In the past few years, Turkish cinema has seen a lot of development and resurgence. With the popularity of Turkish actresses skyrocketing across the world, many of these beautiful actresses have acquired a massive fan following from various parts of the globe.
Keep on reading to learn about some of our favorite Turkish actresses.
1. Sinem Kobal
Sinem Kobal is a well-known Turkish actress and a household name in her home country. She began her acting career in 2001 with the Turkish sitcom Dadi and then moved on to bigger projects. Some of her best-known films and television series include Okul (2004), Turks in Space (2006), and Romantik Comedi (2010).
2. Meryem Uzerli
Everyone knows the beautiful red-haired Meryem Uzerli as Hurrem Sultan from the extremely popular Turkish television series Muhteşem Yüzyıl ‘Magnificent Century’ (2011-2014). The show ran for four seasons and made Uzerli a world-renowned star. The Turkish-German actress also received many awards and nominations for her work on the show.
3. Ahu Türkpençe
Ahu Turkpence is a Turkish actress who gained recognition for her role in the Turkish TV series Bir İstanbul Masalı (2003). She had an interest in acting from an early age and debuted as an actress in 1996. Türkpençe played roles in many popular Turkish TV series, such as Yedi Numara (2000) and Wolf (2018).
4. Tuba Büyüküstün
Tuba Buyukustan is one of Turkey’s most popular actresses. She began her career with television commercials and gained recognition for playing the lead role in the Turkish TV film Gülizar (2004). Her best works include the series Kara Para Aşk (2014-2015) and Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020).
5. Beren Saat
Beren Saat is a popular and critically-acclaimed Turkish actress. She is best known for playing the lead role in the world-renowned series Aşk-ı Memnu (2008–2010), as well as the historical drama series Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Kösem (2015-2017).
6. Hazal Kaya
Hazal Kaya is a Turkish actress best known for her role as Feriha Sarrafoglu in the series Adını Feriha Koydum (2011-2012) and Filiz in Bizim Hikaye (2017-2019). Kaya first gained recognition when she appeared in the internationally-renowned series Aşk-ı Memnu (2008-2010) as the naive Nihal Ziyagil.
7. Cansu Dere
Cansu Dere is a Turkish model and actress and third runner-up in the Miss Turkey 2000 beauty pageant. This Bulgarian and Greek beauty has starred in various films and television shows, such as Sıla (2006-2008), The Last Ottoman (2007), and Acı Aşk (2009). Most recently, she starred in the thriller series Sadakatsiz (2020-2022).
8. Nur Fettahoğlu
Nur Fettahoglu is a Turkish-German actress, model, and fashion designer known for her roles alongside Turkish actor Halit Ergenç, namely as Mahidevran Sultan in the Turkish TV series Muhteşem Yüzyıl (2011-2014). One of Turkey’s most well-known and prolific actresses, she has appeared in over nineteen shows and films since the start of her career in 2007.
9. Selma Ergeç
Turkish actress Selma Ergec is the perfect combination of beauty and brains. Aside from her fantastic performances in the TV series Asi (2007-2009) and Muhteşem Yüzyıl (2011-2014), Ergec is also a model, fashion designer, doctor, philologist, and psychologist. She also speaks five languages, including German, English, French, Turkish, and Italian.
10. Melike İpek Yalova
Melike İpek Yalova is a Turkish actress best known for her role as Princess Isabella Fortuna on the TV series Muhteşem Yüzyıl (2011-2014). After starring in the series, she also landed a lead role in Karadayı (2012-2015) as Ayten Alav.
11. Esra Bilgiç
Esra Bilgic is a Turkish actress best known for playing Halime Hatun in the historic-drama series Diriliş: Ertuğrul (2014-2018). The show made her a global star, notably in the Muslim world where the series became a big hit. Bilgic also starred in the crime and drama series Ramo (2021-2022).
12. Songül Öden
Songul Oden is a Turkish actress known for her illustrious acting career which began in 1999. She is best known for her role in the highly popular Turkish series Gümüş (2005-2007) and in the black comedy film Acı Aşk (2009). Oden’s work on Gümüş made her one of the most popular actresses in the Middle East.
13. Hande Erçel
Handre Ercel is a notable Turkish actress who began her career in 2013. She gained tremendous fame when she appeared in the series Aşk Laftan Anlamaz (2016–2017). Although, that barely compares to the fame she achieved across the world for her lead role in the Turkish series Sen Çal Kapımı (2020-2021).
14. Demet Özdemir
Demet Ozdemir is a Turkish actress and dancer best known for playing the role of Aylin in the fantasy series I Will Give You A Secret (2013-2014). Ozdemir is also no stranger to lead roles, appearing in many films and television shows as the protagonist.
15. Fahriye Evcen
Fahriye Evcen is a Turkish-German actress and model who developed an interest in acting from an early age. With many roles in series and films, Evcen is currently one of Turkey’s most recognized actresses. In 2021, she also launched her clothing brand called Ivy People.
16. Elçin Sangu
Elcin Sangu is a Turkish-Circassian model and actress. Being one of the highest-paid stars in the country, Sangu has appeared in various commercials, advertisements, TV series, and films. She first got recognition for playing the lead character in the popular series Kiralık Aşk (2015–2017). A winner of numerous awards, she was recently cast as the lead in the upcoming Turkish film Stay With Me.
17. Aslı Enver
Asli Enver is a popular Turkish actress best known for her roles in various Turkish TV series. She began her career with guest and minor roles, but soon established herself as a lead actress. Some of her best-known series include Kavak Yelleri (2007-2011) and İstanbullu Gelin (2017-2019).
18. Ayça Ayşin Turan
Ayca Aysin Turan is a Turkish actress known for her roles across television series of varying genres. She has acted in many well-known roles, notably as the titular character in Meryem (2017-Present), Leyla Sancak in The Protector (2018-2020), and Haziran Sedefli Özgür in Ada Masali (2021-Present).
19. Özge Törer
Ozge Torer is the Turkish actress who portrays the beautiful Bala Hatun in the Turkish TV series Kuruluş: Osman (2019-Present), which follows the life of the founder of the Ottoman Empire. The role was Torer’s first lead character to date and earned her two Best Actress Awards in 2021.
20. Ceren Moray
Ceren Moray is a Turkish actress of Kurdish origin known for her unique acting style. She has appeared in various TV shows, but her most popular roles include Efsun Demirci in O Hayat Benim (2014-2017) and Su in Kavak Yelleri (2007-2011). Moray received theatrical training from an early age and spent much of her youth honing her acting skills.
21. Bensu Soral
Bensu Soral is a Turkish actress best known for her roles in popular TV series. She began her acting career in 2015 with help of her elder sister, who is also an actress. Some of Bensu’s best work include İçerde (2016-2017) and Tatlı Küçük Yalancılar (2015).
22. Özge Borak
Ozge Borak is a Turkish actress who is notable for acting in the comedy film Eyyvah Eyvah (2010). Borak took an interest in theater from a young age, partly because her father was a famous ballet and opera star. Aside from Eyyvah Eyvah, she played minor or guest roles in different series.
23. Burcu Biricik
Burcu Biricik is a Turkish actress of Yoruk descent who started her career with roles in numerous plays. Biricik was studying archeology before she developed an interest in theatre. Since then, she has appeared in various TV series and films since her debut in 2007.
24. Burcu Özberk
Burcu Ozberk is a Turkish actress known for her roles in Turkish romantic comedy films and series. She first debuted with a role in the internationally-acclaimed historical drama Muhteşem Yüzyıl (2011-2014), appearing as Huricihan Sultan. Frequently appearing as a lead in romantic comedy films and series, she won the Golden Butterfly Award for her role in Afili Aşk (2019).
25. Ebru Şahin
Ebru Sahin is a Turkish model and actress recognized for playing the lead role in the Turkish TV series Hercai (2019-2021). Sahin received professional training before starting her acting career in 2016. She played supporting roles in various series before landing a lead role in Hercai.
26. Deniz Baysal
Deniz Baysal is a Turkish model and actress who began her career as a theater actress. She received acting classes from an early age and worked in theater for nearly a decade. Since 2014, Baysal has played leading roles in various series like Beyaz Yalan (2015), Bamsı Beyrek (2017), and Teşkilat (2021-2022).
27. Saadet Aksoy
Saadet Aksoy is an internationally-renowned Turkish actress who gained recognition for her role in Twice Born (2012). The recipient of many awards and accolades — Aksoy is well-known in her home country and in many countries worldwide. Her recent performance in the film Saf (2018) received praise from many critics.
28. Neslihan Atagül
Neslihan Atagul is a Turkish actress well-known from the globally watched Turkish series Kara Sevda (2015-2017). Atagul first gained popularity when she was cast in Fatih Harbiye (2013–2014) which turned out to be an international success with Kara Sevda.
29. Özge Gürel
Ozge Gurel is a Turkish-Circassian actress who made her acting debut with the series Kızım Nerede? (2010-2011). In 2016, Gurel achieved international success when the show Cherry Season (2014-2015) became the first Turkish series to appear on Italian television. She has also appeared in the Turkish series Dolunay (2017) and Muhteşem İkili (2018-2019).
30. Bergüzar Korel
Berguzar Korel is a Turkish actress and wife of well-known Turkish actor Halit Ergenç. Korel began her acting career with a role in the Turkish action film Kurtlar Vadisi: Irak (2006). However, she didn’t gain widespread attention until she starred alongside her husband in the soap opera series Binbir Gece (2006-2009).
31. Hilal Altınbilek
Hilal Altinbilek is a Turkish actress of Croatian-Albanian descent. She gained an interest in acting while studying in college and soon became a model. After receiving acting classes, Altinbilek made her debut in 2011. Since then, she has appeared in the series Karagül (2013-2016) and Bir Zamanlar Çukurova (2018–2022).
32. Farah Zeynep Abdullah
Farah Zeynep Abdullah is a Turkish actress who began her career in 2010 and won the Best Supporting Actress award for her debut performance. Since then, Abdullah has appeared in several series and is one of Turkey’s most popular actresses.
33. Öykü Karayel
Oyku Karayel is a Turkish actress who began her acting career with theater roles. She has played leading roles in the series Kalp Atışı (2017–2018) and Ethos (2020).
34. Birce Akalay
Birce Akalay is a Turkish actress who began her career after studying theater for many years. Aside from numerous acting roles, Akalay also gives acting classes and was the second runner-up at the Miss Turkey 2004 pageant.
35. Aybüke Pusat
Aybuke Pusat is a Turkish actress, ballerina, model, and winner of 2014 Miss Earth Turkey. She began her acting career in 2014 with supporting and guest roles but didn’t gain mainstream recognition until she played Dr. Bahar Kutlu in Söz. Most recently, she appeared in the thriller series 50M2 (2021).
36. Serenay Sarıkaya
Serenay Sarikaya is a Turkish actress and model who made her acting debut in 2006. Aside from being the first runner-up at Miss Turkey 2010, Sarikaya is internationally known for her roles in the Turkish TV series Lale Devri (2010–2012) and Medcezir (2013–2015).
37. Hande Soral
Hande Soral is a Turkish-Cypriot actress and the sister of Bensu Soral. She began her career with a guest role in 2008 and went on to play leading roles in Küçük Kadınlar (2008-2011) and Diriliş: Ertuğrul (2018-2019).
38. Melisa Aslı Pamuk
Melisa Asli Pamuk is a Dutch-Turkish actress, model, and winner of Miss Turkey 2011. She began modeling after turning 14 and made her acting debut in 2004. Some of her best-known TV series include Çarpışma (2018–2019) and Yeni Hayat (2020).
39. Nurgül Yeşilçay
Nurgul Yesilcay is a prominent Turkish actress and model who has been part of various widely acclaimed Turkish series and films. Since her debut in 2001, Yesilcay has appeared in Aşk ve Ceza (2010-2011) and Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Kösem (2015-2017).
40. Merve Boluğur
Merve Bolugar is a Turkish model and actress known for her roles in several Turkish series. She first gained recognition for playing Aysegül in Acemi Cadi (2006-2007), the Turkish adaptation of Sabrina The Teenage Witch. She is well-known for her roles in various Turkish television series such as Küçük Sirlar (2010-2011), Kuzey Güney (2011-2013), and İçimdeki Fırtına (2017).
41. Dilan Çiçek Deniz
Dilan Cicek Deniz is a Turkish model, actress, and the Miss Universe Turkey 2014 pageant titleholder. Her best-known roles include Sena in Çukur (2017-2021), Rüya in Alev Alev (2020-2021), and Leyla in One-Way to Tomorrow (2020).
42. Sedef Avcı
Sedef Avci is a Turkish actress and model best known for her role as Menekşe in the Turkish TV series Menekşe ile Halil (2007-2008) and Bahar in Ezel (2009-2010).
43. Ezgi Asaroğlu
Ezgi Asaroglu is a Turkish actress who began her career in her teenage years. Early in her career, Asaroglu became one of Turkey’s most popular and well-established actresses. Her well-known films include Ein Augenblick Freiheit (2008) and Acı Aşk (2009).
44. Pelin Batu
Pelin Batu is a Turkish actress, author, historian, and television star. Aside from her prolific acting career, which started in the early 1990s, Batu is the author of several poems and also co-hosted two Turkish TV programs.
45. Deniz Çakır
Deniz Cakir is a Turkish actress best known for playing Sah Sultan in the well-known historical series Muhteşem Yüzyıl (2013-2014). She has also appeared in the series İffet (2011) and Masumiyet (2021).
46. Mine Tugay
Mine Tugay is a Turkish actress who began her career appearing in various plays. Her most well-known roles include Gülbahar in Gülpare (2006), Ender Kaya Serez in Medcezir (2013-2014), and Seniz in Zalim İstanbul (2019–2020).
47. Özge Özpirinççi
Ozge Orpirincci is a Turkish actress who began her career in 2010. She has appeared in several films and series over the years, winning various awards for her performances. She has appeared in Kayıp (2013) and Kadın (2017-2020).
48. Eda Özerkan
Eda Ozerkan is a Turkish actress who is known for playing the roles of Zeynep in Girdap (2008), Elif in Aşk-ı Memnu (2008–2010), and Nazli in Adanalı in (2008-2010).
49. Cemre Baysel
Cemre Baysal is a Turkish actress who began her acting career in 2014. Despite being cast in supporting roles, Baysal rose to popularity due to her acting skills. She was first cast in a leading role in the series Sol Yanım (2020-2021).
50. Hande Doğandemir
Hande Dogandemir is a Turkish-Circassian actress, television host, and sociologist. She is mainly known for her role as Zeynep Yilmaz in the Turkish TV series Güneşi Beklerken (2013-2014) and Gökçe in Hayatımın Aşkı (2016).
