Interview: Shabana Ayaz
ISTANBUL: Jelal Al the renowned Turkish actor who clinched international fame through the hit drama “Ertugrul,” has highlighted the profound bond between Pakistan and Türkiye.
“Pakistan and Türkiye are two nations with one soul. In times of distress, both countries are the first to step forward to help each other,” Jelal remarked. He acknowledged the overwhelming response of “Ertugrul” drama in Pakistan and worldwide, terming it unforgettable.
“Every time I visit Pakistan, I feel at home. I am preparing for another visit soon,” he added. Praising Pakistan’s showbiz industry, Jelal Al said, “Pakistani dramas are highly regarded for their strong narratives and excellent cinematography. If I receive offers to work in Pakistani dramas, I will definitely consider that.”
In an interview with Pakistani Shabana Ayaz, President of the Turk-Pak Women Forum, in Istanbul, Jelal Al elaborated on the potential for collaboration between Pakistan and Turkiye across various sectors, including showbiz and drama production. “I want to tell my Pakistani brothers that you can initiate numerous projects in Türkiye, and we will provide as much guidance as possible. We have always been friends in difficult times, but we must also be friends in good times,” he emphasized.
He also mentioned plans for welfare activities in the Kashmir region, particularly Azad Kashmir. “Pakistan is a beautiful country with unique geography. I encourage the Turkish people to visit and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Pakistani people and see how much they love Türkiye.”
Reflecting on his first visit to Pakistan four years ago, Jelal Al shared, “Every visit to Pakistan leaves me with even better memories. I am preparing for another visit soon.” He expressed admiration for Pakistani cultural icons like Junaid Jamshed and mentioned his appreciation for Turkish poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who had a connection with Pakistan’s national poet Allama Iqbal. This, he said, further strengthens the bond between Pakistan and Türkiye. Highlighting Pakistan’s scenic beauty, he pointed out regions like Swat, Abbottabad, and Balochistan as potential tourist destinations for Turks.
Discussing his culinary preferences, Jelal revealed a fondness for Pakistani dishes such as butter chicken and biryani. “There is not much difference between Turkish and Pakistani cuisine. Both cultures enjoy spicy food,” he noted. He fondly recalled the vibrant street food culture in Karachi, likening it to Istanbul’s Istiklal Avenue, and expressed his appreciation for the unique taste of Pakistani tea.
On the cultural similarities between Pakistan and Türkiye, Ghazi noted, “Our languages share many common words, creating significant cultural unity. Historically, Pakistan was ruled by the Mughals, who were of Turkish origin. This has left a lasting impact of Turkish Muslim culture in Pakistan.” He observed a strong inclination towards Sufi traditions in Pakistan, particularly the teachings of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi and other Anatolian Sufi masters.
Detailing his artistic journey, Jelal recounted, “About 25 years ago, while in high school, I began acting in theatre with my teachers’ encouragement. What started as a hobby soon became a profession. After moving to Istanbul, I studied at the Cinema Academy and focused on acting, screenwriting, and production. I worked in films like ‘Fatih 1453’ and various dramas before being offered a role in the ‘Ertugrul’ series. This project deeply resonated with me on a spiritual level. It was more than a job; it was a passion, embraced wholeheartedly by the production team.”
Regarding his appreciation for Pakistani dramas, Jelal said, “I have watched Pakistani dramas, including ‘Khuda Aur Mohabbat.’ It was a captivating story of somewhat impossible love. My brother Feroze Khan delivered an outstanding performance in that drama. I have many friends in the Pakistani drama industry, including Imran Abbas, Humayun Saeed, and Adnan Siddiqui, whom I meet whenever I visit Pakistan or they come to Istanbul.”
Commenting on the joint production of “Salahuddin Ayyubi” by Pakistan and Turkey, Jelal described it as a beautiful collaboration. “This project aligns with the current plight of our brothers in Gaza, who are tragically facing genocide. We are grateful to Pakistani viewers for their support. I believe many more collaborative projects can be undertaken, with potential for shoots in both Pakistan and Türkiye,” he said. Jelal extended an invitation to Pakistani producers to invest in and collaborate on projects in Türkiye, assuring them of a secure environment for such ventures.
Concluding, Jelal Al emphasized the need for further cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye in economic fields and effective efforts to address mutual challenges. “I am confident that Pakistan and Türkiye will emerge as stronger leaders of the Muslim Ummah,” he asserted.
In the end, he thanked Shabana Ayaz and said that this effort to increase the relations between Türkiye and Pakistan by wearing hijab is commendable.
