After six long years of storytelling in the Kuruluş universe, the series has finally shifted gears. Kuruluş: Orhan Episode 4 delivered surprising strength, and the first trailer for Episode 5 has disrupted the entire direction of the story. The slow buildup is over.
The real journey has begun. At the center of this new chapter stands Orhan Bey, stepping into a destiny that is unfolding faster — and more powerfully — than ever before.
A Stronger, More Authentic Squad Around Orhan
For the first time since the series started, Orhan’s team feels like a true historical force. Not filler characters, not temporary warriors — but real figures who shaped early Ottoman history.
Abdur Rahman Alp Returns
The legendary warrior who fought beside Ertuğrul Gazi and Osman Gazi now joins Orhan’s ranks. His style is still developing, but his presence immediately elevates the team.
Kan Turali Makes a Fierce Entrance
Agile, sharp, and fearless — Kan Turali’s dual-sword combat brings back memories of Ertuğrul’s golden squad. His charisma and bravery fill the gaps left by characters exiting the story.
Kara Khalil Strengthens the Lineage
Linked to Osman’s family through Sheikh Edebali and Bala Hatun, he reinforces both the bloodline and the warrior spirit around Orhan.
For the first time, Orhan’s squad looks truly unified:
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Balanced
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Skilled
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Trustworthy
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Capable of building the state that will one day conquer Bursa
Episode 4: One of the Strongest Installments So Far
Episode 4 delivered a clean, impactful narrative with no major weaknesses.
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Abdur Rahman and Kan Turali lifted the entire tone
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The alps felt alive and energetic
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Political tension remained sharp
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Brotherhood was warm and believable
Orhan himself displayed notable leadership:
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He stopped Flavius’s attack
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He proved he learned from his mistakes in Episode 1
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He regained Osman Bey’s trust
The Return of the White-Bearded Elders
In a historic moment, Orhan received a symbolic chest from the white-bearded elders — a container filled with wisdom, guidance, and the subtle message:
“You are the chosen successor.”
Some viewers compared this chest to legendary artifacts such as:
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The Ark of the Covenant
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The chest of Prophet Süleyman (A.S.)
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Ibn Arabi’s sacred chest
Whether symbolic or not, its significance in the series is undeniable.
A Scene That Touched Everyone: Orhan and His Horse
One of the most beautiful moments in Episode 4 was Orhan’s emotional conversation with his horse.
Simple.
Quiet.
Visually beautiful.
It reminded viewers of the deep bond between Turks and their horses — from Ertuğrul’s Aktolgay to Osman’s Karayel. Social media quickly turned this into one of the most discussed scenes of the night.
The episode had only one missed opportunity:
It should have ended on the arrow cliffhanger, where Orhan collapses. Ending there would’ve made Episode 5’s anticipation explode.
Still, Episode 4 stands strong as one of the best of the season.
Episode 5 Trailer: A Moment That Shook the Story
The trailer for Episode 5 introduces a scene no one expected this early:
Osman Bey placing the leadership seal into Orhan’s hand.
Not as a deputy.
Not as a temporary leader.
But as the new Bey of the Kayı tribe.
Historically, Osman did appoint Orhan before the conquest of Bursa — and the series now appears to embrace that accuracy.
But the question remains…
Is This a Real Scene — or Another Dream Sequence?
The visuals feel:
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Too soft
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Too calm
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Too sudden
In Turkish dramas, such moments often appear in visions or dreams before destiny becomes reality.
This scene could be:
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Orhan imagining a responsibility he fears
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Osman dreaming of a future he may not live to witness
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A symbolic vision from another character
But many reviewers warn:
“It will damage the series if this throne scene is just a dream.”
Historical accuracy demands Orhan’s leadership to begin now.
If the show delays this moment again, audience trust may weaken.
Episode 5 leaves us between two powerful possibilities:
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The true rise of Orhan Bey
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Or another symbolic foreshadowing
Shahinshah Bey: The Hidden Threat
Shahinshah Bey remains one of the most complex characters in the story.
On the surface, he smiles.
But inside, he still rejects Orhan’s leadership.
His goal was clear:
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Put Alaeddin on the throne
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Control the tribe through influence
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Use his daughter as a silent Trojan horse
But Alaeddin shattered this plan by refusing betrayal and greed.
Still, Shahinshah is not the type to accept defeat quietly.
His submission may only be temporary — and in coming episodes, he could become the spark that ignites new conflict.
Lingering Weaknesses in the Series
Despite powerful developments, several weaknesses continue:
1. Viewer Fatigue from Kuruluş: Osman
The last three seasons pushed audiences away with repetitive storylines.
This exhaustion still affects Kuruluş: Orhan, which began with ratings as low as 4.2.
2. Excessive Screen Time for Nilüfer Hatun
Picnics, casual scenes, and slowed-down moments disrupt the pacing — especially when history demands:
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Political strategy
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Alliances
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Wars
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The march toward Bursa
3. Weak Trailers
Even when episodes are strong, the promotional trailers remain surprisingly underwhelming.
What Needs to Happen Next?
For Kuruluş: Orhan to regain its peak, the story must realign with history.
The Focus Should Fully Shift to Orhan
His evolution as a leader must drive the narrative.
His Legendary Alps Need More Screen Time
Kara Khalil, Abdur Rahman, and Kan Turali should form the core warrior unit.
The Road to Bursa Must Begin
History is clear:
Osman Bey passed away soon after Bursa’s conquest.
The series cannot keep delaying this arc.
