Abstract:

Historical films and TV series have almost always been the focus of interest and have been influential. These productions also provided ground for important discussions around reality and fiction notions in art and academy world. These productions that concretise abstract history with its visuality are important materials that can be used in history teaching. If used consciously by teachers, these productions can both make classes fun and can equip students with some skills of the age. This study attempts to identify ideas of history teachers about the usage of historical film and TV series specific to Muhteşem Yüzyıl. Working group of the study is composed of 7 history teachers who are interested in historical films and TV series and live and work in the centre of Erzurum city. Data of the study that are dealt with qualitative approach have been acquired by focus group discussion. According to the findings, teachers expressed the need for paying attention to national interests and reflecting the age’s atmosphere most, while shooting the movie or series. Teachers have asserted that the productions concretise history subjects, however cause students to stick in sensitive subjects. They voiced the need that the films that will be used in the class should be appropriate for national interest and curriculum, and teachers should watch it beforehand and there should be some explanations, and students should be trained for critical watching. Teachers have stated that Muhteşem Yüzyıl have both increased students’ and society’s interest for history, and helped people learn some concepts. Besides, they also asserted that the series with its strong emphasis on harem, creates a deficient Ottoman portrait, and has rating concern. They favour using just some parts of Muhteşem Yüzyıl in their classes

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