander Flavius (Şükrü Özyıldız). In a powerful scene, Flavius discovers his brother’s body and swears a blood oath of revenge:

“My brave brother… With the ammunition you would have brought, we would have had the power to attack the Turks’ headquarters. Just like we always dreamed… we would fight the Turks face to face… and avenge our father.”

Flavius’s personal vendetta against Orhan intensifies the conflict. This isn’t just a strategic war anymore—it’s personal. The blood shed by Orhan’s hand threatens to birth “a new storm before Bursa’s walls”. This sets up a major antagonist for the season: a Byzantine commander driven not just by duty, but by the desire for revenge.

Family Drama: The Hatuns’ Politics

Malhun Hatun’s Concerns

Malhun Hatun (Bennu Yıldırımlar), Osman Bey’s second wife and Orhan’s mother, becomes concerned about the continuation of Alaeddin’s lineage. She loses hope in Gonca Hatun (Alaeddin’s wife, daughter of Germiyanid Yakub Bey) and asks Didar Hatun to look for a new bride candidate for Alaeddin.

This creates tension when Gonca and Alaeddin learn about Malhun’s request. The subplot explores the immense pressure on Ottoman princes to produce heirs and secure the dynasty’s future.

Interestingly, Malhun also shows some distance toward Nilüfer, making pointed comments about her Byzantine origins: “She’s not one of us after all. She grew up in Byzantine palaces”. Despite Nilüfer’s devotion to Orhan and their children, Malhun struggles to fully accept her daughter-in-law. This tension reflects the historical challenge of integrating Byzantine nobility into Ottoman society, even through marriage alliances.

Halime Hatun and Dursun

The episode introduces Halime Hatun (Sena Mercan), Osman’s youngest daughter through his first wife Bala Hatun. She serves as the head of the Bacıyân-ı Rûm (a women’s organization dedicated to supporting warriors), succeeding her late mother in this role.

There’s a romantic subplot involving Dursun, described as “the son of an enemy Bey” whose love for Halime is strong enough to “bend even tradition”. He “knows the language of horses, he speaks to the wind. His origins may be enemy, but his essence is bravery”.

Historical Accuracy: What Really Happened?

The real Siege of Bursa lasted from approximately 1317 until the city’s capture on April 6, 1326. Osman Ghazi initiated the siege but died either just before or shortly after Bursa’s fall, meaning Orhan completed his father’s greatest ambition.

Historical Context:

Bursa (ancient Prusa) was the wealthiest Byzantine city in Bithynia, controlling important trade routes
The Ottomans used siege tactics rather than direct assault, systematically capturing surrounding fortresses
The conquest demonstrated remarkable strategic patience—nine years of encirclement
Bursa became the first Ottoman capital, remaining spiritually significant even after the capital moved to Edirne in 1363
Orhan showed statesmanship by protecting Christian inhabitants and their churches after conquest

Byzantine historian Laonikos Chalkokondyles noted that the Ottomans exploited Byzantine civil wars to capture the city, which the series hints at through Flavius’s bitter comments about being abandoned by Constantinople.

The episode accurately portrays the historical outline—the extended siege, Osman’s declining health, Orhan’s need to prove his leadership, and the strategic importance of Bursa. Personal dialogues and specific dramatic situations are fictionalized for entertainment, but the framework remains historically grounded.

Cast Performance: Mert Yazıcıoğlu Shines

Mert Yazıcıoğlu’s portrayal of Orhan Bey has been widely praised as “impressive and endearing”. The 32-year-old actor, fresh off winning the Golden Butterfly Award for Best Actor in 2024 for Kızıl Goncalar, brings both vulnerability and strength to the role.

Fan reactions noted:

“The actor portraying Orhan has been quite impressive and endearing”
His chemistry with Mahassine Merabet (Nilüfer) feels authentic
He successfully carries the weight of being the new protagonist after Burak Özçivit’s six-season run

Cihan Ünal as the aging Osman Bey has also received positive feedback: “Cihan Unal as Osman in the series, with comments praising his acting skills”. While different from Burak Özçivit’s interpretation, Ünal brings gravitas to an older, wearier Osman facing mortality.

Episode Reception and Ratings

Turkey (ATV Broadcast)

Rating: 4.95 (All People category)
Share: 13.32%
Date: October 29, 2025

The premiere achieved solid ratings on Turkish television, performing well in its Wednesday 8:00 PM timeslot.

IMDb Rating

7.1/10 (78 votes as of November 6, 2025)

Episode #1.1 specifically received 8.2/10, indicating strong positive response from early international viewers.

Fan Reactions: Mixed but Hopeful

Positive feedback:

Strong performances, especially Mert Yazıcıoğlu and Mahassine Merabet
Maintained high production values and cinematic battle sequences
Compelling historical storyline centered on Bursa siege
Emotional depth in character relationships

Concerns raised:

Cast changes require adjustment period (missing Burak Özçivit, absence of Bala Hatun)
Some visual effects considered below par (castle explosion, bats)
Predictable storytelling elements and familiar romantic tropes
Age discrepancy questions (why do some characters look unchanged?)

One Reddit reviewer summarized: “The actor portraying Orhan has been quite impressive and endearing. I also appreciate the change in the actor for Holofira; their interactions have been enjoyable”, while noting concerns about “predictable storylines and dumb decisions”.

Most viewers agree that while adjustments are needed for the new cast, the series shows promise and delivers quality historical drama.

Why Watch on KayiLovers.com?

1. Free HD Streaming with English Subtitles

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Multiple streaming sources (OkRu, VK, Videa) ensure you always have backup options. If one source is slow or unavailable, simply switch to another for uninterrupted viewing.

3. Fast, Accurate Subtitles

English subtitles are available within 12-24 hours of Turkish broadcast. KayiLovers.com prioritizes accuracy and quality, ensuring you understand the complex political dialogue and historical references.

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5. Active Fan Community

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The Legacy Continues: Three Generations, One Epic Saga

Diriliş Ertuğrul (2014-2019) → Kuruluş Osman (2019-2025) → Kuruluş Orhan (2025-present)

This trilogy spans three generations of leadership, chronicling the establishment and expansion of the Ottoman Empire from tribal principality to regional power. With over five billion cumulative views across all platforms and languages, this franchise represents the most successful Turkish historical drama in television history.

The series resonate globally because they offer:

Universal themes of family, honor, justice, and leadership
Positive Muslim representation in media
High production values comparable to Western series
Educational historical content from non-Eurocentric perspective
Strong female characters alongside male heroes
Free accessibility with subtitles in 20+ languages

What’s Next: Episode 2 Preview

Based on Episode 1’s cliffhanger and promotional materials:

Osman’s Decision: The council’s verdict on Orhan’s command will be revealed—will Osman support his son or make a shocking change?

Flavius’s Counterattack: Expect the Byzantine commander to launch revenge-driven operations against Ottoman forces

Bursa Breakthrough: Orhan will need new tactics to break the nine-year stalemate and finally breach Bursa’s defenses

Family Tensions: Malhun-Nilüfer dynamics may escalate, while Alaeddin and Gonca face continued pressure about producing heirs

Political Intrigue: Şahinşah Bey’s ambitions won’t disappear easily—expect continued challenges to Orhan’s leadership

Conclusion: A Worthy Beginning

Kurulus Orhan Episode 1 successfully launches the next chapter of the Ottoman saga with a compelling blend of historical authenticity, political intrigue, family drama, and military action. Mert Yazıcıoğlu brings depth and intensity to Orhan Bey, capturing the weight of inheriting his father’s dream while forging his own path.

The nine-year siege of Bursa provides the perfect historical backdrop for exploring themes of patience, leadership under scrutiny, strategic vision, and the burden of legacy. While fans adjust to cast changes and new dynamics, the episode demonstrates the series’ commitment to maintaining the quality storytelling that made this franchise globally beloved.

As Orhan declares, “We will be the state of all Muslims, all non-Muslims, seventy-two nations”—this isn’t just a conquest story, but the foundation of an empire built on justice, tolerance, and vision that would endure six centuries.

Watch Kurulus Orhan Episode 1 with English subtitles now on KayiLovers.com and witness the beginning of a legacy that shaped world history.