Eyüp Gökhan Özekin on Mehmed: Sultan of the Conquests – Balancing History and Modern Storytelling
Explore how the producer of Mehmed: Sultan of the Conquests, Eyüp Gökhan Özekin, approaches the challenges of portraying historical figures, creating compelling period dramas, and capturing the attention of a global audience.
Eyüp Gökhan Özekin Talks about the Success of Mehmed: Sultan of the Conquests and Cultural Challenges in Media
Eyüp Gökhan Özekin, producer of the popular historical series Mehmed: Sultan of the Conquests, shared insights about the challenges of creating a show that resonates with both local and international audiences. In an interview, he discussed his vision, cultural debates, and the rising popularity of historical productions.
Why Telling Sultan Mehmed’s Story Was Risky
Özekin admitted that many advised him against creating a series about Sultan Mehmed due to high expectations and past unsuccessful attempts. “Fatih Sultan Mehmed holds a special place in history, and expectations about his portrayal are immense. Many said, ‘Don’t do it—it’s too risky.’ But we saw it as an honor to tell the story of this great leader.”
Despite these challenges, the series gained significant popularity both in Turkey and abroad. “Instead of compromising our vision to appeal to specific groups, we focused on creating quality content that reflects our own values.”
Cultural Representation in Historical Productions
The producer emphasized the importance of authenticity and staying true to historical figures. “We must be mindful when portraying real historical characters. These are people who existed, and as Muslims, we think about meeting them in the afterlife. It’s a great responsibility.”
At the same time, he acknowledged the balance between historical accuracy and audience expectations. “You have to adapt certain aspects to engage a modern audience, but the goal is to inspire curiosity and motivate viewers to learn more.”
The Growing Global Appeal of Turkish Period Dramas
Özekin noted that historical series, especially Turkish productions, are increasingly popular worldwide. “We see significant interest from international audiences. Our challenge is to compete with global productions that have higher budgets and shorter episode lengths, but quality storytelling remains key.”
The Role of Religion and Values in Media
Özekin addressed misconceptions that being religious can hinder success in the industry. “There’s a notion that religious individuals are excluded from certain spaces, but talent and quality work transcend those barriers. If you’re good at what you do, opportunities will come.”
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining family values in media. “There’s a global debate about family-oriented content versus other agendas. We aim to produce works that resonate with traditional values while appealing to diverse audiences.”
A Future Focused on Unity and Collaboration
Looking ahead, Özekin emphasized the need for global partnerships. “In the future, I see alliances forming between people of faith around the world to protect shared values, including family and cultural heritage.”
Eyüp Gökhan Özekin’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of creating meaningful historical dramas. By balancing authenticity, quality, and cultural values, productions like Mehmed: Sultan of the Conquests are breaking barriers and connecting audiences across the globe.
