Mahassine Merabet on Playing Nilüfer Hatun in Kuruluş Orhun — A New Era of Ottoman Legacy

Kuruluş Orhun: A New Era of Ottoman Legacy

When Mahassine Merabet first arrived on set for Kuruluş: Orhun, she didn’t feel like she was walking into a production  she felt like she was stepping into a living fairytale.

“I feel like I’m in a story from childhood,” she said during an exclusive interview. “The atmosphere is so magical, so unique — it’s like I’ve been transported into another world.”

That “other world” is the newly unfolding Ottoman frontier, brought to life in Kuruluş Orhun — the highly anticipated historical series that continues the legacy of Osman Gazi, this time through the eyes of his son, Orhan Gazi, and his wife, Nilüfer Hatun (Orhun), played by Mahassine Merabet.

A New Beginning After Osman Gazi

Following the immense success of Kuruluş: Osman, this new series — Kuruluş: Orhun — begins a fresh chapter in the rise of the Ottoman Empire. It explores how Orhan Gazi built upon his father’s foundations, shaping a dynasty that would endure for centuries.

At the heart of this story stands Nilüfer Hatun, a figure of grace, intelligence, and strength. She is not just a queen or consort — she is the emotional and moral compass of a new empire.

“Nilüfer Hatun is both powerful and deeply compassionate,” Mahassine explained. “She represents a woman’s quiet strength in a world of warriors. Playing her feels like honoring all the women who stood behind history’s greatest men.”

Becoming Nilüfer Hatun: A Role of Depth and Dignity

Portraying such a historically significant woman required both intellectual and emotional immersion. Before filming began, Mahassine devoted herself to studying Nilüfer Hatun’s life — her political influence, her cultural impact, and her enduring symbolism as the mother of the Ottoman dynasty’s future.

“I wanted to understand her beyond the scripts to feel her humanity,” she said. “She was a mother, a strategist, a woman of faith and love. That balance of emotion and resilience defines her.”

In Kuruluş Orhun, Nilüfer Hatun is depicted not merely as a supporting character but as a central pillar of the narrative a bridge between empires and generations.

Intensive Preparation for an Epic Role

To embody Nilüfer Hatun authentically, Mahassine and the cast underwent a rigorous one-month training program prior to filming.

“We trained in horseback riding, sword handling, spears, daggers, and archery,” she shared. “It was physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. I’ve always loved movement and action — it keeps me alive and grounded in the character.”

This preparation not only enhanced the realism of her performance but also connected her to the era she portrays.

“The physical training gave me a glimpse of the strength women needed to survive in that time,” she explained. “Nilüfer Hatun wasn’t just symbolic — she was capable, determined, and wise.”

The Enchantment of the Set

Mahassine described the production design of Kuruluş: Orhun as “breathtakingly authentic.” Every element — from the intricate Ottoman costumes to the historical architecture — contributes to a sense of total immersion.

“It feels like real history,” she said. “When I step onto the set, I’m no longer Mahassine — I’m Nilüfer. The atmosphere helps us all believe we’ve traveled through time.”

The series was filmed in meticulously constructed villages and natural landscapes that reflect the early Ottoman frontier, creating a cinematic world where realism meets myth.

A Star-Studded Ensemble and Shared Passion

Mahassine spoke with great admiration for her fellow cast members, describing the Kuruluş: Orhun ensemble as “an extraordinary group of artists.”

“Every actor brings something powerful,” she said. “I learn from all of them — their technique, their emotion, their passion. We support each other, and that collaboration makes this project special.”

The production boasts some of Turkey’s most respected historical drama talents, uniting experienced veterans and rising stars under a shared vision — to tell the next great Ottoman story.

A Story of Action, Drama, and Humanity

While Mahassine remained careful not to reveal spoilers, she offered a glimpse into the series’ tone.

“It’s a mix of everything — action, intrigue, love, and emotion,” she teased. “There’s even a touch of humor in some moments. Kuruluş: Orhun has something for everyone.”

The show promises not only grand battles and political tension but also the intimate human stories behind the empire’s foundation — the love, loyalty, and sacrifice that defined a generation.

Why Kuruluş Orhun Marks a Turning Point

More than a continuation, Kuruluş: Orhun symbolizes a rebirth of the Ottoman epic genre. It builds upon the legacy of Kuruluş: Osman while establishing its own tone — more introspective, emotionally layered, and focused on generational transition.

The series represents a new creative direction in Turkish television, balancing cinematic scale with character-driven storytelling.

“It’s a story of transition from father to son, from one era to another,” Mahassine said. “But it’s also a story of love and destiny  how people’s choices shape history.”

Behind the Camera: Crafting History with Heart

The creative team behind Kuruluş Orhun includes renowned Turkish directors, historians, and set designers, many of whom worked on previous historical blockbusters. Their mission: to recreate a living, breathing world that honors the roots of Ottoman civilization.

Every element from costume embroidery to the sound of clashing steel is carefully designed for authenticity.

“The crew deserves so much credit,” Mahassine emphasized. “They make our job easier because everything around us feels real — every detail tells a story.”

An Actress at the Heart of a New Era

Despite her experience, Mahassine admits she still feels the thrill of performing every day.

“I’m still excited, still nervous,” she smiled. “But that’s what keeps me passionate. Every scene is a new challenge, a new discovery.”

Her portrayal of Nilüfer Hatun — dignified, heartfelt, and commanding promises to be one of the standout performances in modern Turkish historical drama.

“I truly believe Kuruluş: Orhun will touch people deeply,” she said. “It’s made with love, courage, and respect for our past.”

Final Thoughts: The Fairytale Within History

Mahassine Merabet’s journey mirrors Nilüfer Hatun’s both women embody courage, grace, and transformation. Through her performance, she brings warmth and wisdom to a story steeped in heritage.

As she beautifully puts it:

“I feel like I’m in a fairytale but a real one. It’s history, yet it feels alive.”

And as Kuruluş: Orhun prepares to debut, audiences around the world await a new chapter — one that honors the past while ushering in a vibrant new era of storytelling.

Authentic Source:

Adapted from an exclusive on-set interview with Mahassine Merabet, portraying Nilüfer Hatun, wife of Orhan Gazi, in the historical drama Kuruluş Orhun (2025)۔