Muhsin Ertuğrul (1892–1979) is one of the foremost pioneers of Turkish theatre and cinema. Recognized as the founder of Turkish theatre, Ertuğrul was also among the first directors to lay the foundational stones of cinema in Türkiye. By introducing European theatre techniques to Türkiye, he promoted modern staging methods and emphasized artistic narrative and theatrical perspective in cinema. As one of the first artists to elevate Turkish theatre to Western standards and guide the direction of cinema, he made significant contributions to our cultural life.
Muhsin Ertuğrul's artistic life -Anadolu Agency
Muhsin Ertuğrul was born in Istanbul on 28 February 1892. From an early age he showed great interest in theatre. He began his career in 1909 with the Burhanettin Tepsi Company. In 1911 he traveled to France to receive formal training and studied European stage techniques there.
Upon returning to Türkiye in 1912, he joined the cast of Darülbedayi (formerly known as Istanbul City Theatres) and soon began working as a theatre director. By introducing realistic and modern narrative methods to the stage, he played a major role in the development of Turkish theatre.
When the Ottoman Empire launched its first cinematic endeavors in 1914, Muhsin Ertuğrul became interested in cinema. In 1922 he began his directing career with the film “Leblebici Horhor Ağa” and became one of Türkiye’s first significant film directors.
Muhsin Ertuğrul’s most important contributions to theatre include:
• Introduced the realist approach to Turkish theatre.
• Transformed Darülbedayi (Istanbul City Theatres) into one of Türkiye’s most important theatre institutions.
• Brought Western theatre techniques and classical works to Turkish stages.
• Achieved professionalism and organization in theatre.
• Led the establishment of State Theatres.
In particular, by staging works by Shakespeare, Molière and Henrik Ibsen, he shaped the development of Turkish theatre.
Muhsin Ertuğrul, as one of the first major directors of Turkish cinema, developed a cinema rooted in theatrical traditions. One of his most significant contributions was adapting literary works for the screen. His major films include:
• One of Türkiye’s first feature-length films.
• A landmark in the transition from theatre to cinema.
• Türkiye’s first sound film.
• Although it could not fully escape the influence of theatre, it marked the beginning of a new era in cinema.
• One of the first Turkish films to address the Turkish War of Independence.
• One of the earliest examples to explore Propaganda and national awareness in cinema.
• Considered Türkiye’s first film with a female protagonist.
• Pioneered the portrayal of social realism in cinema.
Until the 1940s, Muhsin Ertuğrul was the only film director active in Türkiye, filling a major void in Turkish cinema.
Muhsin Ertuğrul addressed themes such as modernization and Westernization, national identity and social consciousness, women’s rights and social justice in both cinema and theatre. Ertuğrul consistently prioritized artistic discipline and aesthetic concern in every production, making substantial contributions to the development of Turkish cinema and theatre.
His cinematic approach, rooted in theatre, was more static, stage-oriented and shaped by theatrical narratives. While this situation directed his cinema toward a theatrical aesthetic, it did not prevent him from laying the foundations of Turkish cinema. Ertuğrul established a starting point in terms of technique and narrative, serving as a model for subsequent generations. Ertuğrul, who gave special attention to issues such as women’s rights and social justice, used art to address the social problems of his time and conveyed thought-provoking messages to audiences. This approach made him a pioneering figure in both theatre and cinema.
Muhsin Ertuğrul received numerous awards for his contributions to Turkish theatre and cinema.
• 1959: State Artist title
• 1979: Honor Award – Istanbul Festival
• Istanbul City Theatres named one of its stages after him (Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage)
• Theatre awards have been established in his name
Muhsin Ertuğrul left a lasting imprint on the artistic world through the legacy he established in Türkiye. Recognized as the founder of modern Turkish theatre, he systematized theatrical art and led numerous innovations in the field. In cinema, by initiating literary adaptations, he became one of Türkiye’s first major directors.
Ertuğrul transformed Istanbul City Theatres into one of the country’s most important cultural institutions and established systematic theatre education and discipline in Türkiye. The foundations he laid in theatre and cinema continue to endure today and serve as a guide for new generations of artists. Muhsin Ertuğrul is not merely a director; he is one of the foundational pillars of Turkish art. The institutions he established and the legacy he left behind played a major role in the development of theatre and cinema in Türkiye. His artistic philosophy and discipline remain alive and continue to inspire the artistic community today.
Life and Career Beginnings
Contributions and Direction in Theatre
Contributions and Pioneering Direction in Cinema
1. Leblebici Horhor Ağa (1922)
2. İstanbul Sokaklarında (1931)
3. Bir Millet Uyanıyor (1932)
4. Aysel, Bataklı Damın Kızı (1935)
Key Themes and Cinematic Approach
Awards and Achievements
Legacy and Influence