The series **Kurulus Osman** (Establishment: Osman) is the colossal Turkish historical drama that chronicles the life and struggles of **Osman Ghazi**, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Premiering in 2019, the show continues the epic saga begun by *Diriliş: Ertuğrul*, immersing viewers in the volatile 13th and 14th centuries as Osman battles Byzantine forces, Mongol warlords, and ruthless internal traitors to establish a sovereign state. The story is a fierce and inspiring account of how a single beylik (principality) was forged into an empire that would span six centuries.

Starring **Burak Özçivit** as the determined Osman Ghazi, **Kurulus Osman** meticulously details the internal and external conflicts that defined the early Ottoman identity. His mission is clear: to secure independence from the crumbling Sultanate of Rum and establish a state that honors the Turks. This **ultimate guide** dissects the 10 insane secrets and pivotal events across the seasons that led to the declaration of the **Osmanli Beyliği** (Ottoman Beylik).

The External Pressure in Kurulus Osman: Mongols and Byzantium

The foundation of **Kurulus Osman** is laid in the shadow of two immense powers: the decaying **Byzantine Empire** to the west and the overwhelming **Mongol Ilkhanate** to the east. Osman’s genius lies in navigating these threats, using the weakness of one to counter the strength of the other, all while carving out an independent homeland.

1. The Mongol Ilkhanate Threat (Seasons 1, 2, 4)

The Mongol threat is continuous, often personified by formidable figures. In Season 1, Commander **Balgay** attempts to stop Osman from rebelling against the Mongols. Later, in Season 2, Governor **Geyhatu** allies with the Byzantine commander **Aya Nikola** against the Turks. The struggle culminates in Season 4 with the arrival of Commander **Nayman**, sent to eliminate Osman after the execution of the Mongol commander Samagar. Osman’s ultimate political masterstroke is complaining about the Seljuk Sultan to the **Ilkhan Ghazan**, leading to the dethronement of the cruel Sultan Alaeddin Kayqubad III.

2. The Byzantine Siege and Conquests (Seasons 2, 3, 4)

Osman’s destiny is marked by his conquests of Byzantine castles, moving the border of his beylik steadily westward. Key victories include **Kuluchisar** (Season 1), **Inegol**, and **Bilecik** (Season 3). The show meticulously lists his victories, which include **Marmaracik**, **Koyunhisar**, and **Köprühisar**. The entire struggle of **Kurulus Osman** is illustrated through the siege and eventual conquest of these vital Byzantine strongholds, ultimately announcing his free state after the victory of **Bilecik** and **Yenisehir**.

For context on the historical pressures of the Mongol and Byzantine Empires during this era, detailed historical analysis is crucial. Resources like Encyclopedia Britannica on the Seljuks and the Ilkhanate provide necessary background on the collapsing Sultanate of Rum.

Internal Strife and Insane Betrayals in Kurulus Osman

Osman’s internal struggle against traitors in the Kayı tribe is as intense as his battles against foreign armies. The loyalty of his companions (like **Boran Alp** and **Cerkutay**) is constantly contrasted with the deep-seated jealousy of his family members.

3. The Treachery of Dündar Bey (Season 1, 2)

The earliest and most tragic betrayal comes from Osman’s uncle, **Dündar Bey**, whom Ertuğrul left in charge. Dündar, susceptible to coercion, becomes a puppet for enemies like **Alişar** and the psychotic princess **Sofia**. Dündar’s treachery eventually escalates to aiding the Byzantines. Osman’s decision to **execute Dündar** for treason is a defining, painful moment that proves his commitment to the state over family ties.

4. The Rivalry of the Hatuns and the Heir (Season 2, 3)

The issue of producing an heir is a secret source of drama in **Kurulus Osman**. Osman’s first wife, **Bala Hatun** (Özge Törer), initially cannot conceive after being stabbed by a Mongol. This leads to **Sheikh Edebali** advising Osman to marry a second wife to secure the beylik’s future. The arrival of **Malhun Hatun** (Yıldız Çağrı Atiksoy), the daughter of Ömer Bey, sparks a brief power struggle with Bala. Malhun gives birth to Osman’s first son, **Orhan**, earning her the title **Devlet Ana** (Mother of State). The eventual resolution of this rivalry and the subsequent birth of Bala’s son, **Alaeddin Ali**, establishes the powerful, unified family structure necessary for the Ottoman foundation.

5. The Cult of Arius (Season 3)

The introduction of **Arius**, a dangerous cult leader disguised as a Sheikh, marks one of the most insidious threats in **Kurulus Osman**. Arius’s scheming results in the deaths of loyal allies and attempts to destabilize Söğüt. Osman’s relentless hunt for Arius and the eventual **execution of Arius and Aya Nikola** is a symbolic victory over the spiritual and military enemies of the nascent state.

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The Next Generation and Shifting Alliances in Kurulus Osman

As the series progresses, the focus shifts to Osman’s sons, **Orhan** and **Alaeddin Ali**, and the complex political alliances necessary to survive the 14th century. The saga expertly showcases Osman’s evolution from a warrior Bey to a founding statesman.

6. The Rise of Orhan and Alaeddin Ali (Season 5)

The sons, **Orhan Bey** (Emre Bey) and **Alaeddin Ali Bey** (Omer Faruk Aran), grow up to be fierce yet wise leaders, inheriting their father’s legacy. Orhan, the elder son, becomes Bey of Karacahisar. Alaeddin Ali, the “miraculous son,” studies in a Madrasah, mastering medicine and religious learning. Their joint participation in wars against the Byzantines, often conquering castles like **Kestel** and **Karadin**, symbolizes the strength and continuity of the newly established Ottoman leadership.

7. The Germiyanid Cold War and Yakup Bey (Season 5)

The political maneuvering becomes exceptionally complex with the arrival of **Yakup Bey**, the influential Bey of the **Germiyanids**. As the Seljuk state collapses, Yakup attempts to declare himself Sultan and coerce other Beys into allegiance. Osman’s refusal initiates a crucial **cold war** between the two powerful Turkish leaders. This rivalry, far from being a simple fight, illustrates the political difficulty Osman faced in securing his legitimacy among rival Turkish Beyliks before declaring independence.

8. The Tragedy of Halime Hatun and Sofia’s Return (Season 6)

Season 6 introduces a shocking and deeply personal plot twist: the return of **Sofia**, the psychotic princess from Season 1, who was presumed dead. Sofia’s ultimate revenge involves kidnapping Osman and Bala’s daughter, **Halime**, and raising her as a spy, convincing Halime that Osman murdered her parents. This tragic arc highlights Osman’s primary weakness—his care for his close ones—and drives a personal quest for Bala Hatun to reclaim her daughter, culminating in Halime learning the truth and reuniting with her family.

The Final Steps: Establishing the Ottoman Beylik

The culmination of years of struggle is the official founding of the state, a moment carefully built up over multiple seasons of **Kurulus Osman**.

9. The Marriage of Orhan and Holofira (Nilüfer Hatun)

The marriage of Orhan Bey to **Prenses Holofira** (Ecem Sena Bayir) is a strategic and symbolic moment. Holofira, the Byzantine step-daughter of Yarihisar Tekfur, is abducted by Orhan but is later shown to be sympathetic to the Turks. Her eventual conversion to Islam and renaming as **Nilüfer Hatun** by Osman Bey symbolizes the future of the Ottoman state: incorporating Christian nobility and faith into its structure. Nilüfer Hatun historically became the first **Valide Hatun** (Queen Mother) of the Ottoman Empire.

10. Declaring Independence: The Ottoman Beylik

After conquering a long list of castles and securing his borders, and with Sultan Mesud’s blessing, Osman finally declares his principality to be an **independent one** and begins taxing Byzantine caravans. The ultimate climax, announced at the end of Season 5, is the declaration of the **Osmanli Beyliği** (Ottoman Beylik). This act of sovereignty is the fulfillment of Ertuğrul Ghazi’s mission and the final, successful move that sets the Ottoman Empire on its six-century trajectory.

The entire narrative of **Kurulus Osman** is a powerful testament to the leadership, sacrifices, and ultimate triumph required to establish one of the world’s greatest empires.

Frequently Asked Questions

• **Who is the main actor in Kurulus Osman?** Burak Özçivit plays the lead role of Osman Ghazi.
• **How many wives did Osman Bey have in the series?** Osman is married to two wives: Bala Hatun (first wife) and Malhun Hatun (second wife).
• **What was Osman’s greatest achievement in the show?** Announcing the establishment of the **Osmanli Beyliği** (Ottoman Beylik) at the end of Season 5, declaring sovereignty.
• **Who was the main internal traitor executed by Osman?** His uncle, Dündar Bey, was executed for his treachery and collaboration with the Byzantines.