Turkish star Burak Özçivit, who brought the character of Osman Bey to life in the globally celebrated drama Kuruluş Osman, is exiting the series after leading it for five consecutive seasons.
As per reports from Turkish media outlets, the actor’s decision is said to be the result of a disagreement with the show’s producer, Mehmet Bozdağ, over compensation for the new season. Sources claim Özçivit requested 4 million Turkish lira per episode, a demand that allegedly caused friction with the production team. Following the fallout, both the actor and the producers reportedly unfollowed each other on social media, fueling speculation about the rift.
The upcoming storyline is expected to introduce an older version of Osman Bey, gradually shifting the narrative focus to his son, Orhan Bey. While the new lead actor hasn’t been officially announced, well-known names like Mert Yazıcıoğlu, Murat Yıldırım, and İbrahim Çelikkol are reportedly in the running.
Burak Özçivit, regarded among Turkey’s top-earning television stars, played a pivotal role in shaping the series’ success. He was reportedly earning over €40,000 per episode, a figure significantly higher than the rest of the ensemble cast, whose pay ranged between €15,000 and €30,000 per episode.
Since its premiere, Kuruluş Osman has enjoyed widespread popularity, not only in Turkey but also internationally, thanks to its compelling historical narrative and high production standards. Özçivit’s departure marks a major transition for the show as it heads into a new chapter.