A new Turkish historical series is on the way, and its central character is not a sultan, warrior, or tribal leader. Instead, the story follows one of the most influential ministers in Seljuk history: Nizam al-Mulk, the legendary vizier who helped shape the Great Seljuk Empire during its Golden Age. Titled Nizam al-Mulk: Altın Şah (The Golden Age), the upcoming series will explore palace politics, royal rivalries, intelligence networks, and the complicated relationship between Nizam al-Mulk and Sultan Malik Shah. With a cast featuring familiar faces from Kuruluş Osman and Mehmed: Fetihler Sultanı, the production is attracting attention from fans of Turkish historical dramas. Here is everything to know about the show’s historical background, cast, storyline, production team, and expected release.
Who Was Nizam al-Mulk? The Real History Behind the Series
Nizam al-Mulk was born around 1018 in Tus, in present-day Iran. His birth name was Abu Ali Hasan ibn Ali Tusi, and he later became one of the most powerful political figures of the Great Seljuk Empire.
He served as vizier, or chief minister, under two important Seljuk rulers: Sultan Alp Arslan and his son, Sultan Malik Shah. Following Alp Arslan’s death, Nizam al-Mulk continued in office under Malik Shah, helping administer the empire for approximately three decades.
His influence extended far beyond the royal court. Nizam al-Mulk was responsible for important administrative and educational initiatives, including the establishment of the famous Nizamiyya madrasas, a network of institutions that contributed to Islamic education and scholarship.
He also authored the Siyasatnama, commonly known as the Book of Government. This influential work discussed political administration, leadership, justice, and the responsibilities of rulers. It remains an important historical text for understanding medieval Islamic political thought.
The Assassination of Nizam al-Mulk and the Death of Malik Shah
One of the most dramatic parts of Nizam al-Mulk’s life was his assassination in 1092. Historical traditions associate his murder with the followers of Hassan-i Sabbah, although the precise circumstances and responsibility remain subjects of historical discussion.
The death of Nizam al-Mulk was followed only weeks later by the death of Sultan Malik Shah. The two losses created a major crisis for the Seljuk state and intensified political rivalries over succession and imperial authority.
The empire subsequently experienced internal divisions and struggles for power. This historical turning point gives the series’ title, The Golden Age, an additional meaning: the story explores both the height of Seljuk power and the events that contributed to its decline.
Nizam al-Mulk: Altın Şah Story and Plot
Unlike many Turkish historical dramas that focus primarily on military campaigns and battlefield victories, Nizam al-Mulk: Altın Şah is expected to place political strategy and administration at the center of its narrative.
The story will follow the responsibilities and challenges faced by Nizam al-Mulk as he serves the Seljuk rulers. It will also explore his relationship with Sultan Malik Shah, whose reign was an important period of Seljuk expansion and political consolidation.
The main themes include:
- Palace politics: Rivalries, alliances, and political maneuvering within the Seljuk court.
- The struggle for the throne: Competing interests and the challenges of maintaining imperial unity.
- The burden of governing: Nizam al-Mulk’s responsibilities as the empire’s chief minister.
- Intelligence networks: The collection of information and the political importance of knowing the intentions of rivals.
- The bond between minister and sultan: The relationship between Nizam al-Mulk and Malik Shah, which lies at the heart of the story.
The series will offer viewers a different perspective on Seljuk history by examining the political decisions and personal relationships behind the empire’s power.
Nizam al-Mulk: Altın Şah Cast and Characters
The series features a combination of established Turkish television actors and performers taking on new historical roles. Several cast members are already familiar to viewers of Kuruluş Osman and Mehmed: Fetihler Sultanı.
Mert Turak as Nizam al-Mulk
Mert Turak takes the leading role of Nizam al-Mulk. The actor is known to historical drama fans for his portrayal of Petrus in Kuruluş Osman. He is also recognized for playing Naim in the contemporary Turkish series Kızıl Goncalar.
Turak’s new role marks a shift from playing a Byzantine character in an Ottoman-era drama to portraying one of the most influential ministers in Seljuk history.
Earlier reports in April mentioned Selim Bayraktar for the title role, but subsequent casting announcements confirmed Mert Turak as Nizam al-Mulk.
Alp Navruz as Sultan Malik Shah
Alp Navruz plays Sultan Malik Shah, one of the central figures in the story and the ruler who worked alongside Nizam al-Mulk during the height of Seljuk power.
Born in Istanbul in 1990, Navruz is primarily known for his work in contemporary Turkish dramas, including Ateş Masalı and Elimi Bırakma. This production represents a move into historical television for the actor.
For the role, Navruz reportedly grew a beard to match the appearance of the Seljuk ruler.
His character’s relationship with Nizam al-Mulk will be a key part of the series, particularly as the story explores the demands of leadership and the political pressures surrounding the throne.
Sinan Albayrak as Emir Atsız
Sinan Albayrak joins the cast as Emir Atsız, an 11th-century Turkmen military commander associated with Seljuk expansion in Syria and Palestine.
Fans of Mehmed: Fetihler Sultanı will recognize Albayrak as Çandarlı Halil Pasha’s historical counterpart? No: his previous role in the series was Zağanos Pasha, one of Sultan Mehmed’s prominent viziers.
After appearing in the production for three seasons, Albayrak is now taking on a different historical figure from the Seljuk period.
The real Atsız was an important military leader whose campaigns helped extend Seljuk influence in the Levant.
Burak Çelik as Melik Tutuş
Burak Çelik plays Melik Tutuş, the brother of Sultan Malik Shah.
Çelik is well known for portraying Kongar and later Göktuğ Bey in Kuruluş Osman. His new role places him in the middle of the political tensions surrounding the Seljuk royal family.
Historically, Tutuş became an important figure in the struggles that followed Malik Shah’s death. His ambitions and political position make him relevant to the wider story of the empire’s succession crisis.
Bülent Çolak as Hassan-i Sabbah
One of the most closely watched casting choices is Bülent Çolak as Hassan-i Sabbah.
Hassan-i Sabbah is a major figure in the history of the Nizari Ismaili movement and is traditionally associated with the network of fortresses centered on Alamut. His historical connection to the events surrounding Nizam al-Mulk’s assassination makes his role particularly significant.
The series is expected to bring this complex historical relationship to the screen as part of its wider exploration of intelligence, political rivalry, and power.
Deniz Barut as Safiye Hatun
Deniz Barut joins the cast as Safiye Hatun. She is familiar to viewers of Kuruluş Osman, where she portrayed Asmahan Sultan, a character connected to the Seljuk royal family.
Her new role keeps her within the world of Seljuk palace politics, but as a different character in a separate historical story.
Safiye Hatun will contribute to the series’ portrayal of the royal court and the women whose relationships and influence form part of palace life.
Dilara Yeşiltepe as Zübeyde Hatun
Dilara Yeşiltepe plays Zübeyde Hatun, another character connected to the palace storyline.
Her character will be part of the series’ exploration of royal relationships and the political environment surrounding the Seljuk court.
Avatar Atakan as Commander Bedros
A surprise addition to the cast is Çağan Atakan Arslan, better known as Avatar Atakan.
Arslan is a professional Muay Thai and kickboxing athlete who became widely known after winning Survivor Türkiye in 2016. He is set to portray Commander Bedros, a character that has been described in reports as an unexpected casting choice.
His martial arts background makes the role an interesting departure from his previous television appearances.
Production Team and Episode Count
Nizam al-Mulk: Altın Şah is being produced by DSS Media for TRT’s digital streaming platform, tabii.
The creative team includes:
- Creator and screenwriter: İsa Yıldız
- Director: Emir Khalilzadeh
- Additional writers: Uhud Tekin and Caner Erzin Khan
- Production company: DSS Media
- Platform: tabii
The first season is planned to consist of 16 episodes. At the time of the reported announcements, no second season had been officially announced.
The production is designed to tell its story across a single season, covering major political and historical developments in Nizam al-Mulk’s life and his relationship with Malik Shah.
Filming Start Date and Release Date
According to the production information in the script, filming was scheduled to begin on June 13, 2026, following a script-reading session with the cast.
As for the release date, an official premiere date has not yet been announced in the reported information.
The series is planned for the 2026–2027 television season on TRT 1, although viewers should wait for an official broadcaster announcement for the confirmed premiere schedule.
Why Nizam al-Mulk: Altın Şah Is Different From Other Historical Dramas
Many Turkish historical dramas focus on the lives of sultans, warriors, tribal leaders, and the military campaigns that shaped their states. Nizam al-Mulk: Altın Şah takes a different approach by placing a statesman at the center of the story.
Rather than focusing exclusively on battles and conquests, the series is set to explore the administrative and political challenges of running a vast empire.
Nizam al-Mulk’s story also offers an opportunity to examine the relationship between a ruler and his chief minister. Their partnership helped shape the Great Seljuk Empire during a period of expansion and consolidation, while their deaths in 1092 preceded a period of instability.
The combination of palace intrigue, historical figures, political strategy, and a well-known cast gives the series a distinctive place among upcoming Turkish historical productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nizam al-Mulk: Altın Şah about?
The series tells the story of Nizam al-Mulk, the influential vizier of the Great Seljuk Empire, and his relationship with Sultan Malik Shah. It explores palace politics, succession struggles, governance, and intelligence networks.
Who plays Nizam al-Mulk?
Mert Turak plays Nizam al-Mulk, the leading character of the series.
Who plays Sultan Malik Shah?
Alp Navruz portrays Sultan Malik Shah, the Seljuk ruler who served alongside Nizam al-Mulk during the empire’s Golden Age.
How many episodes will the series have?
The first season is planned to consist of 16 episodes. No second season has been announced in the reported production details.
When will Nizam al-Mulk: Altın Şah be released?
The series is planned for the 2026–2027 season. An official premiere date has not yet been confirmed in the reported information.
Where can viewers watch the series?
The series is being produced for TRT’s digital platform, tabii. Its reported broadcast plans also mention TRT 1.
