Soft and Sharp Power Embedded in ‘Resurrection: Ertuğrul’

This chapter explores the projection of soft and sharp powers in Turkish historical TV dramas produced under the AKP-led government, focusing specifically on ‘Resurrection: Ertuğrul.’ Through a thematic analysis of all episodes produced and broadcasted, this chapter examines how these series blend entertainment with ideological messaging aligned with the AKP's national and transnational Islamist civilizational populist narratives. The chapter begins with a discussion on the evolution of Turkish historical dramas from secularist to Islamist times. It compares the secular-oriented ‘The Magnificent Century’ with the AKP’s Islamist-oriented historical TV dramas, highlighting the shift in narrative and ideological focus. Then, a detailed analysis of ‘Resurrection: Ertuğrul’ is conducted, including a summary of key characters. The chapter identifies how sharp power is conveyed through the characters and the creation of antagonistic binaries between ‘the people’ and internal & external enemies, demonization of the out-groups, Islamist victimhood, the portrayal of Turkey’s standing against and ruling the world, glorification of militarism, jihadism, conquest, necropolitics, and killing and dying for religion.