Portrayed with a melancholic gravity, Bayezid II represents the old guard. The premiere establishes the tragic, underlying friction between a father who desires stability through peace and a son who believes peace can only be secured through absolute strength. The Rivalry: Selim vs. Prince Ahmed

Episode 1 wastes no time establishing the central conflict: The succession crisis. While Prince Ahmed (the favorite of the court and the viziers) waits patiently in Amasya, and Prince Korkut lingers in Manisa, is stationed in the volatile eastern province of Trabzon.

It cements Selim's reputation as a leader who protects his subjects.