Before the start of filming, Turkish actress Beyza Gümülcü is undergoing significant changes in her image. She is preparing to play a leading role in her career after being chosen as the main female lead opposite Burak Özçivit in the highly anticipated new ATV series titled Güneşin Doğduğu Yer.
As the filming process approaches, new information has emerged regarding both her selection process and the changes made to the character's image. According to reports from Turkish entertainment publications, Gümülcü will be filming with Burak Özçivit, who plays the central hero of the series, Kenan Kozan. The project is produced by Tims&B Productions (Tims&B), one of Turkey's leading television production companies, and is already considered one of ATV's flagship projects for the upcoming season.
One of the latest developments was the change of Gümülcü's character's name. Turkish media reported that the role was initially presented under the name Tina, but the film crew decided to rename the character to Leyla before filming began. Although no official explanation for this change was provided, it reflects the ongoing creative refinement taking place during the pre-production phase.
It was also revealed that Beyza Gümülcü secured the leading role through a competitive casting process. According to Turkish entertainment journalist Birsen Altuntaş, the actress participated in a test shoot alongside three other finalists on a specially prepared set organized by the production company. During the auditions, each candidate reportedly performed scenes opposite Burak Özçivit. After evaluation, the production team chose Gümülcü because they felt her on-screen chemistry with Özçivit best matched the vision of the series.
Securing this role required a serious professional decision. Gümülcü recently played the role of Hande in the crime drama Yeraltı, but Turkish media reported that she asked to leave that project after being selected for Güneşin Doğduğu Yer. This move highlights the scale of her new opportunity: the actress is transitioning from a supporting role in one successful series to the leading female role in one of the most anticipated television projects of the season.
The series Güneşin Doğduğu Yer is set in Adana and focuses on the influential Kozan family, where Burak Özçivit portrays Kenan Kozan. The drama is expected to blend romance, family conflicts, power struggles, and regional traditions against the backdrop of Southern Turkey. Recent casting announcements have expanded the cast: Sibel Taşçıoğlu has been cast as Seladet, Kenan's mother, and Hilal Anay will play Hansade, an educated young woman from a respected family whom Seladet initially considers the ideal partner for her son before Leyla appears in the story.
Filming is scheduled to begin in August, with the main part of the production taking place in Adana. For Beyza Gümülcü, this project marks a major breakthrough. Despite steadily developing her career through television roles, playing opposite one of Turkey's biggest actors places her at the center of one of the country's most anticipated new dramatic projects. As production enters its final preparation stage, attention is increasingly drawn to the new partnership between Burak Özçivit and Beyza Gümülcü. Following a successful test run, the character name change, and her departure from Yeraltı, the actress is now preparing to present Leyla to the audience—a role that could be defining in her career.
Bosnian actress Merzem Şilak has become a new leading actress in the project 'Aşk ve Taht' (Love and the Throne), which is one of the most ambitious historical Turkish dramas in development. The series, produced by Mehmet Bozdağ for Bozdağ Film, has officially moved to the next stage of production, beginning script readings in costume.
Merzem Şilak has joined the project as Princess Destin (previously mentioned as Maryam) and will be one of the main stars alongside Akın Akınzu. Akın Akınzu plays the role of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, one of the influential rulers of the Anatolian Seljuk state. Simay Barлас will also be central to the plot, playing Melike Hatun.
Turkish media reported that the cast recently gathered for a costume rehearsal and script reading, allowing the actors to appear together in historical attire for the first time before filming begins. Special attention was drawn to Akın Akınzu's physical transformation, who spent months preparing to authentically portray Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, reflecting the appearance of a 13th-century ruler, including long hair.
In addition to his appearance, Akın Akınzu underwent extensive preparation, studying both the historical figure and the political climate of that era. His costume, hairstyle, and overall look were meticulously designed to match the image of one of Anatolia's most famous sultans. The script focuses on Alaeddin Keykubad's journey from captivity to the throne, highlighting a key chapter in the history of the Anatolian Seljuks.
The series promises to combine historical facts with emotional storytelling, exploring themes of romance, betrayal, dynastic strife, palace politics, and harem intrigue, rather than focusing solely on military victories. Producers described 'Aşk ve Taht' as a powerful love story rarely shown on screen, emphasizing the complex balance between personal relationships and political ambitions within the palace.
The work behind the camera is handled by a renowned team of directors: Yağmur Taylan and Durul Taylan, known as the Taylan Brothers, along with Cem Tolua. These directors are considered among the most respected in Turkey, having experience creating many successful dramatic projects. During the script reading event, Akın Akınzu, Merzem Şilak, and Simay Barлас shared their enthusiasm for participating in the project. The involvement of Merzem Şilak also attracted attention, as it lends an additional authentic regional dimension to the international production.
