It is not unusual for the residents of Lahore's Marghzar Colony to find themselves surrounded by religious symbolism. One of the many intersections in the colony, Dua Chowk, features an enormous sculpture of two hands raised in prayer. There are Ameer Hamza Road and Hazrat Ali Road (Prophet Mohammad's uncle and cousin respectively, both prominent figures in the Islamic world.) There are parks named after Prophet Mohammad's first wife, Khadijah, and his companion, Hassan ibn Thabit.
There is a new addition to these symbols though: a fibreglass statue of a man riding a horse with a sword in hand, erected at one of the busiest intersections of the colony. Whether you are passing by in your car, peeking out of the windows of the neighbouring school, or having a cup of tea at the dhaba nearby, you will see the statue. There is no inscription on it to satiate the curiosity of an unknowing passerby. However, the new name of the intersection will answer all questions: Ertugrul Ghazi Chowk.
The statue pays homage to the 13th-century Oghuz Turk warrior, Ertugrul Ghazi, known to be the father of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman empire. The historical figure has become a household name in Pakistan, following the surge in popularity of the Turkish historical fiction series, Dirilis: Ertugrul, based on the life and times of its namesake. The statue was commissioned by the president of the Maraghzar Housing Scheme, Muhammad Shahzad Cheema. Speaking to Turkish national TV, he said that the statue was symbolic of Pakistan's love for the Ottoman empire, adding that Ertugrul's jihad was a source of respect for Muslims around the world. An avid history buff, Cheema believes that the statue has helped develop interest in Islamic history and values among the children of the colony, just as the show has done for children across the country. However, he is not the only one to hold this opinion. Rather, it is one that echoes in Pakistan's corridors of power.
Pakistan's love affair with Ertugrul