Published May 26th, 2026 - 10:00 GMT
ALBAWABA - Kubilay Aka and Hafsanur Sancaktutan are reuniting on screen in Mercan Köşk as filming officially begins in Tarsus.ATV’s highly anticipated new series, Mercan Köşk, is officially moving into production.The upcoming drama, produced by Faro and Sinehane, held its reading rehearsal yesterday ahead of filming. The press also received the first cast photos from the rehearsal, generating early buzz around the project before cameras officially rolled.Filming is set to begin on June 5 in Tarsus.Mercan Köşk will premiere on ATV in September and is already being described by Turkish entertainment media as one of the channel’s most ambitious new dramas of the season.The series stars Kubilay Aka and Hafsanur Sancaktutan in the lead roles. It marks a major on-screen reunion for the two actors and has quickly become one of the most talked-about casting pairings in Turkey.The cast also includes Mehmet Özgür, Zeyno Eracar, Ulviye Karaca, Tülin Özen, Halil Babür, Haki Biçici, Zehra Kelleci, Merve Şeyma Zengin, Can Bartu Arslan, Selin Köseoğlu, and Berna Cındıl.The series is directed by Yahya Samancı. The original story belongs to Ahunur Serdaroğlu, while the screenplay is written by Atilla Özel, Nalan Merter Savaş, and Nuriye Bilici. Award-winning composer Toygar Işıklı will create the soundtrack.Story of mystery, family secrets, and impossible loveAt the center of Mercan Köşkü is Cemre, played by Hafsanur Sancaktutan.Cemre’s life changes completely after her husband mysteriously disappears immediately after their wedding. Her search for answers leads her to Mercan Köşk, where dark secrets begin to unfold.Kubilay Aka plays Aras, a man carrying a dangerous secret to protect his family.When Cemre and Aras cross paths, a fierce conflict begins between two rival families. At the same time, an impossible love story starts to grow between them.Turkish media describe the series as a powerful mix of mystery, romance, and family drama set against the atmospheric backdrop of Tarsus.Kubilay Aka and Hafsanur Sancaktutan are back in the spotlight.The project has also attracted attention because of Kubilay Aka's and Hafsanur Sancaktutan’s off-screen history.The two actors began dating in 2024 and became one of Turkish entertainment’s most talked-about celebrity couples. Earlier this year, reports claimed they had ended their relationship. Turkish media noted that both unfollowed each other on social media and removed shared photos from their accounts.Following the breakup, some tabloids published claims that cheating may have played a role in the separation. However, neither Kubilay Aka nor Hafsanur Sancaktutan publicly confirmed those reports, and the rumors remain unverified.Recently, media outlets have speculated that the pair may have reconciled, but neither side has made an official statement.Now, their decision to share the screen together in Mercan Köşk has brought them back into the spotlight once again.Fans on social media have been reacting strongly to the news, with many excited to see the pair act opposite each other for the first time in a television lead project.Filming has commenced in Tarsus, and the initial images have been released, indicating that Mercan Köşk is poised to become one of the most closely monitored Turkish dramas of the upcoming season.
