Can Yaman's Budapest Trip Sparks International Fan Frenzy: A Closer Look at the Turkish Star's Global Impact
In what was intended to be a low-key location scouting visit, Turkish actor Can Yaman's recent arrival in Budapest, Hungary, transformed into an unexpected display of his far-reaching international stardom. The 33-year-old heartthrob, who rose to global prominence through his charismatic performances in Turkish television dramas, found himself at the center of a passionate fan gathering that required police intervention to manage the enthusiastic crowds.
A Surprising Welcome in Budapest
Yaman's visit to the Hungarian capital was primarily focused on scouting locations for his highly anticipated upcoming project. However, word of his arrival spread rapidly among his dedicated Hungarian fan base. By the time his vehicle pulled up to the luxurious five-star hotel in downtown Budapest where he was booked to stay, hundreds of fans had gathered in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the Turkish star.
The scene outside the hotel quickly escalated as fans, predominantly women of various ages, pressed forward for autographs and selfies with the actor. What began as an excited gathering soon became a logistical challenge for hotel security, who were unprepared for the volume of people congregating in the area. Local police were called to the scene to help manage the crowd and address the traffic disruption that had developed on the busy downtown street.
Seemingly unfazed by the commotion, Yaman took the situation in stride, stopping briefly to acknowledge his fans with waves and smiles before being ushered into the hotel by his security team. Later that evening, he shared video footage of the warm reception on his Instagram account, where he boasts over 10 million followers. The post, captioned simply "Hungary loves me," quickly accumulated millions of views and thousands of comments from fans worldwide.
The Rise of a Global Turkish Star
Can Yaman's journey to international stardom represents a significant milestone in the global expansion of Turkish television content. Born on November 8, 1989, in Istanbul, Yaman initially pursued a career in law, graduating from Yeditepe University's Law Department in 2012. After briefly working as a corporate lawyer, he made the dramatic career shift to acting in 2014, a decision that would ultimately catapult him to unexpected international fame.
His breakthrough came with roles in popular Turkish series like "Dolunay" (Full Moon) and particularly "Erkenci Kuş" (Early Bird), where his portrayal of the charismatic and free-spirited photographer Can Divit opposite actress Demet Özdemir created a chemistry that resonated with audiences far beyond Turkey's borders. The series, exported to over 60 countries, became a particular hit in Italy, Spain, Greece, and Latin America, establishing Yaman as one of Turkey's most recognized international stars.
Industry analysts point to Yaman's success as part of a larger phenomenon known as the "Turkish drama wave" or "dizi phenomenon," which has seen Turkish television content emerge as a powerful cultural export. According to data from the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Turkish TV exports have grown from less than $10 million in the early 2000s to over $500 million annually in recent years, reaching audiences in more than 150 countries.
Italy: A Second Home
While Yaman's popularity spans multiple countries, it is perhaps in Italy where his star shines brightest outside his homeland. Following the success of "Erkenci Kuş" on Italian television, Yaman became a household name in the country, appearing on numerous talk shows and magazine covers. His fluency in Italian, which he reportedly learned in just a few months, further endeared him to the Italian public.
In 2021, this special relationship with Italy deepened when Yaman relocated to Rome to pursue international projects, including a leading role in the remake of the classic Italian series "Sandokan." He has also become the face of major advertising campaigns in Italy, including those for pasta brand De Cecco and Dolce & Gabbana fragrances.
However, this embrace of Italy has not been without controversy. Some Turkish fans have expressed disappointment with what they perceive as Yaman's prioritization of his Italian career over projects in his native Turkey. In response to these criticisms, Yaman has maintained that he remains proud of his Turkish heritage while embracing opportunities to grow as an international actor.
The Disney+ Project: "El Turco"
The Budapest trip that sparked the recent fan frenzy is linked to what many industry insiders consider Yaman's most ambitious project to date: the Disney+ series "El Turco." Based on historical events, the series will feature Yaman as Balaban Agha, an Ottoman soldier who remained in Europe after the failed Ottoman siege of Vienna in 1683 and became a local hero in a small Hungarian village.
The big-budget production represents Disney's growing investment in regional content and marks a significant milestone in Yaman's career transition from Turkish television star to international actor. Filming is scheduled to take place across multiple European locations, with Budapest serving as a primary setting due to its historical architecture and production facilities.
Production sources close to the project have indicated that "El Turco" aims to blend historical drama with action elements, showcasing Yaman's physical capabilities alongside his acting skills. The actor has reportedly undergone intensive horseback riding and combat training in preparation for the physically demanding role.
Managing Fame and Future Prospects
The Budapest incident highlights both the opportunities and challenges that come with Yaman's level of international fame. While his global popularity opens doors to prestigious projects and lucrative endorsement deals, it also comes with the logistical complications of managing fan expectations and maintaining privacy.
Entertainment industry experts suggest that Yaman stands at a critical juncture in his career. With "El Turco," he has the opportunity to transcend his status as a "Turkish drama star" and establish himself as a legitimate international actor with appeal beyond the traditional audience for Turkish content.
"What we're seeing with actors like Can Yaman is the globalization of talent in an unprecedented way," explains media analyst Sophia Kartal. "Streaming platforms have broken down geographical barriers for content, allowing stars from markets previously considered 'regional' to achieve truly global recognition. The question now is whether they can leverage that recognition into sustainable international careers."
For Yaman, the path forward appears to involve a careful balancing act between embracing international opportunities while maintaining his connection to the Turkish audience that first supported his rise to fame. His recent social media posts suggest an awareness of this dynamic, as he frequently shares content in multiple languages and acknowledges fans from different countries.
As production on "El Turco" progresses in the coming months, industry observers will be watching closely to see if Yaman can successfully navigate this transition. If successful, he may establish a template for other actors from emerging entertainment markets to follow as they seek to build truly global careers.
In the meantime, the hotel staff in Budapest—and likely in other European capitals—will be preparing more thoroughly for future visits from the Turkish star whose presence can transform a quiet hotel entrance into an impromptu fan convention within hours.