Turkish actor Kerem Bursin starts dating granddaughter of Turkish business tycoon

Turkish actor Kerem Bursin, widely known for his roles in “Love is in the Air” (Sen Cal Kapimi) and “Waiting for the Sun,” (Gunesi Beklerken) has reportedly started a new relationship with Melisa Sabanci Tapan, the granddaughter of Türkiye’s prominent businessman, Sakip Sabanci.

The news broke following Bursin’s comments in recent interviews, where he spoke openly about his personal life and happiness in this new chapter.

Bursin talks about his relationship while promoting his new film

Bursin, during the promotion of his latest movie “Blue Cave” (Mavi Magara), revealed to journalist Birsen Altuntas that he is in a committed relationship. “My heart is full. I’m very happy in my new relationship, which started beautifully,” he shared.

Though he initially avoided revealing who his partner was, it later came to light that the person he was referring to was Melisa Sabanci Tapan, whom he has reportedly been seeing for two months.

Bursin, a leading figure in the Turkish film industry, further cemented his international reputation through his role in “Love is in the Air,” which became popular on streaming platforms worldwide.

Fans of the actor have expressed curiosity about his personal life, and this news confirms the rumors circulating for months about his connection to the prestigious Sabanci family.

Couple’s meeting at exclusive event

Reports state that Bursin and Melisa Sabanci Tapan first met in May 2024 at a high-profile party hosted by globally acclaimed photographer Mert Alas in Istanbul.

The event brought together some of the most notable figures in Türkiye’s social circles, including celebrities from the entertainment and business sectors.

Bursin and Sabanci Tapan initially began as friends, but their bond quickly developed into a romantic relationship. Despite being public figures, they have made a conscious effort to keep their relationship private, avoiding public displays of affection or social media posts.

Who is Kerem Bursin?

Bursin, born in Istanbul in 1987, spent much of his youth abroad in countries such as the United States, Scotland and Indonesia. He is fluent in English, which helped his early career in Hollywood, where he appeared in minor roles like “Sharktopus” (2010).

His return to Türkiye marked the beginning of his rise to fame, with his breakthrough role in the popular series “Waiting for the Sun” in 2013.

Bursin’s acting prowess, good looks, and charismatic personality made him a household name, but it was his lead role in “Love is in the Air” that brought him international fame. The romantic drama aired in 2020 and was streamed across several platforms, including Netflix, making him a global star​.

In addition to his acting career, Bursin is an active supporter of social causes, notably his involvement in the U.N. Women’s HeForShe campaign advocating for gender equality. This activism has earned him widespread respect beyond his acting achievements.

Who is Kerem Bursin’s girlfriend, Melisa Sabanci Tapan?

Melisa Sabanci Tapan is a member of Türkiye’s prestigious Sabanci family, known for their vast business empire. She is the granddaughter of Sakip Sabanci, one of the country’s most influential business figures.

Melisa holds a Master’s degree in Economic and Political Development from Columbia University and has played a significant role in promoting sustainable art production through her project, Gate 27, which supports collaborations in the art world.

Additionally, she serves as a board member for Sabanci Holding and is involved in various philanthropic activities, particularly in the fields of art and education. Her family has a long-standing reputation in Türkiye, not only for their business achievements but also for their connections to the entertainment world.

While neither Bursin nor Sabanci Tapan has publicly commented on their relationship, insiders suggest the couple may soon share more about their status. Their romance has already attracted considerable attention in media and social circles, with fans eagerly anticipating updates on the actor’s love life.