Introduction and Early Conflicts in "Mendirman Jaloliddin"

The series starts with the setup of historical context presenting the Khwarazmian Empire and its ruler Sultan Ala ad-Din Muhammad facing the invasion of the Mongol Empire. The key male character in the story is Jalal al-Din, the Sultan’s son – a bold and purposeful individual who is willing to do everything to save his people. To begin with, the episode is characterized by the conflict between the Khwarazmians and Mongols and it illustrates the ability and prowess of Jalal al-Din in the battlefield. Conflict between Jalal al-Din and his father is also revealed; the latter does not like the former’s daring plans, as the Sultan is afraid of losses. 

 In the second episode, the desire in Jalal al-Din to fight the Mongols becomes stronger and stronger. He attacks a Mongol camp in a less expected way and gets a great success, which increases the spirit of his army. It is, however, this success that unveils internal contradictions in the given framework. The existence of a large military helps to create tension within the Sultan’s court as some counselor desire the use of force led by Jalal al-Din while others seek a diplomatically route. In all these political machinations, Jalal’s al-Din’s intimate relationships are examined especially with his mother, Terken Khatun who plays the role of a strict but loving mother who imparts wisdom to her young son. 

 It is even after the raid of Jalal al-Din that the strings of sequence unravel the tough situation of the Khwarazmian Empire. The Mongols are depicted as ferocious adversaries; they are led by Genghis Khan who is determined for a massive counterattack. This is true in the case of Jalal al-Din during the Alfrankish campaign when his military prowess is challenged in the way he wants to protect the areas attacked by the Mongols. At the same time, civil unrest in the empire increases: various clans and groups fought for the influence on the Sultan. In the final scenes of the episode, Jalal al-Din takes a large decision to finalize his battle with the Mongols that which will lead more conflict and drama.