The Turkish entertainment world has been shaken by unexpected news — actor Mert Yazıcıoğlu, who plays Orhan Bey in the upcoming historical drama Kuruluş Orhan, was reportedly arrested just days before the show’s premiere.
According to Turkish media, the arrest occurred roughly 25 hours before the news broke, during a major operation involving 15 to 18 other artists, including well-known singers and actors.
The Reason Behind the Arrest
Reports suggest that Mert Yazıcıoğlu was taken into custody by military police on allegations of drug use. Authorities have confirmed that his blood samples are being analyzed in laboratories to verify the claims.
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If the tests return negative, he will be released immediately and is expected to resume shooting for Kuruluş Orhan.
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If the results confirm drug use, he could face a fine and may need to sign an agreement promising not to repeat the act.
Even in the latter case, insiders believe Yazıcıoğlu will likely continue his role in the series.
Series Premiere Still on Schedule
Despite the controversy, Kuruluş Orhan’s production team has not altered the release plan.
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The first episode is officially set to air on Wednesday, October 22, on ATV.
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For international fans, the Urdu-subtitled version will premiere the next morning, October 23.
The slight delay in release occurred because another ATV drama had to wrap up its final episode on October 15 before Kuruluş Orhan could take its slot.
At present, two to three episodes have already been filmed, and production is reportedly working on the fourth or fifth episode.
A Global Success Before Release
Even before its premiere, Kuruluş Orhan has made a remarkable impact on the international market.
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The first teaser alone helped the show secure distribution in 35 countries,
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It will be dubbed or subtitled in 35 different languages,
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Making it one of the most anticipated Turkish dramas of the year.
This level of pre-release success is rare, showing the immense global demand for Turkish historical series.
Mixed Fan Reactions to Mert Yazıcıoğlu
While excitement for the series continues to grow, fan opinions about Mert Yazıcıoğlu’s casting have been divided.
Some viewers have compared his appearance, height, and build unfavorably to actors Engin Altan Düzyatan (Ertuğrul) and Burak Özçivit (Osman Bey) — both known for their strong, heroic on-screen presence.
However, many fans are standing by him, pointing out that acting skill matters more than looks. They also remind critics that Emre Bey, who previously played Orhan Bey, was initially criticized too — yet later won over audiences with his performance.
The Final Verdict Will Come With the Premiere
Whether Mert Yazıcıoğlu lives up to expectations or not, one thing is certain — the spotlight on Kuruluş Orhan has only intensified.
The upcoming episodes will reveal whether he can truly carry the legacy of the Kayı tribe’s next generation and prove his critics wrong.
