Turkish actor Burak Özçivit and his love letter to Istanbul in new short film

Dubai: Turkish star Burak Özçivit, known for bringing historical and romantic heroes to life on screen, now steps into a new role — as the narrator of Istanbul’s enduring allure. In a new promotional film created in collaboration with Turkish Airlines and unveiled during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Özçivit was revealed as the face of a campaign that goes beyond tourism or branding.

“What thrilled me the most was the opportunity to tell a timeless story in a completely new way — through the eyes of Turkish Airlines and the silhouette of Istanbul’s legendary Kız Kulesi. It’s more than a campaign; it’s a love letter to Istanbul ... We weren’t just filming — we were capturing the heartbeat of a city," said Burak to Gulf News over an e-mail.

The well-shot film is a layered portrait of a city that bridges past and present, seen through the haunting beauty of the Kız Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower).

The short film, anchored in mood and memory, uses Istanbul’s iconic imagery not just as backdrop, but as character.

For Özçivit, whose career has often explored the intersection of legacy and modern masculinity, this project taps into personal pride.

“It’s an honor that runs deep. Turkish Airlines does more than fly people across the globe — it carries our culture, our hospitality, and our stories. And in this campaign, with the Kız Kulesi at its center, we’re inviting the world to discover Istanbul’s beauty and mystery. Being the face of this message, standing at the crossroads of history and the future, fills me with pride. It’s a role where I’m not just acting — I’m representing.”

Though visually polished, the film’s emotional pulse lies in its quieter moments. Özçivit shares one such instance during filming — a scene that brought the magnitude of his role into focus.

“One unforgettable moment was during a sunrise scene at the Kız Kulesi. The light was golden, the Bosphorus was completely still, and all you could hear was the call of seagulls. As the camera panned, I stood on the boat approaching the tower, and in that silence, I felt the entire weight of Istanbul’s past — its love stories, legends, and soul — wash over me. That’s when I thought, ‘This is more than a shoot; this is history.’”

Read the full interview about his life and career in Gulf News soon