Ever since PTV started airing Dirilis: Ertugrul in Urdu during Ramadan 2020, Pakistani families have fallen in love with Turkish dramas about Muslim history. Grandparents, parents and children sit together to watch stories of courage, faith and justice. If you have finished Ertugrul and are looking for what to watch next, this list of the top 10 Turkish historical series in Urdu (dubbed or subtitled) will help you choose, with seasons, story background and legal places to watch.
We have focused on series that are available in Urdu dubbing or with Urdu or English subtitles through official channels. Availability changes over time, so check the official platform before you start.
Top 10 Turkish Historical Series in Urdu
1. Dirilis: Ertugrul (Resurrection: Ertugrul)
The drama that started the trend. It follows Ertugrul Ghazi, father of Osman, the founder of the Ottoman state, as he protects his Kayi tribe against Crusaders, Mongols and traitors. Produced by TRT, it ran from 2014 to 2019 across 5 seasons. PTV’s Urdu dubbed version became one of the most watched shows in Pakistan’s history and is still available on the official TRT Ertugrul by PTV YouTube channel.
2. Kurulus: Osman (Establishment: Osman)
The direct sequel to Ertugrul, focusing on Osman Bey and the founding of the Ottoman state. It began in 2019 on ATV and has run for several long seasons, making it one of the longest Turkish historical dramas. Urdu-subtitled and dubbed episodes are shared on licensed platforms.
3. Payitaht: Abdulhamid (The Last Emperor)
Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this TRT drama shows Sultan Abdulhamid II trying to save a weakening empire from internal plots and foreign powers. It ran from 2017 to 2021 over 5 seasons. Viewers who enjoy political intrigue rather than battlefield action often rate it highly.
4. Alparslan: Buyuk Selcuklu (Alparslan: The Great Seljuks)
This TRT series (2021–2023, 2 seasons) tells the story of Sultan Alp Arslan and the road to the famous Battle of Manzikert in 1071. It is full of horse battles and strategy, ideal for fans of Ertugrul’s action scenes.
5. Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani (Mehmed: Sultan of Conquests)
Started by TRT in 2024, this drama shows young Sultan Mehmed II and his preparations to conquer Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453. The Rumeli Hisari fortress you see in the photo above was built by Mehmed before the conquest, and features in the story.
6. Uyanis: Buyuk Selcuklu (Awakening: The Great Seljuks)
A one-season TRT drama (2020–2021) about Sultan Malik Shah and the Seljuk empire at its height. It is shorter than most, so it is a good choice if you do not want to commit to hundreds of episodes.
7. Kudus Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi (Salahuddin Ayyubi)
This TRT drama, which began in 2023, follows Salahuddin Ayyubi and his struggle to free Jerusalem (Al-Quds). Given Pakistani love for Salahuddin, it has a big fan base here.
8. Muhtesem Yuzyil (Magnificent Century) – “Mera Sultan”
Long before Ertugrul, Geo Kahani aired this drama in Urdu as “Mera Sultan”. It covers the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (2011–2014, 4 seasons). It focuses heavily on palace politics and is more of a royal family drama, so parents may want to check it before watching with children.
9. Yunus Emre: Askin Yolculugu (Yunus Emre: Raah-e-Ishq)
A calm, spiritual series about the famous Sufi poet Yunus Emre. PTV aired it in Urdu in 2020. It has 2 seasons and is perfect for viewers who want reflection rather than war scenes.
10. Barbaroslar: Akdeniz’in Kilici (Barbaros: Sword of the Mediterranean)
A one-season TRT drama (2021–2022) about the Barbarossa brothers, Oruc and Hizir Reis, who became famous Ottoman admirals. Sea battles make it different from the land-based dramas above.
Quick Comparison Table
| Series | Years | Seasons (approx.) | Main era |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dirilis: Ertugrul | 2014–2019 | 5 | 13th century, Kayi tribe |
| Kurulus: Osman | 2019–present | Several (ongoing) | Founding of Ottoman state |
| Payitaht: Abdulhamid | 2017–2021 | 5 | Late Ottoman period |
| Alparslan | 2021–2023 | 2 | Seljuks, Manzikert 1071 |
| Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani | 2024–present | Ongoing | Conquest of Istanbul 1453 |
| Uyanis: Buyuk Selcuklu | 2020–2021 | 1 | Malik Shah, Seljuks |
| Selahaddin Eyyubi | 2023–present | Ongoing | Crusades, Al-Quds |
| Mera Sultan (Muhtesem Yuzyil) | 2011–2014 | 4 | Suleiman the Magnificent |
| Yunus Emre | 2015–2016 | 2 | Sufi poet, Anatolia |
| Barbaroslar | 2021–2022 | 1 | Ottoman navy |
Season counts for ongoing dramas change every year. Check the official channel for the latest season before you start.
Best Order to Watch (Historical Timeline)
- Seljuk era: Alparslan → Uyanis: Buyuk Selcuklu → Selahaddin Eyyubi.
- Birth of the Ottomans: Dirilis: Ertugrul → Kurulus: Osman.
- Ottoman golden age: Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani → Barbaroslar → Mera Sultan.
- Late Ottoman: Payitaht: Abdulhamid.
- Spiritual break: Yunus Emre can be watched any time.
If you are new, most people suggest starting with Ertugrul, because it introduces the style, music and characters that later series build on.
Where to Watch Turkish Historical Series in Urdu Legally
- PTV Home and the TRT Ertugrul by PTV YouTube channel for Ertugrul in Urdu.
- tabii, TRT’s own streaming app, which carries many TRT dramas with subtitles in several languages.
- Official YouTube channels of TRT and ATV dramas, which often upload episodes with subtitles.
- Local TV channels that buy rights to air dubbed versions from time to time.
Avoid unknown websites and apps that offer “free download” links. They often contain pop-up ads, malware and pirated content, and they harm the creators.
Why Pakistanis Love These Dramas
- Clean family content compared to many other shows.
- Stories based on Muslim history and heroes Pakistanis read about in school.
- Strong values: justice, loyalty, courage and faith.
- High production quality: costumes, horses, music and battle scenes.
Remember, these are dramas, not documentaries. Writers add fictional characters and events, so read real history books if you want accurate facts.
FAQs
Which is the best Turkish historical series in Urdu?
Dirilis: Ertugrul is the most popular in Pakistan, followed by Kurulus: Osman and Payitaht: Abdulhamid.
Is Kurulus Osman available in Urdu?
Yes, Urdu dubbed and subtitled versions are available through licensed channels, though not always all seasons at once.
Which series should I watch after Ertugrul?
Kurulus: Osman is the natural next step because it continues the same family story.
Are these dramas historically accurate?
They are based on real people and events, but many scenes and characters are fictional for entertainment.
Is there a short Turkish historical series?
Uyanis: Buyuk Selcuklu and Barbaroslar each have one season, making them shorter commitments.
Which Turkish series did your family enjoy the most? Share your favourite character in the comments below.