Afrikaans-dubbed Turkish series Kurt en Shura premieres in eExtra's Kuiertyd on Friday 11 February at 20h30, replacing
Dokter Ali which ends the day before.
The most important thing to know about it: it's an historical saga of passion and love, inspired by real life people, set against a backdrop of political and social turmoil.
It's an adapation of a series of books, written by Kurt's granddaughter Nermin Bezmen and it's a fictionalised interpretation of her grandfather's life, rooted in historical truth.
The story plays out against the Russian Revolution, which began during World War I in 1917. It resulted in the abolition of the Russian monarchy and the establishment of a socialist Russian government.
Here's a description that encapsulates what to expect:
Lieutenant Kurt Seyit (Kivanç Tatlitug) - the first son of a rich Crimean landowner of Turkish origin - falls in love with Shura (Farah Zeynep Abdullah), the beautiful daughter of a noble Russian family.
But Kurt's father has always been convinced his son should marry a Turkish girl and continue their line.
Against the wishes of their families, the lovers flee together and make a dangerous journey across frozen wastelands.
They seek sanctuary in Istanbul during the last days of the Ottoman Empire where they must fight for their love against the forces of family, the expectations of society and the events of history.
These are pictures of them in real life in 1917, from
Nermin Bezmen's website:
The first teasers:
Friday 11 February 2022
Episode 1
Lieutenant Kurt Seyit is dared to seduce the first woman who walks into the ball, but when he sees Shura he cannot bear to play with her heart.
Monday 14 February 2022
Episode 2
Against his father's wishes, Seyit begins to pursue Shura. But there are those who would do anything to keep the two apart.
Tuesday 15 February 2022
Episode 3
With only days to go before he's sent to the front, will Seyit be able to convince Shura to at least hear his side of the story?
Wednesday 16 February 2022
Episode 4
Shura gives Seyit another chance after reading his letter. The men leave for the front and seven months go by without any communication from them.
Thursday 17 February 2022
Episode 5
The war takes a drastic turn for the worse and Seyit finds comfort in Shura's letters. An uninvited guest attends Valentina's engagement party.
Friday 18 February 2022
Episode 6
Shura's Father gives her permission to marry Sayet. Sayet leaves his troops behind to scout ahead, and tragedy unfolds. Shura is devastated, and struggles to cope with all she has lost. Petros true colours start showing.
Monday 21 February 2022
Episode 7
Chaos erupts through the city as Czar Nikolai steps down. Everyone is shocked to see Seyit is still alive, especially Petro.
Tuesday 22 February 2022
Episode 8
After finally being reunited, Shura and Seyit want to make sure they aren't separated again but when life tries to get in between them once again, Shura takes a leap of faith.
Wednesday 23 February 2022
Episode 9
Andrei confronts Petro, Petro's plans are underway, and the journey to Alushta comes to an end.
Thursday 24 February 2022
Episode 10
Mirza has disowned Seyit after telling him about Shura. Tatya experiences pregnancy difficulties.
Friday 25 February 2022
Episode 11
Seyit returns to Shura. Tatya is healing slowly with the support of those around her. The Baroness is realising that she is alone now. Binaz suggests Guzide marrying her brother.
Monday 28 February 2022
Episode 12
Seyit, Celil and Petro leave to investigate the rebels. Mahmut gives in and organises for a way for him, Havva and their children to leave.
Premiere episodes of Kurt en Shura air on eExtra from Mondays to Fridays at 20h30.