Turkish TV star Turabi loses all assets in Los Angeles wildfire

Turabi Camkiran, widely known for his success in the Turkish competition show “Survivor”, announced on Friday that he lost his home and car in the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, U.S.

The wildfires, recorded as some of the most financially damaging in U.S. history, have destroyed multimillion-dollar estates belonging to Hollywood stars and musicians. Among the properties affected in the fire-stricken areas are those owned by several Turkish celebrities.

‘I have nowhere to go’

Camkiran shared his loss in a heartfelt social media post, revealing the destruction of his belongings.

In his Instagram post, Camkiran expressed his decision to return to Türkiye after losing everything in the blaze.

“My house and car are gone. Everything I owned has turned to ash. All I have left is my phone, a backpack of clothes, and an unhealthy body. But I will start over, just as I did when I first arrived with nothing. Thankfully, I’m returning to a place that feels familiar. May God help everyone who has lost their life’s possessions to a fire,” he said.

Who is Turabi Camkiran?

Turabi Camkiran is a Turkish dancer, athlete and television personality who gained fame after competing in and winning the popular reality show “Survivor Türkiye”. He later participated in international reality shows, including “The Challenge” in the U.S., where he further showcased his resilience and determination. His success in these competitions earned him a dedicated fan base both in Türkiye and abroad.

Beyond reality television, Camkiran is known for his passion for martial arts, which he often credits for his discipline and perseverance in life.

Turkish celebrities with properties in L.A.

On the other hand, many Turkish celebrities have properties in Los Angeles, ranging from businesspeople to actors, as the city is often regarded as the global hub of the entertainment world.

According to business-focused patronlardunyasi.com, some Turkish celebrities who have properties near the fire zone are as follows:

Fenerbahce Chairman, Koc Holding Vice Chairman Ali Koc: In November 2020, Ali Koc purchased a super-luxury mansion in Los Angeles for $14.5 million. The property boasts stunning views of both the Los Angeles cityscape and the Pacific Ocean.

Businessmen Adnan Sen and Metin Sen: Adnan Sen, son of former Fenerbahce Chairman Ali Sen, moved to Los Angeles with his family in 2016. Together with his brother Metin Sen, he quickly became one of the city’s leading contractors.

Actress Serenay Sarikaya: In 2018, Serenay Sarikaya purchased a two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles with her then-partner Kerem Bursin, who has been living in the U.S. for years. Sarikaya paid $501,000 for the property, based on the exchange rate at the time.

Actor Cagatay Ulusoy: In 2020, Cagatay Ulusoy not only opened a restaurant in Los Angeles but also purchased a house in the city.

Actor Kenan Imirzalioglu: Kenan Imirzalioglu reportedly bought a house in Los Angeles in 2015. Due to his busy schedule, he was unable to visit often but was said to have opened his home to friends, reportedly.

Actor Tolgahan Sayisman: In 2015, Tolgahan Sayisman purchased a house in Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles, for $430,000.

Actress Beren Saat and musician Kenan Dogulu: The couple, who married in 2014, bought a house in Los Angeles in 2018 for $1.2 million.

Costliest wildfires in US history

Southern California wildfires, starting on Jan. 7 and continuing to rage widely affected the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Claiming the lives of 11 people and destroying over 13,400 structures, became the costliest wildfire in U.S. history with economic losses estimated at $50 billion.

Wildfires forced nearly 180,000 people, including Hollywood celebrities to evacuate the area such as Mandy Moore, James Woods, and Mark Hamill, as the three major wildfires— Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst—have together scorched over 21,500 acres.

Wildfires also disrupted Hollywood, postponing the Critics Choice Awards, canceling film premieres and press events, and even forcing Universal Studios to close its theme park.