Turkish actor Burak Özçivit has stunned fans by debuting a dramatically different appearance, appearing without his signature beard for the first time in years. The move comes shortly after his official departure from the hit historical drama Kuruluş Osman, in which he played the lead role of Osman Bey for six seasons.
Özçivit’s transformation was unveiled on social media through his Instagram stories, where he shared images of his new clean-shaven look. The post quickly went viral, prompting an avalanche of reactions from fans who had grown used to his bearded, battle-worn portrayal of the iconic Ottoman founder.
The 39-year-old actor had become a household name through his roles in several major Turkish TV series, including Çalıkuşu, Küçük Sırlar, and Baba Ocağı. However, it was Kuruluş Osman that elevated him to international recognition, as he led the series through six seasons of high ratings and critical acclaim.
His departure from the show was reportedly prompted by financial disagreements. According to sources close to the production, Özçivit had requested 4 million Turkish Lira per episode for the upcoming season—a demand that could not be met. With negotiations falling apart and tensions visible on social media as both parties unfollowed each other, the actor chose to part ways with the series.
Following the announcement, Özçivit shared a farewell message with his fans, writing:
“Saying goodbye is a great virtue. I want to thank everyone who has appreciated the six years of dedication and passion I’ve put into my work. Stay tuned for new stories.”
While fans had been bracing themselves for his departure from the show, many were not prepared for the drastic change in appearance. Social media users flooded platforms with mixed reactions—some applauding his fresh and youthful look, others mourning the loss of what had become a symbol of his most iconic role.
“He looks officially younger!” one fan commented, while another wrote, “Bring back the beard! Osman Bey doesn’t look the same without it.” The beard, which had been meticulously maintained for the role, had become a signature part of Özçivit’s on-screen identity.
Although it remains unclear whether the change is permanent or linked to an upcoming role, the actor’s transformation signals a fresh chapter in his career. With the beard gone and Kuruluş Osman behind him, Özçivit appears poised to reinvent himself once again—on his own terms.
What comes next for the Turkish star remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: whether bearded or not, Burak Özçivit continues to captivate audiences with his evolving journey.
