Global aims to expand Ottoman Empire

Turkish distributor Global Agency has acquired rights to a lavish new local drama about Suleiman the Magnificent, ruler of the Ottoman Empire at the height of its glory in the 16th century.

Magnificent Century (23×90′), produced by TIMS Productions, is currently airing on the nation’s Show TV and has already attracted controversy for its portrayal of the sultan and his concubine Hurrem, who became his powerful wife.

Leading Turkish actor Halit Ergenc portrays Suleiman and Berlin-born German-Turkish actress Meryem Uzerli plays Hurrem.

It’s Global Agency’s second alliance with TIMS, after the distributor picked up rights to four of the producers films in January last year. Global will be presenting the series to buyers at MipTV in Cannes next week, alongside other dramatic series such as 1001 Nights and The Island.