In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Al-Maqatari revealed the background of his participation in the series
The Yemeni businessman and actor Hamed Al-Maqatari considered his participation in the famous Turkish series “Kuruluş Osman” a response to his long-standing ambition to participate in historical productions.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Al-Maqatari revealed the background of his participation in the series, his role as a merchant, and the feelings that overwhelmed him, especially as his appearance was well-received by Arab audiences.
For several seasons, “Kuruluş Osman” has been broadcast on the Turkish channel ATV. The series tells the story of one of the most important leaders in Islamic history, Osman bin Ertuğrul, the founder of the Ottoman Empire.
Al-Maqatari said in the interview: “Kuruluş Osman is a continuation of Diriliş Ertuğrul. The idea came from the series producer, Mehmet Bozdağ, with whom I have several business ventures. He offered me the idea of participating in the series as an Arab merchant.”
He added: “I welcomed it and told him I would be honored to add the series to my personal record. It’s a show with great resonance in the Arab world.”
He continued, “To be honest, my family and my brother, who is a factory manager in Yemen, say that when the series airs, employees make excuses—my wife is sick or in the hospital—only for the general manager to discover that the reason is the show, which airs every Wednesday at 8 PM.”
The businessman explained that “the series is tied to history, and anyone would welcome participating in it, and I accepted without hesitation.”
About his feelings, he said: “My feelings are indescribable. I’m the first Arab to participate in a historical series of this magnitude. I am deeply honored. I own a group of companies in oil, media, clothing, and leisure and medical tourism, and I’ve produced documentaries across Asia and the Arab world.”
He added, “But I never imagined that one day I would act in a series. My dream was always to be part of a historical drama. I used to follow the series ‘Al-Zeer Salem.’”
Describing the filming preparation, he said: “The preparation was good. On set, they didn’t have to do much with me. Since childhood, my family taught me horse riding, archery, and swimming.”
He added, “The preparation and filming were great. The actors were very cooperative and made me feel like I was their longtime friend. The producer is also very respectful and refined. He achieved a breakthrough in historical drama and conveyed the Islamic history beautifully—something politics failed to do.”
He emphasized, “The series has great resonance worldwide. I have friends who were surprised to see me in it and sent me pictures from the show. Some of them I met in Russia who aren’t even Muslim said, ‘Is that you?’ The upcoming days bring more good news and beautiful things that will please all Arab viewers and Yemenis.”
On the Turkish drama and audience reactions, he said: “Production in Turkey is amazing. The level of professionalism is incredible. It’s affordable compared to other countries. Turkey is becoming Europe’s Hollywood. The set is the largest in Europe.”
He added, “This participation gained me thousands of followers. After the episode aired, I trended online. Newspapers, magazines, athletes, artists, and cultural figures all thanked and honored me.”
He concluded, “I’m a businessman, but historical drama is an honor, pride, and a bridge to the past. I hope to one day portray an influential leadership figure that reminds people of their history. As a businessman, it also opens the door for future productions that promote values among youth.”
Speaking about his private journey, he said: “My beginning was difficult and painful. I left my home in Taiz at 16, moved to Sana’a, then to other countries in Asia, the Gulf, and Africa. Each year was harder than the last. But with hard work, determination, and my parents’ prayers, which are the key to everything, I took the right steps and reached advanced stages.”
He added, “There is a strong connection between the Arab world and Turkey. Historically, we share many commonalities. Turkish products are present everywhere, not to mention Turkish series.”
He concluded by saying: “Viewership for Turkish series in the Arab world is even higher than inside Turkey. We share a common history. We wish goodness for everyone in the Arab world and Turkey.”
About Post Author
