Burak Özçivit

Burak Özçivit is one of Turkey’s most recognised actors and former models, best known internationally for playing Osman Bey in the epic historical series Kuruluş: Osman and for his earlier acclaimed role as Kemal Soydere in the romantic drama Kara Sevda. He was born on December 24, 1984, in Mersin, Turkey, and grew up to become a face synonymous with Turkish prime-time television.

Early life and education

Özçivit attended the private Kazim Karabekir High School in Istanbul before going on to study Sculpture at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. His path into the entertainment industry began through modelling, where he quickly became a prominent name on the Turkish fashion circuit. He made his acting debut in the TV series Eksi 18, gradually building his craft in smaller roles before landing the breakout part of Kemal in Kara Sevda (2015–2017), a sweeping romance that travelled well beyond Turkey and earned him a devoted international following. In 2019 he took on the title role of Osman Bey in Kuruluş: Osman, the sequel series to the global hit Diriliş: Ertuğrul, cementing his status as one of the leading actors in Turkish historical drama. Alongside his wife, fellow actress Fahriye Evcen, he has become one of the most high-profile couples in Turkish entertainment.

Awards and recognition

Özçivit has received multiple domestic awards throughout his career, including recognitions at the Golden Butterfly Awards and various Turkish television ceremonies for his performances in Kara Sevda and Kuruluş: Osman. Kara Sevda itself won the International Emmy Award for Best Telenovela in 2017, a victory that spotlighted the entire cast.