Burak Özçivit exits Kuruluş Osman after five seasons amid 'pay dispute'

Renowned Turkish actor Burak Özçivit, celebrated for his role as Osman Bey in the hit historical drama Kuruluş Osman, has officially parted ways with the series after five successful seasons, media reports said.

According to Turkish media outlets, the departure stems from a financial dispute between Özçivit and the show’s producer, Mehmet Bozdağ.

Reports suggest the actor demanded 4 million Turkish lira per episode for the upcoming season—a figure that reportedly led to tensions between the two sides.

The situation escalated when both Özçivit and Bozdağ unfollowed each other on social media, signaling the end of their collaboration.

Sources indicate that the upcoming season will introduce an aging Osman Bey, with the storyline gradually shifting focus to his son, Orhan Bey.

While a new lead has yet to be officially confirmed, prominent Turkish actors such as Mert Yazıcıoğlu, Murat Yıldırım, and İbrahim Çelikkol are reportedly being considered for the role.

Özçivit, one of Turkey’s highest-paid TV stars, was earning over €40,000 per episode—significantly more than his co-stars, whose salaries ranged from €15,000 to €30,000 per episode.

Since its debut, Kuruluş Osman has maintained its status as one of Turkey’s top-rated and most internationally acclaimed television dramas, praised for its historical storytelling, production quality, and strong performances.