Digital Phablet – Burak Özçivit’s new co-star Beyza Gümülcine undergoes significant character alterations before filming begins.
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Turkish actress Beyza Gümülcine is gearing up for what could be the most pivotal role of her career. She has been chosen as the leading lady opposite Burak Özçivit in ATV’s eagerly awaited new drama Güneşin Doğduğu Yer. As filming approaches, new insights have surfaced concerning her casting journey and adjustments made to her character.
Sources indicate Gümülcine will appear alongside Özçivit, who portrays the main character, Kenan Kozan. The series is produced by Tims&b Productions, one of Turkey’s premier TV production companies, and is already considered one of ATV’s flagship dramas for the upcoming season.
One recent update concerns her character. Media reports suggest the role initially bore the name Tina, but the production team has decided to rename her Leyla before filming. Although no official reason has been provided for the name change, it signifies ongoing creative revisions during pre-production.
It has also been revealed that Gümülcine secured her leading role through a competitive audition process. According to entertainment journalist Birsen Altuntaş, she participated in a screen test along with three other finalists, on a specially prepared set provided by the production team. During auditions, each finalist performed scenes opposite Özçivit. After assessing their chemistry, the production chose Gümülcine, believing her on-screen connection with Özçivit best aligned with the series’ vision.
Securing this role was a major career decision for her. Her most recent appearance was as Hande in the crime drama Yeraltı, but reports say she requested to exit that project after being cast in Güneşin Doğduğu Yer.
This transition highlights the scope of her big break—moving from a supporting role in one hit series to starring as the lead in one of the most highly anticipated new shows of the season.
Set in Adana, Güneşin Doğduğu Yer centers on the influential Kozan family, with Özçivit playing Kenan Kozan. The series is expected to blend elements of romance, family conflict, power struggles, and regional traditions set against southern Turkey’s backdrop.
Additional casting has expanded the ensemble. Sibel Taşçıoğlu has been cast as Celadet, Kenan’s mother, while Hilal Anay will portray Hanzade, a well-educated young woman from a respected family. Initially, Celadet views Hanzade as a suitable match for her son before Leyla enters the picture.
Filming is scheduled to start in August, primarily in Adana. For Gümülcine, this project marks a significant breakthrough. While she has steadily built her career through television roles, working alongside one of Turkey’s biggest actors elevates her profile and places her at the heart of one of the country’s most anticipated dramas.
As production preparations reach their final stages, attention continues to focus on the new partnership between Özçivit and Gümülcine. Following her successful screen test, a name change for her character, and her departure from Yeraltı, she is now preparing to introduce audiences to Leyla—potentially her most defining role yet.