Retro-Ottomanism Causing a Stir on Turkish TV

In recent years, there has a lot of talk about how Turkey has been charting a "Neo-Ottoman" course in its foreign policy, trying to capitalize on the history and legacy left behind by the Ottomans.

A new TV soap has generated a massive reaction from conservative circles in Turkey, with claims that the Ottoman dynasty is portrayed in the show as both “indecent” and “hedonistic.”

The soap, titled “Muhteşem Yüzyıl” (The Magnificent Century), is based on events that occurred during the reign of Süleyman I, also known as Suleyman the Magnificent.

Surviving heirs of the Ottoman dynasty and members of the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, are among critics of the show.

Reactions started to flow in following the broadcast of the trailer, even before the first episode was aired on Jan. 5.

The Supreme Board of Radio and Television, or RTÜK, is reported to have received thousands of complaints, most of which focus on the Sultan’s alcohol consumption and activities in the harem with his concubines.

After the first episode was aired more criticism followed, with a number of people complaining the women were dressed in too western a style, and that some historical events were retold inaccurately.

Rumor has spread that a gay scene has been written into the script, which the producers of the show deny.