Final Episode Review: Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi – Episode 58 (Final)
Summary
The final episode of Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi marks a historic and emotional climax as Sultan Selahaddin finally conquers Jerusalem. The episode encapsulates the culmination of years of struggle, sacrifices, and battles, particularly highlighting the death of Selahaddin’s brother Boru and the execution of the infamous Crusader villain Raynald de Chatillon. These dramatic events lead up to the peaceful yet powerful liberation of Jerusalem. The finale stands as a tribute not only to Islamic history but to themes of justice, faith, unity, and leadership.
The Road to Victory: Key Events of the Final Episode
Battle of Hattin and Boru’s Martyrdom
The episode opens with the strategic brilliance of Selahaddin at play during the fateful Battle of Hattin. His forces decisively defeat the Crusader army, drawing parallels to the historical battle where Muslim forces reclaimed dominance in the region.
A poignant moment arrives when Boru, Selahaddin’s blood brother, is martyred during this confrontation. His death is not only a major emotional turning point for the audience but also adds depth to Selahaddin’s character arc. The brother’s sacrifice personifies the heavy price of liberation and the weight of leadership.
The Death of Raynald de Chatillon
One of the most satisfying moments of the finale is the death of Raynald de Chatillon, one of the fiercest enemies of the Muslims. Portrayed as a ruthless and arrogant warlord, Raynald meets his end at the hands of Selahaddin in a powerful and symbolic act of justice. His execution echoes both historic records and the moral fabric of the series, underscoring Saladin’s blend of decisiveness and ethical command.
Siege and Peaceful Surrender of Jerusalem
Following Hattin, the focus shifts to the final and symbolic goal: Jerusalem. The city is under the control of Balian of Ibelin, who negotiates with Selahaddin after realizing the Crusaders are vastly outmatched. Rather than opting for violence, Selahaddin chooses peace, allowing a humane and honorable surrender. This decision aligns with his character’s strong commitment to justice, mercy, and the protection of innocent lives.
Character Arcs Concluded
Selahaddin Eyyubi: The Hero of Faith and Strategy
Selahaddin’s journey comes full circle in this episode. From a passionate warrior to a noble ruler, his arc is defined by a balance of intellect, spirituality, and humanity. His character is crafted as an ideal leader — one who wins wars but values peace, seeks victory but upholds morality. In the final scenes, he thanks God in prayer and enters Jerusalem not as a conqueror, but as a protector.
Boru: The Fallen Lion
Boru’s character throughout the series represents unwavering courage and loyalty. His death is emotionally heavy and is portrayed with reverence. His martyrdom is not in vain — it fuels Selahaddin’s resolve and adds profound emotional weight to the triumph.
Balian of Ibelin: The Noble Crusader
Though on the opposing side, Balian is portrayed as honorable and pragmatic. His arc evolves from reluctant ally to valiant defender, ultimately choosing negotiation over needless bloodshed. He emerges with dignity, and his role in sparing Jerusalem from destruction enhances the story’s themes of honor and humanity.
Cinematic Brilliance and Emotional Weight
Battle Scenes and Visual Storytelling
The episode’s direction is filled with epic war sequences — panoramic views of battlefields, charging cavalry, and clashing swords set the tone. Yet, amidst the chaos, the focus remains on character expressions and moments of resolve and grief. The moment Boru falls, the screen slows, the music swells, and a solemn silence follows, marking it as one of the episode’s most powerful moments.
Religious and Emotional Symbolism
The series is rich in religious symbolism, especially in the final scenes. The call to prayer echoing through Jerusalem, the raising of the Islamic flag, and Selahaddin’s sujood (prostration) in the holy city encapsulate a deeply spiritual victory. The emotional reunion of Selahaddin and Şemse Hatun further adds to the layered narrative — showing not just the triumph of a sultan but of a husband, a brother, and a believer.
Jerusalem’s Liberation: More Than Just a Military Win
Spiritual Fulfillment and Historical Parallels
The liberation of Jerusalem is shown not just as a military event, but as a spiritual milestone. The series underscores that Jerusalem was never merely about territory — it symbolized the honor of the Muslim world, a sacred trust. Selahaddin’s actions reflect this reverence; instead of plundering, he preserves the city’s sanctity.
Justice and Mercy in Leadership
Selahaddin is portrayed as a leader who administers justice without cruelty. His decisions to grant amnesty to civilians and allow Christian worship highlight his moral compass. He explicitly denounces revenge and urges his followers to act with dignity, proving that true victory lies in restraint and compassion.
Villains and Justice: The Crusader Perspective
Raynald de Chatillon: A Symbol of Tyranny
The episode treats Raynald’s downfall with the seriousness it deserves. A character defined by his cruelty, arrogance, and anti-Muslim aggression, Raynald’s death is not just vengeance — it’s the end of an era of brutality. His execution by Selahaddin is symbolic justice, and the quiet nods of Muslim soldiers witnessing it reflect a sense of closure.
The Collapse of Crusader Power
With the fall of Jerusalem, Crusader morale shatters. King Guy of Lusignan and his men are either captured or retreat into obscurity. Their dominance crumbles, mirroring the historical decline that led to the eventual launch of the Third Crusade.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Real-World Historical Accuracy
The episode’s events mirror actual history: the Battle of Hattin, the execution of Raynald, and the surrender of Jerusalem in 1187. These moments are well-documented and lend authenticity to the narrative. Even the installation of Saladin’s minbar in Al-Aqsa is historically accurate, symbolizing the return of Muslim rule and reverence for the sacred.
Cultural Impact of the Series
This final episode has made waves in the Muslim world. Fans from Turkey, Pakistan, the Middle East, and beyond have praised the emotional depth, historical resonance, and cinematic brilliance. Clips of Boru’s martyrdom, Selahaddin’s prayer, and Jerusalem’s liberation have gone viral on social media. For many, this series — like Diriliş: Ertuğrul before it — has become a cultural phenomenon.
Conclusion
The final episode of Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi offers a masterclass in storytelling. With compelling character arcs, historically inspired events, and a rich emotional palette, it brings closure to an epic tale of faith, sacrifice, and justice. Selahaddin’s triumph is not just military — it is spiritual, emotional, and moral. His legacy, immortalized in this series, continues to inspire generations with the timeless message: true leadership lies in humility, courage, and unwavering faith.
Historical Point Translation
