ALBAWABA - Cemre Baysel welcomes Mert Yazıcıoğlu as new co-star.
Turkish actors Cemre Baysel and Mert Yazıcıoğlu are set to headline Go Türkiye's newest promotional mini-series, a production designed to introduce the breathtaking landscapes, culture, and traditions of Türkiye's Black Sea region to audiences around the world. The project has also undergone significant behind-the-scenes changes, including a new production company and a last-minute casting switch that brought Yazıcıoğlu into the lead role.
The mini-series is being produced as part of the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)'s internationally focused Go Türkiye campaign, which has previously showcased destinations such as İstanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Göcek, İzmir, and Southeastern Anatolia through short, cinematic productions starring some of Türkiye's biggest actors. Previous Go Türkiye projects have featured stars including Burak Özçivit, Fahriye Evcen, Murat Yıldırım, Engin Altan Düzyatan, Özge Gürel and Ceyda Ateş, attracting hundreds of millions of online views worldwide.
The new production was initially developed under the title Kalbimin Rotası Karadeniz (My Heart's Route: Black Sea) before becoming part of the broader Go Türkiye mini-series collection. According to Turkish entertainment journalist Birsen Altuntaş, the screenplay was written by Emre Kavuk, while acclaimed director Ketche (Hakan Kırvavaç) will direct the project. Production has now moved to Sky Film, headed by producer Emre Oskay, after an earlier change behind the scenes.
The production has experienced several important changes before filming even began.
When the project was first announced, İlhan Şen had been cast opposite Cemre Baysel, and Han Medya, owned by actor and producer Tolgahan Sayışman, had secured the production rights. However, shortly before filming was scheduled to start, Sayışman withdrew from the project, leading to a change in production companies. Sky Film subsequently took over production, while İlhan Şen also exited the series. Following those developments, Mert Yazıcıoğlu was officially announced as Cemre Baysal's new co-star.
According to Turkish media, filming is scheduled to begin on July 20 in Istanbul before continuing in various locations across the Black Sea region. The series aims to showcase the area's dramatic mountains, lush forests, highland plateaus, coastline, traditional villages, historic landmarks, local cuisine, and cultural heritage through a fictional story designed to appeal to international audiences.
Although detailed plot information has not yet been released, Turkish media describe the project as an emotional, visually driven story that blends romance with the unique atmosphere of the Black Sea. Like previous Go Türkiye productions, the mini-series is expected to function both as entertainment and as an international tourism showcase, highlighting destinations while telling a character-focused narrative.
The project also marks the first on-screen collaboration between Cemre Baysel and Mert Yazıcıoğlu, making it one of the most anticipated pairings among Turkish television fans. Both actors have built successful careers through major television productions and enjoy strong international followings thanks to the global popularity of Turkish dramas.
For Cemre Baysel, the mini-series adds another high-profile production to a career that includes Ramo, Baht Oyunu, Sakla Beni, Leyla: Hayat... Aşk... Adalet..., and the feature film Aşk Filmi. Mert Yazıcıoğlu, meanwhile, continues an exceptionally busy period following acclaimed performances in Kızıl Goncalar and Kuruluş Orhan, while also preparing to headline Netflix's upcoming series Aras. Their partnership in Go Türkiye is expected to introduce the Black Sea's rich natural beauty and cultural identity to viewers worldwide through one of the campaign's most ambitious promotional productions to date.
