Anti-Ottoman Discourse in Arabic TV Series: The Case of Kingdoms of Fire Arapça Yayınlanan Dizilerde Osmanlı Karşıtı Söylem: Kingdoms of Fire Örneği

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KAYA İ.

Osmanli Medeniyeti Arastirmalari Dergisi, cilt.2026, sa.29, ss.28-53, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin)

Özet

This study examines the representation of Ottomans and Turks in Arabic television discourse, focusing on the anti-Ottoman narrative in the 2019 historical drama Kingdoms of Fire. Employing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), a method commonly used in communication studies, the research explores how linguistic and semiotic elements convey ideological positions. The series, which depicts the Ottoman conquest of Egypt under Sultan Selim I, portrays Ottoman figures—particularly Selim I and his soldiers—in a highly negative manner. This depiction drew criticism from Turkish media for promoting a distorted and hostile image of Ottoman history. The analysis focuses on the terms and epithets used to describe Ottoman characters, as well as on the dialogue and language style that support a polarized “us vs. other” dichotomy. In addition to textual analysis, visual and auditory elements—such as costume, music, and cinematographic choices—are examined to reveal the underlying ideological narratives. Situating the series within the broader context of Arab-Turkish cultural and political relations, the study argues that Kingdoms of Fire operates not only as historical fiction but also as a medium of ideological construction. The findings suggest that the series contributes to a selective and politicized reimagining of history, which may influence contemporary intercultural perceptions and tensions.