BUSINESS > Emirates pick up Ottoman show after Turkish Airlines blocks it on flights

ISTANBUL

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Emirates airline has bought the first 12 episodes of the popular Turkish period drama “Muhteşem Yüzyıl” (The Magnificent Century) to air on its in-flight channels, daily Hürriyet reported today. Turkish Airlines (THY) blocked the series after the Turkish prime minister criticized it.

“Muhteşem Yüzyıl” has become the first Turkish-made project that the Arab airline has included in its in-flight programs.

Erdoğan recently dished out heavy criticism of “Muhteşem Yüzyıl” for its portrayal of the Ottoman ruler Süleyman the Magnificent.

“Muhteşem Yüzyıl” is a popular TV show airing in Turkey and abroad, following the lives of the Ottoman ruler Süleyman and his love, Hürrem Sultan. The show focuses on Süleyman’s personal and palace life, portraying characters from the harem as well as from the royal family. The show’s critics claim the series is degrading Turkish history by its caricaturesque portrayal of Süleyman in his harem.

December/19/2012

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Ottoman Reactionary

12/20/2012 7:57:57 PM

@Halit Nofal United Kingdom laws are based on Christian laws and they call it Liberal Democracy. Whole concept of Democracy is based on "things acceptable to Christians". We call Christian laws "Liberal Democracy" and every Islamic law we call "ISLAMISM". One they they will stab Turks in the back, then you will find out how much HATE there is against Turks and other muslim people.

Jobs jon

12/20/2012 6:53:38 PM

@Diren Sesel: You mean more women half-naked in Emirates than Turkey?

Michael Johnson

12/20/2012 4:02:34 PM

@Basil: well said, but one small inaccuracy; lay the blame at Erdogan's feet, not Turkey's. Guaranteed the PM pressured THY into that, and THY folded like a house of cards.

Diren Sesel

12/20/2012 2:45:43 PM

Emirates is more democratic than Turkey, for sure. As it has higher women equality than Turkey.

Halit Nofal

12/20/2012 8:37:01 AM

@ Basil Keilani - I couldn't say it any better ...

john albay

12/19/2012 11:27:48 PM

Does the PM have nothing else to think about? The Turkish goverment should keep out of Turkish airlines,it has nothing to do with politics.

Suhail Shafi

12/19/2012 8:41:54 PM

Why else does Emirates keep winning the Best Inflight Entertainment Award ?

Adam Polk

12/19/2012 6:49:20 PM

just use TORRENT , you can find all the episodes and download them.

Agnes Smith

12/19/2012 6:01:06 PM

Exactly Roger! sales will sky rocket (pirate copies will be made and circlulated). And even better we will not have to watch the awful ads and drink copious amounts of tea to fill the gaps of annoying Turkish TV culture. Nothing can prevent us doing what we want. Youtube may go again but we will find a way round that again. When will the PM stop thinking he is cleverer than anyone else.

DutchTurk JANICAR

12/19/2012 4:50:23 PM

Well, at least they promote Turkey, Turkish culture and Turkish history ( with fictive elements, based on some historical facts, but far from real history ). So hey, you won't see me complaining about the decision of Emirates.

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