Gilani the Ascetic

Gilani the Ascetic follows Gilani, who leaves a long period of seclusion and travels to Baghdad with his companion Eşref in search of truth. When they arrive, the city is fractured by political violence, social unrest, and competing powers that make everyday life precarious. Instead of offering easy solutions, Gilani sets about a long, principled effort to shift the balance toward equality and peace, using his ascetic reputation to influence allies and opponents. The series watches how his moral authority collides with realpolitik, ordinary people, and hardened officials, keeping the focus on character and consequence without revealing key twists or resolutions.

Released in 2023, the series was created by Emi̇r Khali̇lzadeh and İsa Yıldız. The principal cast includes Mehmet Özgür, Kerem Arslanoğlu, Melisa Aslı Pamuk, Aytek Şayan, and Banu Karagoz, and it positions itself at the intersection of drama, war, and politics.

As of its initial release there are no widely reported major awards or international nominations for the show. That may change as it reaches broader audiences and festival circuits, but no high-profile prizes have been documented so far.

Even early on the series has generated discussion about how Baghdad is portrayed and about the role of a religious or ascetic figure in political life. Conversations on social media and among niche communities interested in historical-political storytelling have highlighted certain scenes and exchanges that raise questions about leadership, faith, and social reform.

Audience response is modestly positive, with a 7.7/10 average from a small number of votes, reflecting limited but supportive feedback. The show leans into themes of moral conviction, the cost of idealism amid conflict, and the tension between spiritual withdrawal and civic engagement. Its pace favors dialogue and character work over nonstop action, so viewers who appreciate thoughtful political drama and ethical dilemmas will likely find its tone and performances engaging.