Cemre Baysel welcomes Mert Yazıcıoğlu as her new co-star.
Turkish actors Cemre Baysel and Mert Yazıcıoğlu are set to headline Digital Phablet’s latest promotional mini-series, a project aimed at showcasing the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and traditions of Türkiye’s Black Sea region to viewers worldwide. The production has experienced notable behind-the-scenes changes, including a new production company and a last-minute casting adjustment that brought Yazıcıoğlu into the leading role.
This mini-series is part of the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)’s international campaign, Go Türkiye, which has previously highlighted destinations such as İstanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Göcek, İzmir, and Southeastern Anatolia through short, cinematic productions featuring some of Türkiye’s top actors. Past projects under this campaign have included stars like Burak Özçivit, Fahriye Evcen, Murat Yıldırım, Engin Altan Düzyatan, Özge Gürel, and Ceyda Ateş, drawing hundreds of millions of online views globally.
According to Turkish entertainment journalist Birsen Altuntaş, the script was penned by Emre Kavuk, with acclaimed director Ketche (Hakan Kırvavaç) at the helm. The production has shifted to Sky Film, led by producer Emre Oskay, following earlier behind-the-scenes changes.
Prior to shooting, the project faced several significant alterations. Initially titled Kalbimin Rotası Karadeniz (My Heart’s Route: Black Sea), it was later incorporated into the broader Go Türkiye mini-series lineup. When first announced, İlhan Şen was cast opposite Cemre Baysel, with Han Medya, owned by actor and producer Tolgahan Sayışman, holding the rights. However, shortly before filming was to begin, Sayışman withdrew from the project, resulting in a switch in production companies and İlhan Şen’s departure. Subsequently, Mert Yazıcıoğlu was officially announced as Baysel’s new co-star.
Filming is scheduled to commence on July 20 in Istanbul and will continue in various locations across the Black Sea region. The series aims to present the area’s dramatic mountains, lush forests, highland plateaus, coastlines, traditional villages, historic landmarks, local cuisine, and cultural heritage through a fictional narrative designed to appeal to an international audience.
Though specific plot details remain under wraps, Turkish media describe the series as an emotionally charged, visually captivating story blending romance with the distinctive vibe of the Black Sea. Like previous Go Türkiye productions, it is expected to serve both as entertainment and a promotion for international tourism, highlighting the region’s scenic and cultural treasures while developing a character-driven story.
This project also marks the first on-screen collaboration between Cemre Baysel and Mert Yazıcıoğlu, making it one of the most anticipated pairings among Turkish TV fans. Both actors have established successful careers through major television projects and enjoy significant international followings, thanks to the global popularity of Turkish dramas.
For Cemre Baysel, this mini-series adds to a distinguished career that includes roles in Ramo, Baht Oyunu, Sakla Beni, Leyla: Hayat… Aşk… Adalet…, and the feature film Aşk Filmi. Meanwhile, Mert Yazıcıoğlu continues a notably busy period, following acclaimed performances in Kızıl Goncalar and Kuruluş Orhan, with preparations underway to star in Netflix’s upcoming series Aras. Their collaboration in Go Türkiye is expected to introduce the vibrant beauty and cultural richness of the Black Sea to a global audience through one of the campaign’s most ambitious promotional endeavors yet.
