SULTAN SALAHUDDIN AYYUBI – A Historic Blockbuster Serial

By Khursheed Hyder

For the first time in Pakistan, the Urdu-dubbed rendition of ‘Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi’ presented by HUM TV, marks a considerable moment for Pakistani television. As HUM TV proudly presents this majestic serial, it sets the stage for an era of excellence in entertainment. With its promise of success and unmatched story, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi promises viewers a journey through time, experiencing the conquests and triumphs of Salahuddin, the great Muslim military commander. This launch not only signifies a convergence of history and entertainment but also ensures that legends truly come to life on the screens.

This epic serial came into being with three people’s love for a great Muslim leader who is remembered with respect all over the world. The journey began with the joint collaboration between Dr. Kashif Ansari, Dr. Syed Junaid Ali Shah and Emre Konuk. Why was Salahuddin Ayyubi chosen for the epic serial? All the three producers feel that Salahuddin’s period is very relevant to the existing times. Since he vividly portrays a time when justice, equality and peace prevailed, the serial serves as a catalyst for contemplation, prompting us to reflect on the world we wish to leave for our children – a world plagued by differences and animosity, where peace is a rare luxury and equality an unfamiliar concept. Additionally, it draws attention of the global leaders on implementing laws without biases.

Salahuddin was one of the greatest Muslim kings of all time, a fearless warrior and strategist with a humane streak. His story unfolds in the 12^th century, when crusader invasions ravaged the Islamic world, unity and order amongst Muslims was disrupted and the Islamic world put in despair.

Speaking about the drama sets, Dr. Syed Junaid Ali Shah said, “The preparation involved acquiring land in Istanbul, with sets of Syria, Jerusalem and Egypt being created on a huge scale, which took over two years to complete. Walking through the sets, one felt as if they had time travelled into the past. The drama serial will be shown across the globe in various languages. So far, it has been aired in Turkish, Arabic and Urdu. “We hope the inclusion of Pakistani cast will give a huge boost to our drama industry and we may be able to bring back this drama-making experience to Pakistan. Moreover, the aim of the producers was to keep Muslim history alive through such projects and make meaningful content that has a positive impact across the world.”

Salahuddin was one of the greatest Muslim kings of all time, a fearless warrior and strategist with a humane streak. His story unfolds in the 12^th century, when crusader invasions ravaged the Islamic world, unity and order amongst Muslims was disrupted and the Islamic world put in despair. One person emerged as the light of hope for all Muslims. This was Nureddin Zengi. He aimed to unite Muslims, expel the crusaders from Islamic lands and finally save the holy city of Jerusalem from their oppression. But he also knew that this goal would not be limited to himself. That is why he wanted a son who would be the heir of his state’s future and his cause.

It was at this point that fate began to weave its web. Nureddin Zengi lost his son. At this time, Yusuf, the son of his old friend Necmeddin Eyyubi was born. Yusuf’s birth was not ordinary because his mother Fatma Khatun dreamt that he was surrounded with good news about Jerusalem. Nureddin Zengi asked Necmeddin Eyyubi that he wanted to adopt Yusuf to become his heir. Although, it was difficult for Necmeddin Eyyubi to give up his son, he was convinced by both his trust in his old friend and the good news in Fatma’s dream.

From that day on, Yusuf’s true identity would remain a secret between them. A new life thus began for Yusuf. Nureddin Zengi named Yusuf ‘Salahuddin’ so that he would be devoted to his religion and his aim to defeat the crusaders. Embarking on his journey, he encounters tough obstacles one after the other. When the time comes, he has to fight not only his enemies but also his own family, the Eyyubi clan.

Jerusalem is the key not only to the Islamic world, but also to the difficult adventure that Salahuddin falls into. The only key to unlock this is in Salahuddin’s hand. However, the conflict of ideas with his father, Sultan Nureddin, the love statement and the relentless attacks of his enemies, tie Salahuddin’s hands from all sides. But despite all the difficulties, he struggles with everyone to reach his goal both in his ideals and in his quest for love.  The biggest secret that Salahuddin never knew begins to be revealed step by step. Aired every Monday to Thursday at 9pm from May 6, this historic serial promises to engross the audience with its epic saga and grandeur.