Humayun Saeed, a prominent actor and producer from Pakistan, recently talked about his upcoming historical play, Turkish series “Selahaddin Eyyubi” in an interview with Independent Urdu. The production is a major collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey and features a team of talented producers, including Dr. Junaid Ali Shah, Adnan Siddiqui, Dr. Kashif Ansari, Ahmet Faruk Bakacak, and Humayun Saeed himself. It features a cast that is 25% Pakistani, with a Turkish actor playing the titular role of Salahuddin Ayyubi.
However, there have also been concerns about delays and uncertainty surrounding the production, which Humayun Saeed addressed in his interview. He explained that the drama is now set to begin shooting and that it will be aired in Turkey in just six months. Pakistani audiences will have to wait a bit longer to watch the show, as it is expected to air in the actor’s home country in about a year.
One of the most striking aspects of “Selahaddin Eyyubi” is the scale of the project. The set is said to be grand, with lavish attention to detail. This is a major international collaboration, and the hope is that it will showcase the best of both Pakistani and Turkish entertainment.
Pakistani- Turkish Collaboration
In addition to the Pakistani producers involved in the project, a few Pakistani actors will also be part of the cast. This is meant to help audiences connect with the show and feel that it is a truly collaborative effort. However, Humayun Saeed himself may not have a significant role in the Turkish-language production, as the language barrier could make it difficult for him to take on a major part. Nevertheless, he expressed enthusiasm for the project as a whole and suggested that he might consider playing a short character in the drama.
About Sultan Sehauddin Eyyubi
The upcoming historical drama Selahaddin Eyyubi will center around the life of Selahuddin Eyyubi, a celebrated Muslim commander of the 12th century. He was the first sultan of Egypt and Syria and founded the Ayyubid dynasty. Salahuddin led a successful military campaign against the Crusader states in the Levant, culminating in the crucial Battle of Hattin in 1187. He went on to recapture Jerusalem from the Crusaders, who had controlled Palestine for 88 years. The series will showcase his remarkable achievements and portray his character in an accurate and engaging manner.
The Pakistani producer, Kashif Ansari from Ansari and Shah Films, told Arab News that 16 Muslim and non-Muslim historians have worked on the script for 10 months to ensure the story depicts the truth. “Islam’s true image, which the West is not ready to depict, will be presented in the series,” he assured. “There is no counter-narrative to how Muslims are otherwise represented in foreign productions.”
In May 2022, Humayun Saeed shared some BTS of the sets of Selahuddin Eyubbi.
Picking Up From The Success Of Dirilis Ertugrul
Themes of justice, respect, humanity, and equality are central to the show, regardless of one’s religion. Ansari cited the success of “Dirilis: Ertugrul,” another Turkish historical drama that proved immensely popular in Pakistan, as evidence of the public’s desire for uplifting, meaningful content. He added that “Salahaddin Ayyubi” would tell the story of the famed 12th-century Muslim commander’s life and his military campaigns against the Crusaders, including the retaking of Jerusalem in 1187.
In 2021, the show’s producers met with Pakistan’s then-Prime Minister Imran Khan, who highlighted the importance of educating younger generations about Muslim history. Khan expressed his hope that the show, along with other multimedia projects, would help achieve this goal. “It is high time to make dramas and films based on historical narratives,” he said. “Salahaddin Ayyubi” looks poised to do just that, offering viewers an inspiring and authentic look into one of history’s most remarkable figure.
