‘Rise of Empires: Ottoman’ (2022-) – Historical Doc-Series on Netflix

Rise of Empires: Ottoman is a documentary series written and directed by Emre Sahin.

A very interesting combination of techniques in this dramatized documentary series that brings to life the history in a very Game of Thrones fashion. If you haven’t seen it, give it a peek and see the interesting approach they have taken in creating a story so vivid that it captivates, and the producers’ angle of modernizing everything History-conveying – remember the dry history literature in school? This is the polar opposite, giving the subject some much welcome glamour and allure. We have seen new ways of relaying History lately, making it more appealing, a good example would be the doc-series ‘Blood, sex and Royalty‘. ‘Rise of Empires: Ottoman‘ delivers, with a similarly novel approach, a chronicle historical events.

Premise

The fight between Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II and Vladimir Dracula in the an epic campaign to conquer Constantinople and that will shape the course of history for centuries.

About the Series

The second season starts with a dream about Dracula, a sword fight a la Excalibur elevating the entertainment value, all the while, being informative and educational; a combination that many viewers will find fascinating.

In six episodes, full of political intrigue, battling, and conspiracies we are told this part of History in a fast pace, and with a lot of action. It is supported by the accounts provided by a number of Historians, among them are Dr. Michael Talbot (Sr. lecturer in ottoman History at the University of Greenwich; Dr. Andrei Pogăciaș (Military Historian); Dr. Marius Philippides (Professor Emeritus, Department of Classics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst).

It has a lot of really well applied CGI, with spectacular 3D reconstructions of Constantinople, recreations of battles, and other scenarios; it has to be noted that the design team has done really outstanding work, which combines well with the good characterizations that add to the drama and intensity when the relaying of the epic rivalry Mehmed vs. Vlad.

Release Date

December 29, 2022

Where to Watch ‘Rise of Empires: Ottoman’

Netflix

Cast

Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu / Fatih Sultan Mehmet	Ushan Çakır / Zaganos Pasha
Damla Sönmez / Ana	Tuğrul Tülek / George Sphrantzes

Osman Sonant
Birkan Sokullu
Tommaso Basili
Selim Bayraktar
Tuba Büyüküstün
Ilayda Akdoğan

See full credits >>

List of Chapters of Season 2

House Of War

Mehmed II solidifies his reign, but in nearby Wallachia, childhood friend Vlad the Impaler gains notoriety and seeks to challenge Mehmed’s hegemony.

Troubled Waters

Mehmed sends Maria to coax Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus into an alliance. An epic battle along the Danube River looms, and Vlad has the upper hand.

Land Of Dracula

Mehmed’s troops advance into Wallachia, and Vlad employs guerrilla tactics to weaken his rival. A threat lurks in the imperial palace.

Brothers No More

As the war drags on and resources dwindle, Vlad wages biological warfare on Mehmed’s army. Radu closes in on Vlad’s castle to take Anastasia hostage.

Night Attack

Mehmed prepares to strike a fatal blow to Vlad’s army. A spy is found in Mehmed’s camp. Vlad launches a nighttime attack, but a surprise awaits.

Destiny

Vlad and Mehmed face off. Maria and Gülbahar foil the Wallachian plot. Ottoman troops march into an abandoned Târgoviște and face a gruesome sight.

List of Chapters from Previous Seasons

Season 1

The New Sultan

After claiming the Ottoman throne, Mehmed II sends an unmistakable signal to Byzantine emperor Constantine XI. Enter Genoese mercenaries.

Through The Walls

Mehmed launches an ambitious siege to break through the walls of Constantinople, but Giustiniani’s mercenaries manage to forestall the Janissaries.

Into The Golden Horn

Mehmed’s men dig underground tunnels in an attempt to shatter city walls. The tides turn against the Ottomans when a naval blockade founders.

Loose Lips Sink Ships

Mehmed moves his ships overland to the Golden Horn in a daring, visionary feat. In the shadow of betrayal, Giustiniani attacks the Ottoman fleet.

Ancient Prophecies

Amid a spiral of brutality and low morale, Mehmed makes Giustiniani an enticing offer. The grand vizier urges Mehmed to seek a truce with his rival.

Ashes to Ashes

Ottoman cannons reduce the city walls to rubble, and Venetian reinforcements arrive too late. Mehmed ushers in a new era for the Ottoman Empire.