Introduction to DESTAN

“Destan” is a Turkish historical drama series that depicts the history of the 8th century about Akkız, a woman-warrior of the Gök Tengri pantheon, and Batuga, the Gök Khaganate prince. Challenging the power in victory, he dies for the sake of his beloved and the show, created by Mehmet Bozdağ, tells a story of love against all odds and courageous fight of leaders against the backdrop of the period in Central Asia’s history. 

 Akkız, a protagonist acted by Ebru Şahin, like all the female characters in the series, is a brave warrior; nevertheless her life dramatically changes after meeting Batuga performed by Edip Tepeli. Batuga is one of the princes and he also struggles within the noble circle of the kingdom. They meet each other in rather strange circumstances and they form a partnership, which wishes to change the world, at least the present world in which they live, and the minorities’ rights and liberties of their time. Throughout the plot that rotates around political plots, family treachery, and other menacing elements, the two characters’ relationship grows to symbolize stability, reliance, and defense. 

 It should be noted that the epic of “Destan” is encoded with strong cultural and historical aspects characteristic of the Turkic peoples. Presenting the subjects of identity, loyalty, and the conflict of old world against the new, the series remains relevant in today’s society. The geographical programs, beautiful apire, and the finest details of the costumes as well as sets make this epic a believable reality show of the ancient world. 

 The show has received much attention in terms of powerful acting especially by the main cast and the complex plot. Thus, “Destan” presents an interesting and captivating storyline that teaches the audience new things about a period that may not be familiar to many people. The audience can learn important life lessons from the series what courage, love, and human spirit Сan overcome even in the most difficult situations as it tells the story of Akkız and Batuga.