- "Rolls-Royce Phantom Two. 4.3 litre, 30 horsepower, six cylinder engine, with Stromberg Downdraft carburetor. Can go from zero to 100 kilometers an hour in 12.5 seconds. And I even like the color."
- ―Sultan[src]
The Sultan was the ruler of Hatay in 1938. He also served as an ally of the Nazis during their search for the Holy Grail.
Biography[]
In 1938, when Walter Donovan and his Nazi colleagues sought to enter Hatay to search for the Holy Grail, they needed the Sultan's permission to cross Hatay's border. The Sultan, who valued technology over mysticism, didn't believe in the legend of the Grail, and considered it a foolish quest, but was willing to allow them do as they wished accompanied by his soldiers in exchange for suitable compensation. He turned down the gold and jewels 'donated' by the finest Jewish families in Germany. However, he allowed them passage and even loaned them some of his troops in exchange for Donovan's Rolls-Royce Phantom II staff car.[1]
Despite the Sultan's assistance, however, the Nazis ultimately failed to obtain the relic for Adolf Hitler, and Donovan perished after drinking from a false grail at the Temple of the Sun, proving that the Grail was quite real. Any Hatayan survivors of the quest were forced to retreat upon the Temple's destruction.[1]
Behind the scenes[]
The Sultan was portrayed by English stand-up comedian Alexei Sayle in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.[1]
During the development of the film's script, written by Jeffrey Boam, the Sultan's role was largely the same. However, in the original version of the story, Kemal (Kazim in the final film) was his personal assistant and the one who, under the orders of the Sultan, offers all possible help to the Nazis.[2]
In reality, Hatay was a Turkish republic and didn't have a Sultan. The League of Nations adopted a constitution on May 19, 1937 and the Republic of Hatay was founded. On June 29, 1939 the parliament of Hatay voted to reunite with the Republic of Turkey. France accepted unification of Hatay with Turkey. Tayfur Sokmen (1892-1980) was the first and only president of the Hatay Republic.
In LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, the Sultan is absent during the Hatay scenes, so Vogel and his army attack Indiana Jones and his friends without the help of the Hatayan army.[3] In the sequel, the Sultan is again absent during the story, but is available as an unlockable character.[4]
Appearances[]
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade novel (First appearance)
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues (Non-canonical appearance) (As "Hatay King")