Engin Altan Duzyatan, famed for his portrayal of Ertugrul in the hit Turkish series Diriliş: Ertuğrul, credits Pakistan and its people for significantly boosting his popularity beyond Turkiye.
Speaking at the Red Sea International Film Festival during a discussion with fellow actor Nurgul Yesilcay, Duzyatan noted that while audiences worldwide shared similarities, the enthusiasm from Pakistan stood out. “The people of Pakistan have so much love for this character,” he remarked, adding that the show’s reception in Pakistan surpassed its popularity even in Turkiye.
Shaping the Role of Ertugrul
Reflecting on his iconic role, Duzyatan shared that playing Ertugrul had a profound influence on him as an actor. “Though every role is important to me, Ertugrul was special as it made me popular globally,” he said. He explained that since historical records offered limited details about Ertugrul, he had the creative freedom to shape the character while being influenced by it.
Dream Roles and Career Aspirations
Duzyatan, who began acting at 15 and turned professional at 20, expressed a desire to portray Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkiye, in the future.
From Acting to Producing
The actor also delved into his transition from acting to producing, saying, “After a while, you feel acting isn’t enough because you are part of someone else’s ideas. Producing allows you to tell your own stories.” He revealed that he has produced two documentaries and is now focusing on larger projects, emphasizing the creative parallels between acting and production.
Film vs. Television
Discussing the difference between television and film roles, Duzyatan highlighted that movies offer deeper character exploration due to their shorter format, making them more impactful for actors.
When asked about challenging roles, he cited his portrayal of a psychosis patient in the series Jannat as particularly demanding.
Insights from Nurgul Yesilcay
Nurgul Yesilcay, sharing her experiences, recalled the difficulties of playing a deaf character in Adam and the Devil. Despite her extensive theater background, she confessed to developing stage fright after fainting during a performance last year. “I’ll return to theater once I overcome my phobia,” she said.
Yesilcay also shared how she works with acting coaches for new roles and takes breaks between projects to engage in other activities like painting.
Documentary on Turkish Dramas
The session concluded with the screening of Tales on the Banks of Bosphorus, a documentary that traces the meteoric rise of Turkish television dramas. Featuring prominent Turkish actors, including Duzyatan and Yesilcay, the film highlighted the industry’s journey from humble beginnings to a global phenomenon generating over $1 billion annually.Directed by Zeina Sfeir, the documentary revealed how Turkish dramas gained popularity after 1001 Nights aired in the Middle East in 2008. Today, Turkish series are watched in over 150 countries, including South America, East Asia, and Central Europe, with their success attributed to compelling storytelling, background music, and dubbing in local languages.Duzyatan’s reflections and the documentary underscored the pivotal role of Turkish dramas in uniting audiences across the globe, showcasing the power of storytelling in bridging cultural divides.
