The Madmen's Fatih's Decree (Film)

The Madmen: Fatih’s Decree is a historical-fantasy film centered on the The Mad Ones Ocağı, one of the lesser-known elements of Ottoman history. Turkish directed by Osman, the film took approximately two years to prepare and was shot in Aksaray. The cast includes Cem, Erkan Petekkaya, Yetkin Dikinciler, Wind, Nur, Demet Tuncer, Gülşah Şahin, Batın Uçan, Namık Rüstem Khanlı, Kamil Güler, Serhat Şahin, Mehmet Ali Karakuş, Mehmet Pala and Baran Öztürk like, among others.

Film stands out for its action sequences enriched with mystical and cultural elements. Screenplay revolves around a campaign ordered by Fatih Sultan Mehmet against Vlad Tepeş (Kazıklı Voyvoda), while the narrative draws heavily on ancient Turkic beliefs.

Poster and scenes from the film — (Anadolu Agency)

Synopsis

The story begins with the execution of an Ottoman envoy by Prince Vlad Tepeş. In response, Fatih Sultan Mehmet forms a unit of elite warriors known as the “Madmen” and tasks them with punishing the Vlad the Impaler. The Madmen unit sets out under the spiritual guidance of Father Sultan. Throughout the film, historical events are reimagined through fictional interpretation, deeply interwoven with shamanistic symbols and rituals.

The Madmen Ocağı

The Madmen Ocağı consisted of light cavalry units serving primarily along the Ottoman frontiers. They were known for their bravery, flamboyant attire and wild behavior in battle. Their clothing featured striking details such as wolf pelts, eagle feathers and pointed-toe boots. These elements are accurately reflected in the film.

The Role of Shamanism in the Narrative

One of the film’s distinguishing features is its intensive use of shamanistic elements. These are not merely decorative but serve as symbolic anchors at the heart of the narrative. Key elements include:

The Baba Sultan Character: He embodies both an Islamic saint and a shamanic figure. His headdress made of eagle feathers, his garment crafted from deer hides, the staff in his hand and his meditative state reflect core shamanic symbols. This character is inspired by the historical Kademli Baba Sultan.

The Eagle Cult: In Turkic mythology, the eagle symbolizes the soul. The eagle motif appears prominently in the Madmen’s attire and in Baba Sultan’s scenes.

The Mirror: In shamanic tradition, the mirror is defined as a tool for communication with spirits. The mirror given by Baba Sultan to Kuman serves as a signifier of metaphysical connection.

Shamanic Rituals: Scenes throughout the film are adorned with shamanic elements such as the shaman drum, throat singing (höömey), tree and mountain worship.

The Moon and Sun Cult: The personified depictions of the Moon and Sun in the film are presented as an extension of shamanic nature mythology.

Symbolic Narrative

Every detail in the film carries a specific mythological or cultural background. The Bozkurt figure appears at the most critical moment of battle and Sky Wolf with guidance. This figure assumes a symbolic role similar to that of Epic of Oghuz Khagan. The eagle, representing spiritual protection, continuously circles above the Madmen under Baba Sultan’s watchful gaze.

Cultural Critique and Globalization

The film should not be viewed merely as an action production. It also serves as an example of local culture resisting global cultural homogenization. The screenplay integrates original cultural elements with cinematic aesthetics to appeal to both domestic and international audiences.

According to a detailed analysis by Hasan Kızıldağ, the film was meticulously crafted in terms of screenplay, sound design, costume and visual symbolism. The shamanistic elements do not merely serve visual appeal; they are structurally constructive, contributing meaningfully to narrative development and coherence.

The Madmen in Europe

The film The Madmen: Fatih’s Decree was granted a +18 age rating in Germany due to its violent content and nationalist themes, but received a +16 rating in five other countries. Cem Uçan, the film’s lead actor and producer, found the decision tragicomic and affirmed his determination to ensure the film reached Turkish communities in Germany.

Uçan stated: “We are the true children of our homeland. We are telling the exact story of our ancestors’ history, not fabricating heroic tales. Over four million Turkish citizens of European descent work hard in this continent. Watching this film is as much their right as it is for those in Türkiye. While films like ‘Braveheart’, ‘Conan the Barbarian’ and ‘300 Spartans’ are rated +12 and shown in all cinemas, our film is banned with a +18 rating on the grounds that it might be a bad example for youth, contains violence and promotes extreme Turkish nationalism — and that is tragicomic.”^【1】