Renowned Turkish actor Burak Özçivit has officially parted ways with the historical TV series Kuruluş Osman, in which he portrayed the central role of Osman Bey for five consecutive seasons.
According to reports from Turkish media, the decision stems from a major disagreement between Özçivit and the show’s producer, Mehmet Bozdağ, over the actor’s payment for the upcoming sixth season.
Sources close to the production revealed that Burak demanded a significant raise, asking for 4 million Turkish lira per episode—a considerable increase from his previous fee. The production team reportedly found this demand unsustainable and negotiations between the two parties ultimately broke down. Mehmet Bozdağ, the creator and executive producer of the series, is said to have been reluctant to meet such a high financial demand, considering the overall production budget and market conditions.
Burak Özçivit’s performance as Osman Bey earned him widespread acclaim not only in Turkey but also internationally, especially in South Asia, the Middle East, and the Balkans. Fans around the world have expressed their disappointment and shock on social media, with many questioning the future of the series without its leading star. However, the producers have reportedly begun searching for a new actor to fill the iconic role or possibly take the story in a different direction.
This development has sparked widespread debate in Turkish entertainment circles about the sustainability of high actor salaries and the creative control held by leading stars. Whether Kuruluş Osman can maintain its massive popularity without Burak remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Turkish television history.
