Turkish actor Can Yaman has triggered public anger in Turkey after openly stating he prefers Italy over his home country in a recent interview.
Yaman Chooses Italy
During the interview, the Erkenci Kuş star was asked to choose between Italy and Turkey. Without hesitation, he picked Italy. The video spread quickly, fueling accusations that he’s turned his back on his roots and the Turkish TV industry that launched his global career.
Some went as far as calling for his Turkish citizenship to be revoked. Others demanded he be banned from entering Turkey in the future.
Support for Can Yaman
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Many fans stood by him. Supporters highlighted that Yaman’s success in Italy has been significant. One user posted:
"You ignored him for years. You said he wasn’t truly Turkish. You pushed him to leave. Now that he says he prefers Italy, suddenly he's Turkish again and you act like it's a betrayal. He always said he loves Italy, its people, and culture. That’s why he chose to attend an Italian high school as a child."
New Series: Elturco
Meanwhile, Yaman promoted his new historical drama Elturco on Instagram. He plays the lead role of Hasan Balaban. He reposted the series trailer, announcing its release in Turkey, Brazil, Romania, Russia, and Honduras.
He confirmed it will also be available soon in Italy, the Middle East, the Czech Republic, Panama, and the United States.
10 Questions and Lesser-Known Facts About Can Yaman
Can Yaman is one of the most talked-about Turkish actors of his generation. He’s charming, multilingual, and highly visible in both Turkish and European media. But behind the fame, there’s more than meets the eye.
Here are 10 real questions people ask about him—and the truths behind them.
1. Why did Can Yaman choose to live in Italy?
He found consistent work, recognition, and respect there. After feeling sidelined in Turkish media, he made a strategic move. Italy welcomed him as a leading man, not just a pretty face.
2. Is he fluent in Italian?
Yes. He speaks Italian fluently. He attended an Italian high school in Istanbul, which shaped his love for the language and culture. He also speaks English, German, and Turkish.
3. What’s his educational background?
He’s a lawyer. He graduated top of his class from Yeditepe University’s Law School in Istanbul. He even worked briefly at a law firm before switching to acting.
4. Does he have a complicated relationship with Turkish media?
Yes. He’s been both idolized and criticized. Some media outlets paint him as arrogant or difficult. He says they twisted his words and created controversy to sell headlines.
5. Has he ever been in serious relationships?
He keeps his personal life quiet but has been linked publicly to actresses like Demet Özdemir and Italian journalist Diletta Leotta. Most of those relationships ended under heavy media pressure.
6. What drives his career choices?
Control and growth. He wants roles that challenge him, not ones that recycle his romantic image. That’s why he’s shifting toward historical and action roles like Elturco.
7. Is he involved in charity or social causes?
Yes. He supports children’s hospitals and foundations, especially in Italy and Turkey. He prefers to donate quietly but occasionally shares updates to encourage others to help.
8. Why do some fans feel betrayed?
He recently said he prefers Italy over Turkey. Some saw that as disloyal. But those close to him say it's about where he feels valued, not about denying his roots.
9. How does he handle fame?
By isolating. He avoids parties, tabloids, and gossip. He focuses on the work, trains daily, and limits interviews. He’s disciplined to a fault, which some confuse with ego.
10. What’s next for him?
He's building a brand. Beyond acting, he's working on business ventures in fitness, fashion, and possibly directing. He wants to be more than an actor—he wants to be a creator.
Final Thought
Can Yaman isn’t just the guy from Turkish rom-coms. He’s sharp, driven, and hard to categorize. Whether you like him or not, he’s rewriting what it means to be a modern celebrity from Turkey.
What do you think—is he misunderstood or calculated?