Warning: Long post with spoilers⚠️
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Episode 114!
Another great episode that further acquainted us with the three Anatolian principalities we were introduced to in the last episode and while tying together several scenes with an overarching sense of danger (Naiman’s imminent arrival), it underscored the need for unity on one hand and on the other, choosing/ following the right leader.
Here are a few things that I really liked about this episode.
🌙 Şemseddin Yaman Candar: “Who do you want to stand with?”.
The way Osman Bey convinced him to support him, winning him over with his words, vision & ideas rather than gold coins or silken robes was my favorite scene from this episode.
Historically, the details about the emergence of Candaroğulları or Jandarids, are not well known due to lack of resources. It ultimately replaced the Çobanoğulları Principality in 1309 – after Şemseddın Yaman Candar’s heır, Candaroğlu Suleyman, defeated Emır Mahmud, Çobanoğulları’s Muzafferüddin Yavlak Arslan’s son.
Şemseddin Yaman Candar was given Eflâni and its surroundings by the İlhanid Ruler Geyhatu & seems to have accepted, like Anatolian Seljuks, the dominance of the Ilkhanate.
Şemseddin Yaman was also known to be involved in the throne struggles between the Anatolian Seljuks and received the title of Candarlık in the Seljuk palace.
I like his portrayal in the show, how he is shown to be a righteous valiant Bey who, at first, didn’t necessarily dislike Osman but, as viewed him, his spate of conquests, his ‘mad’ bravery, his intentions with a certain cynical, self preserving caution.
I liked how if was only after Osman Bey revealed more of his intentions, what he stood for, his loyalty to Sultan Masood, who, he disclosed was still alive, that, Şemseddin Yaman Bey, Sultan Masood’s loyalist, relented and decided to join Osman Bey, allowing him take the lead in their looming battle, battle for survival, against the Ilkhanate’s retributive wrath, Commander Naiman
So yes, his and Osman Bey’s scene, how Osman Bey convinced him, the words, the acting, the direction, the music – it was absolutely brilliant.
🌙 The Two Reigns Of Sultan Masood:
1284-1296 & 1302-1309
Sultan Alaeddin III ruled for a brief period in between….
🌙 Karasids or Karasioğulları: Kalemşah Bey and his son, Karesı Bey: “Either you’ll fight with us or watch our back”
Loved how Osman Bey, in his quest to garner support, took different approaches with different beys, taking in account variants like personalities, concerns, geopolitical positions…
Karesi Principality was an important principality in terms of its location on the Aegean Coast and after a short lived dominance in the years following Kalemşah Bey oğlu Karesı Bey breaking free from the Seljuks, it joined the Ottoman Principality in 1345 (during Sultan Orhan’s reign)
Both a land and sea state, the principality was said to have a ground army of 40,000 horse soldiers and an effective navy. It is often inferred that Karesi Principality’s navy served as an inspiration for the subsequent Ottoman naval organization.
It was also rich in resources. Their Silk and spruce resin specially were high in demand and regularly sent to European markets. There are indications that Constantinople fabrics were mostly woven from Balıkesir silk at the time (as shown in episode 113 where bales of rich silk fabrics were brought as gifts for Ismihan Sultan)
And in this episode, it was absolutely brilliant how Osman Bey ‘gifted’ – ‘promised’ to withdraw his defense from – lands that bordered both them & the Byzantine Empire 😄👏
Too bad Aktimur allowed himself to walk into Bayinder of Çavunder’s trap!!! Can’t wait to see what happens next!
🌙 Olof & Frigg: “Can a man who’s not loyal to his religion be loyal to his lover?”
Ismihan’s cunningness has no limits. She didn’t even spare Frigg!
I’m finding this thread well written & interesting – let’s see how it’ll all play out.
🌙 Orhan & Alaeddin: The Poisonous Sword!
Now that Ismihan couldn’t subtly sow discord between Bala and Malhun or Orhan & Alaeddin, her plans to destroy Osman are getting more openly evil!!
Malhun’s pain as a mother on the verse of losing her child and her desperate tear soaked pleas to Allah were so goosebump inducing realistic 👏
And the whole interplay of emotions between the two mothers and their children was really well done too.
🌙 Osman Bey & Konur:
I’m glad Konur is well & back in his element – and I do hope that the scenarists devote some time in creating a well defined role & arc for him – besides developing a bond between him & Osman like Osman has/ had with Turgut, Boran, Goktug, Cerkutay & even Kosses…
🌙Osman Bey & Turgut:
Their scene was so intensely heartwarming. Turgut’s tears of remorse & his revitalized, strengthened loyalty to Osman Bey. And Osman’s barely contained emotions at getting his friend back yet maintaining his ‘Bey Facade’.
🌙 Bengi Hatun: The Road To Redemption?
I hope that unlike Ismihan Hatun, Bengi Hatun knows where to draw the line…I hope she redeems herself while there is still a chance…
Oktem Bey….I don’t get him. I just don’t. I’m hoping for something & I hope that I’m right….😀
🌙 As-Samad: the Eternal Refuge, The Satisfier Of All Needs: The Cave…metaphorical or otherwise.
Loved Osman Bey & his alps moments in the cave – the meal, the laughter, the prayer & the dua.
Despite an army of 40,000 headed their way, faith & reliance on ‘As-Samad’, the Eternal Refuge, The Satisfier Of All Needs, enables their hearts to remain light, their feet steadfast on their path, and their minds focused on their destination…
All in all it was another wonderful episode & I’m eagerly looking forward to the next one 🔥
