Can Yaman, a prominent Turkish actor known for his role in the new series "El Turco," has recently made headlines during his promotional tour in Brazil. Arriving in Rio de Janeiro on March 23, 2025, Yaman created quite a stir at Galeão Airport, where fans eagerly awaited his arrival. His visit culminated in a launch event at Kinoplex Leblon on March 25, where he engaged with the press and shared insights about his latest project.
At the event, Yaman, who is 34 years old, expressed his gratitude for the affection he receives from his Brazilian fans. "I'm living a fairy tale. It's something that usually happens to American artists, not to Turkish actors like me. It's strange what happens to me," he remarked, highlighting the unique connection he feels with audiences in Brazil and beyond. He noted that his childhood was filled with Brazilian soap operas, which he watched with his grandmother. "We, Turks, grew up watching the soap operas here. It has always been a tradition. We learned from the best how to make soap operas," he said, praising the quality of Brazilian productions.
Yaman's latest series, "El Turco," is based on the Italian legend "La Turchia" and is set in the 17th century during the Ottoman Empire. The plot follows Hasan Balaban, an Ottoman soldier wounded in the Battle of Vienna in 1683, who seeks refuge in the Italian village of Moena. There, he leads the locals in a revolt against feudal oppression while embarking on a romantic journey with the mysterious Glória, played by Greta Ferro. The first season consists of six episodes, all of which are currently available on Globoplay.
During the press conference, Yaman also discussed the influence of Brazilian soap operas on international productions, stating that the team behind "El Turco" drew inspiration from successful Brazilian shows like "Avenida Brasil." The producer of the series revealed that a Turkish adaptation of "Avenida Brasil" has been airing for six months and has received positive feedback from viewers. This reflects the growing cultural exchange between Brazil and Turkey, particularly in the realm of soap operas and streaming content.
Yaman's career began in 2014 with his role in the series "Gönül Isleri." He holds a law degree from Yeditepe University and initially worked as a lawyer before fully committing to acting. He gained international fame with the romantic comedy "A Sonhadora" in 2018, which earned him the Golden Butterfly Award for Best Romantic Comedy Actor. Since then, he has starred in multiple series, including "Mr. Wrong" ("Bay Yanlis"), which he humorously noted could have extended for five seasons if it had been on a different platform.
Despite being filmed in Hungary and in English, "El Turco" maintains its Turkish roots, which can influence the portrayal of romantic scenes. Yaman mentioned that, while the series includes intimate moments, it adheres to Turkish broadcasting standards, which can be more conservative compared to other countries. "It was only that, as it is still a Turkish production. But if it were in Brazil or Russia, there would have been more," he joked.
Can Yaman's charm and charisma have made him a beloved figure not just in Turkey but also internationally. He has amassed nearly 11 million followers on Instagram, where he shares glimpses of his life, travels, and behind-the-scenes moments from his projects. His popularity has led to sold-out fan events, including a previous gathering in Brazil called "Uma noite com Can Yaman," where tickets were priced at R$ 600.
As Yaman continues to build his career, he remains committed to philanthropy through his foundation, Can Yaman for Children, which aims to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged youth. His dedication to both his craft and social causes has solidified his status as a role model for many.
With his recent visit to Brazil, Can Yaman not only promoted "El Turco" but also strengthened the cultural ties between Turkey and Brazil, paving the way for future collaborations in the entertainment industry. As he stated during the press conference, "We are likely to have other connections with you," hinting at the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
As "El Turco" continues to gain traction on Globoplay, audiences can expect a captivating blend of action, romance, and historical drama, all brought to life by the talented Can Yaman. His journey from a Turkish soap opera star to an international sensation serves as an inspiration to many aspiring actors around the world.
