Feruza Normatova

Feruza Normatova — Biography

Feruza Normatova is an Uzbek actress who became known first in Uzbekistan and then in Turkey. Behind that recognition is the Uzbek-Turkish historical series Bozkır Arslanı Celaleddin (Mendirman Jaloliddin in Uzbek). In Uzbekistan she holds the title of Honored Artist, and in 2026 she was also given the 'El-yurt Faxri' honorary distinction.

The series follows Jalal al-Din Mangburni, the last ruler of the Khwarazmian Empire, through the years of the Mongol threat under Genghis Khan. It was made with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Culture and Sports; Mehmet Bozdağ produced and wrote it, Metin Günay directed, and the Turkish actor Emre Kıvılcım played the lead. Normatova played Shirin, a young woman in love with Jalal al-Din who is pressed by her family into marrying another prince. Filming was split between Uzbekistan and Turkey, with the desert battle scenes shot in Aksaray. The series premiered in Uzbekistan on 14 February 2021, and its second season began airing in January 2023.