Burak Özçivit is one of the most famous Turkish actors of his generation. He first entered show business as a model, then rose to global fame through hit TV dramas. Many viewers know him as Kemal from Kara Sevda (Endless Love) and as Osman Bey from Kuruluş: Osman. He was born on December 24, 1984, in Istanbul, and over the years his work has reached audiences across Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and Latin America.
Early Life & Education
Burak grew up in Istanbul and completed his early schooling there. He studied at Kazım İşmen High School, where he developed an interest in arts and visuals.
Later, he attended Marmara University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Photography. This training helped him understand light, framing, and visual storytelling—skills that supported his later success in front of the camera.
Modelling Beginnings
Before acting, Burak built a profile in the fashion industry. He was active as a model in the early 2000s and competed in major contests.
In 2005, he achieved a major milestone by finishing as runner-up at Best Model of the World. He also competed in Best Model of Turkey and is widely associated with that title from his early years. Modeling created visibility, introduced him to production teams, and opened doors for TV roles and brand campaigns.
Acting Career & Breakthroughs
Early TV Roles
Burak began acting with Eksi 18 (2006–2007). He then appeared in Zoraki Koca (2007–2008), Baba Ocağı (2008–2009), İhanet (2009–2010), and Küçük Sırlar (2010–2011)—the Turkish remake of Gossip Girl. These roles helped him move from modeling into mainstream acting and build a loyal audience in Turkey.
Popular Dramas and Series
A turning point came with Muhteşem Yüzyıl (2011–2013), where Burak played Malkoçoğlu Bali Bey, a heroic and memorable character in a major historical hit. He then starred in Çalıkuşu (2013–2014) as Kamran, a romantic lead opposite Fahriye Evcen.
From 2015 to 2017, he led Kara Sevda (Endless Love) as Kemal Soydere. The series performed strongly inside and outside Turkey and made history when it became the first Turkish series to win an International Emmy Award (Best Telenovela, 2017). This win greatly expanded the international visibility of Turkish dramas and cemented Burak’s global profile.
Kuruluş Osman as Osman Bey
In 2019, Burak took on the title role in Kuruluş: Osman, playing Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. The series has run for many seasons and a very large number of episodes, with continuous international interest and distribution. His performance as a battle-hardened, strategic leader connected strongly with audiences who enjoy epic historical sagas.
Major Achievements & Awards
Burak’s career shows a mix of ratings success, global reach, and award recognition. The biggest headline is tied to Kara Sevda, which won Best Telenovela at the 2017 International Emmys, making it the first Turkish production to receive that honor. This achievement reflected the show’s quality and the growing worldwide demand for Turkish storytelling.
He has also received local nominations and recognition across Turkish award platforms over the years, and his projects are frequently among the most watched in their timeslots. Beyond trophies, the long life of Kuruluş: Osman and the international distribution of Kara Sevda show a different kind of achievement: consistent popularity across languages and regions. (Observation based on sources above.)
Personal Life
Family and Marriage
Burak married Turkish actress Fahriye Evcen on June 29, 2017, at the historic Said Halim Pasha Palace in Istanbul. The couple’s wedding drew wide media attention in Turkey and abroad. They have two sons: Karan, born April 13, 2019, and Kerem, born January 18, 2023. Their family moments often trend on social media and entertainment news.
Style & Public Image
Burak’s style is simple, modern, and masculine. Off-screen, he often appears in clean silhouettes—tailored jackets, fitted shirts, and neutral or dark colors. The well-kept beard and strong grooming have become part of his signature look.
On screen, his style adapts to the character. As Kemal in Kara Sevda, he dressed in polished, urban outfits that matched the show’s modern romance tone. As Osman Bey in Kuruluş: Osman, his look is defined by leather armor, practical layers, and period hair and beard styling, which add weight to the warrior-leader image. This contrast shows his range and contributes to fan engagement through cosplay, edits, and fan art worldwide.
Impact & Legacy
Burak belongs to the generation that helped Turkish TV dramas break into many new markets. Turkish series were already popular in the region, but shows like Kara Sevda and Kuruluş: Osman expanded audiences even further. Kara Sevda’s Emmy win proved that Turkish telenovelas could compete at an international awards level. Meanwhile, Kuruluş: Osman kept global interest high in historical epics and introduced new viewers to Ottoman-era stories.
His legacy is not just about one blockbuster role. It is the combination of early youth dramas, period adventure, modern romance, and long-running historical storytelling. For nearly two decades, he has stayed relevant by choosing roles that travel well across borders. Many fans discover him through one show, then move to another—creating a continuous cycle of new viewers.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- He trained in Fine Arts (Photography)—a background that complements his work in front of the camera.
- He transitioned from top-tier model to leading actor, winning Best Model of Turkey (2005) before acting full-time.
- His series Kara Sevda achieved a historic International Emmy win (2017), boosting Turkey’s drama exports.
- He has played both modern romantic leads and legendary historical figures, a range that keeps his audience broad.
Conclusion
From Istanbul to international fame, Burak Özçivit has grown from model to award-winning leading man. Early TV roles built his foundation; Muhteşem Yüzyıl and Kara Sevda made him a global name; and Kuruluş: Osman secured his place as a defining face of Turkish historical drama. With sustained popularity at home and abroad—and a strong on-screen identity—his legacy in Turkish television looks set to endure.
What is the religion of Burak?
He has not officially shared his religion. Media sometimes assume he is Muslim because he is from Turkey, but he has not made a public statement.
When did Burak get married?
29 June 2017. He married Turkish actress Fahriye Evcen in Istanbul.
What is Burak Özçivit best known for?
His lead roles in Kara Sevda (Endless Love) as Kemal and Kuruluş: Osman as Osman Bey. He also gained fame as Bali Bey in Muhteşem Yüzyıl.
How much is Burak Özçivit worth in dollars?
His net worth is not officially disclosed. Figures you see online are estimates from entertainment sites and may not be accurate.
Who is the famous handsome Turkish actor?
Beauty is subjective, but fans often mention Burak Özçivit, Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, Çağatay Ulusoy, Engin Akyürek, and Can Yaman.
Who is the number one Turkish actress?
Rankings change by awards, ratings, and fan polls. Popular names include Tuba Büyüküstün, Beren Saat, Hande Erçel, Neslihan Atagül, and Demet Özdemir.