ALBAWABA - Kubilay Aka and Hafsanur Sancaktutan reunite on screen for ambitious new ATV drama.
ATV is preparing one of the most ambitious Turkish dramas of the new season, and “Mercan Köşk” is already creating major excitement before filming even begins. The upcoming series officially brought together Kubilay Aka and Hafsanur Sancaktutan in the lead roles, turning the project into one of the most talked-about productions across Turkish entertainment media this week.
The first major casting announcement revealed Kubilay Aka as the male lead. Shortly afterward, backstage reports confirmed that Hafsanur Sancaktutan signed on as the female lead after a competitive audition process. According to Turkish media claims, the actress reportedly won the role after being selected among five different candidates during casting auditions.
The casting news immediately attracted huge attention because Aka and Sancaktutan are also among the most followed young celebrity couples in Türkiye today. Their relationship has frequently dominated tabloid headlines over the past year.
The couple first sparked romance rumors after being seen together several times in Istanbul. Although both actors initially stayed quiet about their relationship, they later confirmed their romance publicly through social media posts and public appearances. Fans quickly became invested in their relationship because of their chemistry and playful interactions online.
However, the relationship also faced several difficult periods. Turkish entertainment pages previously claimed the couple temporarily separated due to busy filming schedules and personal disagreements. Social media users closely followed rumors of unfollowing, cryptic posts, and speculation about their relationship status for months. Despite the breakup rumors, the pair later reunited, and Turkish media described their reconciliation as one of the most talked-about celebrity relationship stories of the year.
Now, the real-life couple will officially share the screen together for the first time in a leading television project.
Produced for ATV, “Mercan Köşk” will be filmed in Tarsus, one of Mersin’s most historically rich and visually striking districts. The series will be directed by successful filmmaker Yahya Samancı. The screenplay comes from Ahunur Serdaroğlu together with Atilla Özel, Nalan Savaş Merter, and Nuriye Bilici.
The story centers on Cemre, played by Hafsanur Sancaktutan, the daughter of a police officer whose impulsive marriage suddenly turns into a nightmare after her husband disappears immediately following the wedding. Her desperate search for answers forces her to return to Tarsus, the city connected to her deepest trauma: the murder of her father.
During this journey, Cemre becomes connected to the mysterious Mercan Köşk mansion and crosses paths with Aras, played by Kubilay Aka. Aras is described as a powerful man hiding dangerous secrets to protect his family. As tensions rise between two enemy families, a powerful emotional connection slowly develops between Cemre and Aras.
Turkish media reports describe the series as a dark family drama filled with secrets, revenge, forbidden love, and psychological conflict. Much of the story reportedly unfolds inside the massive Mercan Mansion, where years of hidden truths threaten both families.
The project also marks an important return for Kubilay Aka following his recent military service. Fans have already started praising the actor’s new image and are especially curious to see his on-screen chemistry with Hafsanur Sancaktutan now that the pair are officially starring together.
Meanwhile, Hafsanur Sancaktutan continues strengthening her reputation as one of the fastest-rising young actresses in Turkish television. Following the attention she received from projects including “Ya Çok Seversen” and “Kıskanmak,” many entertainment commentators believe “Mercan Köşk” could become another major turning point in her career.
With a dramatic storyline, a real-life celebrity couple leading the cast, and the atmospheric setting of Tarsus, “Mercan Köşk” is already emerging as one of the most highly anticipated Turkish dramas of the upcoming season.
