Mustafa İlbeyli on TRT’s Vision and ‘Fatih’s Global Impact – Exclusive Interview

We sat down with Mustafa İlbeyli, Director of Advertising & Sales at TRT Sales to get his insights on their hit historical drama Fatih: Sultan of Conquests and TRT Sales’ upcoming participation in DICM 2024.

During our interview, İlbeyli highlighted the series’ success at MIPCOM, where it received enthusiastic feedback from international buyers and professionals, and discussed TRT’s strategic goals at DICM, including plans to expand into the MENA region and continue promoting Turkish dramas that resonate with diverse, international viewers.

Fatih: Sultan of Conquests is continuing into its second season, and it has seen an increase in ratings. The life of Fatih Sultan Mehmed has always been fascinating. What does this series mean for TRT?

TRT’s Fatih: Sultan of Conquests is a landmark in Turkish television, showcasing the life of Fatih Sultan Mehmed II and underscoring TRT’s commitment to producing culturally resonant, internationally appealing content. Amid fierce competition from global streaming platforms, Fatih captivates with its high ratings and meticulous historical detail, reflecting TRT’s tradition of high-budget dramas like Diriliş: Ertuğrul (Resurrection Ertugrul). Beyond its entertainment value, the series serves as cultural diplomacy, bridging Türkiye’s rich history with modern storytelling to strengthen the nation’s global entertainment presence and bring Ottoman heritage to audiences worldwide.

At MIPCOM, you hosted a special event for Fatih: Sultan of Conquests with actors Serkan Çayoğlu and Selim Bayraktar in attendance. What kind of feedback did you receive about the series?

The special Fatih: Sultan of Conquests event at MIPCOM, featuring actors Serkan Çayoğlu, Selim Bayraktar, Luka Peros, and producer Eyüp Gökhan Özekin, received enthusiastic feedback from industry professionals and international buyers, who were captivated by its epic scale, visuals, and storytelling. Attendees praised the cast’s performances, the grandeur of the production, and the authenticity of the historical portrayal. The event highlighted the series’ global appeal, solidifying it as one of the most anticipated historical dramas of the year and generating significant interest from buyers looking to bring it to international audiences.

Could you share some insights on Fatih: Sultan of Conquests’ international journey?

Fatih: Sultan of Conquests has captivated global audiences, with licensing in regions including the Middle East and parts of Europe. Its compelling narrative, impressive visuals, and historical accuracy have earned it acclaim, solidifying its place in the international television market. The series’ success has boosted the global popularity of Turkish dramas, showcasing Türkiye’s rich history and culture to a wider audience and positioning Fatih as one of the most impactful Turkish historical dramas to date.

Following MIPCOM, we’re now at DICM, where you’ll also be holding an event for Fatih: Sultan of Conquests. Could you tell us more about this event?

At DICM, we’re thrilled to host an exclusive screening and Q&A session with Fatih: Sultan of Conquests stars Serkan Çayoğlu, Selim Bayraktar, and producer Eyüp Gökhan Özekin. Attendees will enjoy exclusive clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and insights into the series’ historical accuracy and global appeal. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and potential partners, as we aim to expand the series’ reach and discuss future collaborations in the MENA region and beyond.

What are TRT Sales’ main goals for DICM this year? What kind of interest are you expecting for Fatih: Sultan of Conquests and your other series?

At DICM, TRT Sales aims to expand its reach across the MENA region by building partnerships with broadcasters and streaming platforms, focusing on high-demand Turkish series with strong historical and cultural narratives. As you know, TRT has been successful in the region with many of its historical content such as Diriliş Ertuğrul, Alparslan series, and Salahadin. Keeping with this record, Fatih: Sultan of Conquests, with its rich historical depth and universal themes, is expected to attract considerable interest, serving as TRT’s flagship production. Additionally, TRT Sales will showcase a variety of modern dramas to cater to diverse audiences, from traditional viewers to digital streamers. These efforts aim to strengthen the Turkish series’ presence in the region and support TRT’s vision of cultural connection and market growth across MENA.

This interview with Mustafa İlbeyli was featured in Episode Magazine’s DICM 2024 issue.