115!
A complex – almost poetic – interplay of emotions, so brilliantly written & so compellingly, so evocatively enacted by all the actors.
Such a phenomenally talented cast that seems to be getting better and better with each season & every episode 👏
Loved Nayman’s entry, his screen presence, his expressions & of course the way he put Ismihan in her place!! SO satisfying!!
Also loved how this episode further elaborated upon the ongoing themes of good leadership & statesmanship.
How it highlighted with thoughtful scenes & impactful lines, just how different Osman Gazi was from those other Beys….& of course from Valide Sultan.
While Osman Gazi was as known for conquests as for political strategy & shrewdness in predicting his enemy’s moves, his ultimate aim, goal or purpose was not just to gain power to satisfy his ego and pander to his nafs.
Always self aware, always engaged in purification of heart, his purpose was the well-being of his people and his focus, the approval of his Creator.
Even when their arrogance, ego and superiority complex didn’t allow them to accept Osman’s leadership in commanding their joint army, Osman, being the bigger person, didn’t step back from fighting behind them, from his duty to fight the oppressor headed their way.
One the other hand, the Valide Sultan & Yaquub bey specially turned a blind eye to his experience in dealing with the Mongols because their nafs, their ego didn’t allow them to listen to someone younger, someone who they perceived as being lower in monetary status.
It was all about political games for power & glory for them. And it was about a higher altruistic vision for Osman Gazi.
Essentially the difference between a politician & a statesman 🤍
Loved 115 & can’t wait for 116!
On a side note, I loved the part when Osman Bey paused & gave his now famous side eye to that impertinent Seljuk soldier 🔥🔥
Loved how just in time, and quite hurriedly, the soldier swung the standard out of our Bey’s way 😄
