BACK IN TIME: A still from The Magnificent Century series. Based on the life of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Turkish series that was first broadcast in 2011 has now been watched by 300mn viewers in 54 countries.

DFI documentary will take viewers on a fascinating journey
into the making of the historical soap opera. By Anand Holla
Even as Qatar Museums (QM) puts the finishing touches to one of the year’s most awaited exhibitions – Harem Al Sultan – the Doha Film Institute (DFI) will hold a free screening of a documentary film on the subject, which promises to take the wide-eyed audience behind the scenes.
As part of Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture – a year marked by a host of events that underline cultural exchange between the two nations – the fascinating exhibition will open in Doha on Thursday and run until December 12 at the QM Gallery in Katara.
Bathed in opulence and glory, the exhibition “takes visitors on a journey through the palace of Harem Al Sultan to experience what it feels like to be living in an era of greatness and dangerous ambitions.” The phenomenal success of the historical soap opera, Magnificent Century, has elevated it to the television hall of fame.
Set on the life of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Turkish series that was first broadcast in 2011 has now been watched by 300mn viewers in 54 countries. QM says, “This unique exhibition brings the costumes, sets and ambience of the series to Doha, revealing the stories behind the life of the Turkish conqueror and his love for the humble and beautiful Hurrem Sultan.”
At 8.30pm on Tuesday, The Secret World of Magnificent Century documentary will take viewers through the behind-the-scenes action of one of Turkey’s greatest and most successful productions. Presented by QM, DFI and the Dogus Group, the screening will be at the Katara Opera House (seating is free, but you must reserve your ticket on the DFI website).
“Set during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the series has captured the hearts of viewers from Turkey, the Arab World and beyond. The documentary will take the viewers behind the making of the popular series and will be followed by an extended Q&A session with Halit Ergen – Suleiman himself,” the DFI says, adding that the film will be screened with only English subtitles.
The documentary by directors and brothers Yagmur Taylan and Durul Taylan is sure to enthral fans of the show and even those unaware of it, alike. Born in 1966, Yagmur graduated from the Uludag University Faculty of Medicine in 1990. Between 1990 and 1995, he studied psychiatry and obtained his degree. After 1997, he stopped practicing medicine and kicked off his career by directing and producing with his brother Durul.
Durul graduated from the Istanbul Technical University Department of Industrial Engineering. After working as a film critic for magazines, Durul teamed up with Yagmur.
As for the exhibition, QM explains, “From the very first episodes to unforgettable scenes, the large multimedia exhibition will present the original decor, costumes and accessories used during the show. Guests will get an up close and personal look at the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and costumes that appeared throughout the famous series illustrating the life and times of Suleiman the Magnificent.”
From authentic artefacts displayed in elaborate settings inspired by locations from the palace to specially made hyper-realistic silicone sculptures of the sultan and his family, the 2,000 sq ft exhibition is for fans of the soap opera, history buffs and art and culture enthusiasts, alike.
Through the year, the cultural events seek to celebrate the 500-year-old history and brotherhood between Qatar and Turkey as much as fete the excellent existing bilateral relations between the two.
Qatar Museums (QM) believes that the Year of Culture bears witness to a confluence of a group of cultural institutions, educators, government bodies, businesses and game-changers – Doha Film Institute, Katara, Qatar Tourism Authority, and Rota, to name a few – who believe in cultural exchange as a medium that makes two nations stronger.