Introduction: In the vibrant world of Turkish cinema, certain actors and actresses shine brightly on the silver screen. From captivating performances to memorable roles, these individuals have captured the hearts of audiences across the country. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the top 15 Turkish film stars who have made a significant impact on the industry.
15. Haluk Bilginer
With his versatility and talent, began his career in Ankara before venturing to the UK, where he landed his breakthrough role in EastEnders. He later appeared in Hollywood films like Ishtar and Acemi Askerler.
Back in Turkey, he starred in notable productions such as Istanbul Kanatlarımın Altında and Usta Beni Öldürsene, earning critical acclaim. Co-founding theatre groups with his wife, he showcased his talent on stage as well.
Bilginer’s international recognition grew with roles in The International and Kis Uykusu, cementing his legacy as a versatile and celebrated actor.
14. Tuba Büyüküstün
Tuba, born in Istanbul, graduated in Costume & Design from Mimar Sinan University in 2004. She debuted in Cemberimde Gül Oya and won Best Actress at the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro International TV Festival for Gülizar. Known for roles in ‘Ihlamurlar Altinda’, ‘Asi’, Gonülcelen, and 20 Minutes, she’s a TV sensation.
In films like Sinav and My Father and My Son, she shines. Tuba’s talent earned her a nomination at the 42 International Emmy Awards and the Best Actress Award at the 14th International Giuseppe Sciacca Awards.
13. Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ
Our next Turkish Film Star is Kivanc Tatlitug, who has been described as a heartthrob in Turkish cinema.
Born on October 27, 1983, in Adana, Turkey, he graduated from Istanbul Kultur University in Communication Designs-Multimedia and Cinema. His diverse heritage includes Bosnian and Albanian roots.
Starting as a model in 2002, his acting debut came with the TV series Gumus (2005), where he portrayed the lead role of Mehmet. The series gained international acclaim, particularly in the Middle East.
Tatlitug’s career soared after Gumus, starring in various TV series and movies, including Menekse ile Halil, Ask-i Memnu, Kuzey Guney, and Cesur ve Guzel.
His performances earned him numerous awards, including the Golden Butterfly TV Awards, the Sadri Alisik Theatre and Cinema Awards, and the Siyad-Turkish Film Critics Association Best Actor Award.
12. Beren Saat
4. Beren Saat: Renowned for her captivating roles, Beren Saat has left an indelible mark on Turkish film.
Beren Saat, a renowned Turkish film star, was born on February 26, 1984, in Ankara, Turkey. After studying Business Administration at Baskent University, she ventured into acting, debuting in the TV series “Askimizda Ölüm Var” in 2004.
Her breakthrough came with the lead role in Aska Sürgün in 2005, followed by acclaimed performances in Güz Sancisi (Pains of Autumn) in 2008, earning her consecutive Golden Butterfly Awards.
Throughout her career, Saat has captivated audiences with her talent, starring in hit series like Ask-i Memnu and Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne? Beyond acting, she actively supports charitable causes, donating a significant portion of her earnings.
Saat’s versatility extends to the big screen with notable roles in films like Rhino Season (2012). She continues to inspire as a philanthropist and a celebrated figure in Turkish cinema.
11. Kenan İmirzalıoğlu
Kenan Imirzalioglu, a prominent Turkish film star, was born on June 17th, 1974, in Ankara, Turkey. After completing his education in Ankara, he ventured into modelling, winning the titles of Best Model of Turkey and Best Model of The World in 1997.
His acting career began with the lead role in the internationally acclaimed TV series Deli Yurek in 1999. Following this success, Imirzalioglu starred in various TV series and films, including Alacakaranlik (2003-2005) and Ezel (2009-2011), which became one of the most popular series in Turkish television history.
Imirzalioglu’s versatility is evident in his diverse roles, from Mehmet Kosovali in Aci Hayat (2005-2007) to Mahir Kara in Karadayi (2012-2015). He has also made a mark in cinema, winning accolades for his performance in films like Yazi Tura (2004) and Son Osmanli Yandim Ali (2006).
10. Cansu Dere
Cansu Dere, a prominent figure among Turkish film stars, was born on October 14, 1980, in Ankara. After graduating from Istanbul University’s Archaeology Department, she embarked on her acting career in the early 2000s.
She gained widespread recognition for her role as Sila in the TV series of the same name, which aired from 2006 to 2008. Dere’s talent shone through in various projects, including her role as Defne alongside Kenan Imirzalioglu in the film The Last Ottoman Yandim Ali and her portrayal of ‘Eysan’ in the popular TV series Ezel in 2011.
In addition to her acting career, Dere has made a mark in modelling and beauty pageants, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry. Despite the Turkish film star’s success, she remains grounded, prioritizing her craft and continuing to captivate audiences with her performances.
9. Tolgahan Sayışman
Tolgahan Sayisman, a Turkish film star born on December 17, 1981, in Istanbul, boasts a diverse heritage blending Turkish and Albanian roots. His journey from sports accolades in high school to winning modelling competitions like Manhunt International 2005 paved the way for his acting career.
With notable roles in series like Elveda Rumeli and Lale Devri, as well as films such as Ask Tutulmasi, Sayisman’s versatility shines. He’s earned acclaim, including the International Altin Cinar Basari Odülü, showcasing his talent.
Currently starring as Yigit Kozanoglu in Asla Vazgecmem, Sayisman continues to captivate audiences, solidifying his status as a leading figure in Turkish entertainment.
8. Meryem Uzerli
Meryem Uzerli, a German-Turkish actress born in Kassel, embodies the fusion of her diverse heritage, with roots tracing back to Germany, Turkey, and Croatia. At just 17, she embarked on her acting journey, training at the Acting Studio Frese in Hamburg, where she honed her craft until the age of 20.
In 2010, Uzerli’s career skyrocketed with her iconic portrayal of Hürrem Sultan in the Turkish series Muhtesem Yüzyil (The Magnificent Century), marking her breakthrough role. Her performance garnered widespread acclaim, earning her prestigious awards, including Best Actress honours in 2011 and 2012 for her compelling portrayal of Hürrem Sultan.
Beyond her acclaimed role in The Magnificent Century, Uzerli has showcased her talent in German TV series and films, exhibiting her versatility and linguistic prowess, with proficiency in English. With her remarkable achievements, Uzerli remains a celebrated figure in both Turkish and international entertainment circles.
7. Engin Altan Düzyatan
Engin Altan Duzyatan, born on July 26, 1979, in Izmir, boasts a rich heritage, with Turkish roots stemming from Yugoslavia and Albania. After graduating from 9 Eylul University with a degree in Performing Arts, he embarked on his acting journey in Istanbul in 2001. Renowned for his talent, Duzyatan is recognized as one of Turkey’s highest-paid actors.
His notable roles include Ertugrul Gazi in Dirilis Ertugrul and appearances in films like Beyza’nin Kadinlari. Duzyatan’s talent extends to the stage, with acclaimed performances in theatre productions like Anne Karenina.
With diverse achievements in acting and directing, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
6. Serenay Sarıkaya
Serenay Sarikaya, born on July 1, 1992, in Ankara, Turkey, is a renowned Turkish actress and model. She began her acting journey with minor roles in films like Saskin (2006) and Plajda (2008), followed by her first leading role in the fantasy series Peri Masali (2008).
Her breakthrough came with her role as Sofia in the popular series Adanali (2008-10), leading to international recognition. Sarikaya has since starred in acclaimed series like Lale Devri, Medcezir, Fi, and Sahmaran.
In the film realm, she collaborated with Nejat Isler in franchise films like Behzat C. Ankara Yaniyor and Ikimizin Yerine. Additionally, Sarikaya has excelled in theatre, notably in the musical adaptation of Alice Müzikali.
Beyond her acting prowess, Sarikaya has been recognized in beauty competitions and as the face of numerous brands. She was named Woman of the Year by GQ Turkey in 2014, solidifying her status as a multifaceted talent.
5. Barış Arduç
Barış Arduç Known for his charisma, Barış Arduç has captured the hearts of many with his performances.
A Turkish television and film actor, also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Life Without Cancer Society in Turkey.
Born in Switzerland on October 9, 1987, to Albanian immigrant parents, Yaman relocated to Istanbul, Turkey, with his family at the age of 8. He has two brothers, Onur and Mert Arduç. Yaman embarked on his acting career in 2011, starring in TV series and films.
4. Hazal Kaya
Rising to fame with her breakout role, Hazal Kaya has become a rising star in Turkish cinema.
Hazal Kaya, a renowned Turkish actress, hails from Konya, Turkey, with roots in Gaziantep. Her acting journey began with roles in Acemi Cadi (2006) and Sila (2006), followed by notable appearances in series like “Genco” (2007) and Forbidden Love (2008). She gained widespread recognition with her lead role in “Adini Feriha Koydum” (2011).
Over the years, she has showcased her talent in various series and films, including Son Yaz Balkanlar 1912 (2012), Maral: En güzel Hikayem (2015), and Midnight at the Pera Palace (2022). Additionally, she has made her mark in cinema with appearances in films like Çalgi Çengi (2011), “Behzat Ç: An Ankara Detective Story” (2010), and Kirik Kalpler Bankasi (2017).
3. Murat Yıldırım
Versatile and talented, Murat Yıldırım has delivered memorable performances in Turkish films.
Murat Yildirim, a prominent Turkish actor and writer, was born on April 13, 1979, in Konya, Turkey. Renowned for his roles in Suskunlar (2012), Crimean (2014), and Gecenin Kraliçesi (2016), he has left a lasting impression on audiences.
Yildirim married Iman Albani on December 25, 2016, and they share a child. Before this, he was married to Burçin Terzioglu.
2. Nurgül Yeşilçay
With her powerful presence, Turkish film star Nurgül Yeşilçay has earned critical acclaim for her roles in Turkish cinema.
Nurgül Yesilçay, a renowned Turkish actress, born March 26, 1976, in Afyonkarahisar, honed her craft at the State Conservatoire of Anadolu University. She achieved fame on stage and screen, portraying iconic roles like Ophelia and Blanche DuBois. Notably, her film Edge of Heaven won Best Screenplay at Cannes in 2007.
Despite tempting offers, she prioritized family over career, stating, my son is a baby. I need to begin a new life. She debuted in Semir Arslanyürek’s Sellale (2001) and won Best Actress at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival for Vicdan.
1. İbrahim Çelikkol
Strong and charismatic, İbrahim Çelikkol has left a lasting impression with his performances. This is why is number one on this list of the top 15 Turkish film stars.
Ibrahim Çelikkol, a renowned figure in the Turkish film industry, was born on February 14, 1982. Alongside his successful career as a TV series and film actor, he has also excelled as a former basketball player and fashion model. Hailing from a diverse background, his maternal family traces its roots to Turkish immigrants from Thessaloniki, Greece, while his paternal lineage is of Arab descent.
In his personal life, Çelikkol was in a relationship with actress Deniz Çakir from 2011 to 2013 before tying the knot with Mihre Mutlu in 2017. Raised alongside his sister, Çelikkol initially pursued modelling before transitioning to acting.
His journey in acting began when he crossed paths with Osman Sinav, a prominent Turkish film producer. His debut role was as Samil in Pars: Narkoterör, followed by a notable portrayal of Ulubatli Hasan in Fetih 1453.
More Turkish film stars’ content
You can also check out the related posts below if you want more content.
Leave a comment