Identity Construction and Historical Narratives: (Mis)Representation of Iran in the Awakening the Great Seljuks

While existing research highlights the role of drama in shaping Turkish national identity, the veracity of the narratives conveyed through plays has not been investigated. The present study fills this gap through examination of the portrayal of Iran in the play Awakening: The Great Seljuks. This focus is critical, given that Iran constitutes a contrasting other for Turkey, against which Turkish national identity and political narratives are reinforced. Using a narrative analysis, the study identifies and examines discrepancies in the portrayal of time and location, characters, and concepts. The research aims to analyze whether the drama series’ depiction of Iran aligns with historical accounts or reinterprets them through a contemporary lens to serve political-ideological purposes and to fit the series’ narrative agenda. The findings reveal a disregard for Iranian history and figures, often recast or appropriated to serve Turkish narratives, with Iranian characters reinterpreted and/or historical ideas reframed through a contemporary lens. This representation of Iran and Iranian elements is further underscored by the selective deployment of mythological motifs.