ALBAWABA - Bosnian actress Merjem Šiljak joins Akın Akınözü in Aşk ve Taht.
Production is gathering momentum on Aşk ve Taht (Love and Throne), one of the most ambitious Turkish historical dramas currently in development. Produced by Mehmet Bozdağ for Bozdağ Film, the ATV series has officially entered the next stage of production with its first costume script reading, while the production has also introduced Bosnian actress Merjem Šiljak as the new Maryam and one of the drama's leading stars opposite Akın Akınözü.
The project has already attracted significant attention across Turkish entertainment media thanks to its large-scale historical setting, internationally assembled cast, and the creative team behind some of Türkiye's most successful television productions.
According to Turkish media reports, the cast recently gathered for a costume rehearsal and script reading, giving the actors their first opportunity to appear together in period costumes before filming begins.
Leading the series is Akın Akınözü, who portrays Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat, one of the most influential rulers of the Anatolian Seljuk State. Opposite him is Bosnian actress Merjem Šiljak, who will portray Princess Destina—previously referred to during early development as Maryam—while Simay Barlas takes on the role of Melike Hatun, another central figure in the story.
The ensemble cast also includes Ayça Bingöl, Cem Bender, Halil İbrahim Ceyhan, Ferit Kaya, Ceren Benderlioğlu, Murat Serezli, Emrah Altıntoprak, İdil Yener, Özgür Emre Yıldırım, Oğulcan Arman Uslu, Ece Yüksel, Bülent Gültekin, Halil İbrahim Temizoğlu, Mücahid Temizel, Merve Polat, Selin Genç, Hakan Eke, Alican Albayrak, Ahmet Kayakesen, Göksel Kayahan, Timur Ölkebaş, Özer Arslan, Erman Saban, Ozan Ayhan, and İlayda Yıldız.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the production has been Akın Akınözü's physical transformation. To portray Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat authentically, the actor has spent months preparing for the role and has grown his hair long to reflect the appearance of the 13th-century Seljuk ruler.
Turkish media report that Akınözü has undergone an extensive preparation process beyond his new appearance, studying both the historical figure and the political atmosphere of the period. His costume, hairstyle, and overall look were carefully designed to reflect the identity of one of Anatolia's most celebrated sultans.
Behind the camera, the series brings together an acclaimed directing team. Yağmur Taylan and Durul Taylan, widely known as the Taylan Brothers, are directing the production alongside Cem Toluay. The Taylan Brothers are among Türkiye's most respected television directors, having previously helmed numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful dramas.
The screenplay centers on Alaeddin Keykubat's journey from imprisonment to the throne, depicting one of the defining chapters in Anatolian Seljuk history. Rather than focusing solely on military victories or political events, the series promises to blend historical facts with an emotional narrative exploring romance, betrayal, dynastic rivalries, palace politics, and harem intrigue.
Producers have described Aşk ve Taht as telling a powerful love story that has rarely, if ever, been portrayed on screen, while also highlighting the complex balance between personal relationships and political ambition within the royal court.
During the costume reading event, Akın Akınözü, Merjem Šiljak, and Simay Barlas shared their excitement about joining the production, expressing optimism as preparations continue ahead of filming.
The casting of Merjem Šiljak has also generated attention because it gives the international production another authentic regional dimension. Her role as Princess Destina places her at the center of the story's emotional conflict alongside Alaeddin Keykubat and Melike Hatun.
With its historical setting, large ensemble cast, elaborate costumes, experienced creative team, and ambitious production values, Aşk ve Taht is already being positioned as one of ATV's biggest upcoming historical dramas. As filming approaches, expectations continue to grow for a series that aims to combine Turkish history with sweeping romance and palace intrigue on an epic scale.
