* Mehmet Bozdağ’s latest production blends Seljuk history, palace intrigue, political rivalry and a dramatic love story
A ruler emerging from eight years of captivity, a kingdom divided by competing ambitions and a princess standing on the other side of a political divide form the heart of Aşk ve Taht, the new Turkish historical drama produced by Mehmet Bozdağ.
The series, which premiered on ATV on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, takes viewers into the world of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, one of the prominent rulers of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate, while weaving his political struggle together with a fictionalised romantic storyline involving Alanya Princess Destina.
Produced by Bozdağ Film, the drama stars Akın Akınözü as Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad and Merjem Šiljak as Destina. Simay Barlas, Ayça Bingöl, Cem Bender, Halil İbrahim Ceyhan, Ferit Kaya and Ceren Benderlioğlu are among the other leading members of the cast.
From eight years in captivity to the Seljuk throne
At the centre of the drama is Alaeddin, whose journey begins far from the power and grandeur of the Seljuk throne.
The series portrays him as a young prince who spends eight years imprisoned before returning to the political battlefield. His release does not bring an end to his struggles. Instead, it places him at the centre of a fierce contest for power involving members of the Seljuk dynasty, political allies and powerful figures within the palace.
His return also forces him to confront people and events connected to his years of captivity, setting the stage for a broader battle over loyalty, betrayal and the future of the state.
Historically, Alaeddin Keykubad I ruled the Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate from 1220 to 1237. The television series, however, uses historical figures and the Seljuk period as the foundation for a dramatic interpretation of his life.
When an old love meets a political rivalry
While the struggle for the throne drives the political side of Aşk ve Taht, the relationship between Alaeddin and Destina provides the drama with its emotional core.
Destina, played by Bosnian actress Merjem Šiljak, is presented as the daughter and heir of Kir Vard, the ruler of Kalonoros, identified with Alanya in the series.
Her relationship with Alaeddin is complicated by the hostility between their worlds. What begins against a background of conflict gradually develops into a powerful attraction, placing personal feelings alongside political responsibilities.
The first episode, which aired on Turkish channel ATV at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, established this tension as Alaeddin and Destina came face to face again after years apart. Alaeddin also discovers that Destina is the mysterious archer who had shot him, turning their reunion into a confrontation involving both emotion and danger.
The production therefore places love, revenge and political calculation side by side rather than treating the romance as a separate storyline.
A palace filled with competing ambitions
Beyond its two central characters, the drama explores the complex power structure surrounding the Seljuk throne.
Alaeddin must contend with rival interests within the dynasty and the palace, while several powerful women also occupy important positions in the unfolding story.
Characters such as Ümmühan Hatun, Melike Hüma and Nurcihan represent different dimensions of palace influence, while figures including Celaleddin and Ayaba contribute to the wider struggle surrounding the throne.
This gives the series room to explore not only battles and rulers, but also the alliances, betrayals and personal relationships that can determine who ultimately controls power.
Akınözü undergoes physical transformation
Playing a Seljuk ruler required more than simply wearing a historical costume for Akın Akınözü.
The actor underwent months of physical preparation for the role, including horse riding, archery, close-combat training and crossfit. He also changed his appearance and grew his hair to fit the period character.
The preparation is reflected in a character expected to move between palace politics and action sequences, giving the portrayal of Alaeddin a more physically demanding dimension.
Mehmet Bozdağ returns to the Seljuk era
The production is led by Turkish producer Mehmet Bozdağ, with Yağmur Taylan, Durul Taylan and Cem Toluay directing the series. Serdar Özönalan is credited as the screenwriter.
The production team has positioned Aşk ve Taht as a major historical drama built around the transformation of Alaeddin from a captive prince into a ruler.
The series also seeks to give its historical setting a strong visual identity, combining palace life, military conflict, political negotiations and personal relationships.
History meets television drama
One important distinction is that Aşk ve Taht is not a documentary account of Alaeddin Keykubad’s life.
The series draws on a real historical ruler and the Anatolian Seljuk period but uses the conventions of television drama to construct its narrative, particularly around the relationship between Alaeddin and Destina.
That approach allows the production to combine historical personalities and settings with romance, suspense and palace intrigue.
For viewers interested in Turkish historical dramas, the appeal lies partly in that combination: a recognisable historical period provides the setting, while fictionalised relationships and dramatic conflicts keep the story moving.
A new Wednesday night drama
Aşk ve Taht airs every Wednesday at 8 p.m. on ATV, with international viewers, including audiences in Nigeria, able to follow the series through Osman.co.uk.
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