About “Dirilis: Ertugrul” in a few words:

Dirilis: Ertugrul is a Turkish historical drama series set in the 13th century that follows the life of Ertugrul Bey, the father of Osman I who was the founder of the Ottoman Empire. The show portrays the struggles and triumphs of the Kayi tribe, of which Ertugrul Bey is the chief, as they fight against Mongol invaders and other enemies. With compelling storylines, intense action sequences, and a talented cast, Dirilis: Ertugrul has become a worldwide phenomenon and is loved by audiences all around the globe.

Meet the characters from Dirilis: Ertugrul

Ertugrul Bey

Ertugrul is the kind of leader who jumps into the thick of things and somehow makes it look like destiny was his plan all along. Brave, stubborn, and deeply principled — also annoyingly sentimental about horses and weirdly into humming lullabies before battle (no, really). He’s a strategist who trusts his gut and the heavens in equal measure, and he can be surprisingly goofy with close friends, which I love. Also, he’s constantly brooding but kind of smiles at puppies? Doesn’t make sense but it works.

Gundogdu Bey

Gundogdu is the hot-headed older brother energy — protective, rigid, and forever wrestling with duty versus desire. He’s stubborn, sometimes naive, and has this odd soft spot for small injustices (and poetry? okay, maybe he scribbles a verse now and then). He can be infuriatingly moralistic but also the first to stand up when his people need him, which complicates him in a good way. And yes, he sulks, loudly, but will also bring you tea and be secretly proud of it.

Hayme Hatun

Hayme is the absolute backbone, the mama bear you don’t mess with — calming, ruthless when needed, and full of old-woman wisdom that slaps villains harder than any sword. She’s tender to family and terrifying to enemies, and she probably has a cupboard full of herbs and stories (and maybe a secret sweet tooth, who knows). A strategist in her own right who never gets enough credit, also hums nursery rhymes while plotting political moves — multitasking queen. She gives hugs and life lessons at the same time, which is kind of her trademark.

Selcan Hatun

Selcan is messy, complicated, and so deliciously human — schemer turned protector, with a conscience that flips back and forth and keeps everyone on their toes. She has that “I did bad things but I try” vibe, dramatic as heck and also surprisingly tender if you break through the sarcasm. She can nag you for hours about honor and then bake you bread like nothing happened; also, she bites her lip when nervous, like constantly. Watching her grow is like binge-reading a series of apologies and plot twists — exhausting but rewarding.

Halime Hatun

Halime is soft-spoken but fiercely loyal, the kind of woman who holds an entire family’s heart and also their peace of mind (and their best stew recipe, probably). She balances gentleness with steel — calming presence in storms, and secretly tougher than she lets on, which is the best kind of quiet power. Romantic and practical at once; she prays, she plans, she scolds with love, and occasionally forgets where she put her shawl (or pretends to for attention). Also, I swear she has a way of making enemies feel slightly embarrassed for being evil.

Turgut Alp

Turgut is pure axe-wielding chaos in the best way — loyal to a fault, fierce in battle, and surprisingly tender about small things like names of trees. He’s a warrior with a terrible poker face and an unexpected soft spot for sweets (and maybe kittens?), which makes him oddly adorable. He’s brash and blunt, will punch a problem first and ask questions later, and then apologize with one eyebrow raised. Also, his laugh is loud and contagious and he probably snores like a drum, I’m sure of it.

Bamsi Beyrek

Bamsi is the loud, brawny heart of the tribe — honorable, comic, and absolutely terrifying in battle but also the one who’ll steal your last piece of bread and wink about it. A big softie under all that armor: loves a good joke, gets melodramatic, cries at weddings and funerals, sometimes both. He’s loyal to a blinding degree, has a surprisingly tender way with kids, and insists on ridiculous nicknames for everyone. Also, he’s impulsive like in the worst and best possible ways — like glorious chaos with a beard.

Ilbilge Hatun

Ilbilge is quietly formidable — sharp-minded, politically savvy, and has this cool, almost scary composure that makes you spill your secrets just by looking at her. She mixes intellect and intuition like a master, knows when to smile and when to stab back (metaphorically? sometimes literally, depends). She’s elegant, collects tiny things (lockets? feathers?), and will slightly horrify you by being too practical about murder and marriage in the same breath. Also, she’s surprisingly sentimental about moonlight — or maybe that’s just gossip, who knows.

Emir Sadettin

Emir Sadettin is the smooth, conniving courtier who smells faintly of ink and ambition — cultured, cruel, with a smile that could hide a knife. He plays the long game, delights in manipulation, and reads people like open books, which makes him a brilliant villain and wildly frustrating. He’s refined (chess player energy), petty in small ways, and obsessed with power, but also has this weird appreciation for art? it’s annoying how complex he is. Also, he absolutely enjoys a dramatic entrance and a slow, sinister clap.