Who is Öykü Karayel? How old is she and where is she from?

Öykü Karayel Bonomo is a talented Turkish actress known for her exceptional performances in theater, television, and cinema. Born on August 20, 1990, in Istanbul, Turkey, she has made a significant impact in the Turkish entertainment industry with her natural acting skills and diverse roles.

Early Life and Education

Öykü Karayel was born into a Turkish family, the daughter of Yeşim and Cengiz Karayel. She grew up in Istanbul and attended Çemberlitaş Girls’ High School. Even during her early years, she showed a deep passion for acting and performing arts.

To refine her skills, she took a short-term training at Kenter Theatre, one of Turkey’s most prestigious acting institutions. In 2007, she was accepted into Istanbul University State Conservatory’s Theatre Department, where she received formal acting education.

During her time at the conservatory, she auditioned for Berkun Oya's play, "Güzel Şeyler Bizim Tarafta" at Krek Theatre. She landed the lead role of Ayşe, which turned out to be a career-defining performance.

Her outstanding portrayal in the play earned her several prestigious awards, including:

• Efes Special Award at the 16th Sadri Alışık Theatre and Cinema Awards

• Young Talent Award from the Theatre Critics Association

These accolades cemented her reputation as one of Turkey’s most promising young actresses.

Television Career: Breakthrough and Stardom

Kuzey Güney (2011-2013) – Rising to Fame

Öykü Karayel made her television debut in 2011 with the hit drama Kuzey Güney, where she played Cemre Çayak, a pivotal character in the series. Starring alongside Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, she gained nationwide recognition and established herself as a rising star in Turkish television.

Kara Para Aşk (2014-2015) – A Successful Thriller

In 2014, she joined the cast of Kara Para Aşk, an internationally acclaimed thriller featuring Engin Akyürek and Tuba Büyüküstün. Her role in the series further demonstrated her acting range and versatility.

Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Kösem (2016) – Historical Drama

Öykü Karayel later appeared in Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Kösem, a historical drama based on the life of Kösem Sultan, where she took on the role of Dilruba Sultan. This role allowed her to showcase her ability to portray complex and historical characters.

Kalp Atışı (2017-2018) – Leading Role

In 2017, she took on her first leading role in a romantic drama with Kalp Atışı, playing the character Eylül Erdem, a talented and passionate doctor. The series became a fan favorite, and her performance was widely praised.

Muhteşem İkili (2018-2019) – Action and Comedy

Her next major project was Muhteşem İkili, where she starred alongside İbrahim Çelikkol and Kerem Bürsin. The show blended action, crime, and comedy, allowing Karayel to explore a different acting style.

Jet Sosyete (2019) – A Taste of Comedy

In 2019, she made a guest appearance in the popular comedy series Jet Sosyete, showcasing her versatility in different genres.

Film Career: A Bold and Artistic Approach

Unlike many actors who stick primarily to mainstream television, Öykü Karayel has also made a significant impact in independent and artistic films.

Bulantı (2015) & Toz (2015) – Experimental & Thought-Provoking

Her film journey began with Bulantı and Toz, two thought-provoking movies that emphasized deep storytelling and artistic expression.

İşe Yarar Bir Şey (2017) – A Critically Acclaimed Drama

In 2017, she starred in the award-winning drama İşe Yarar Bir Şey, written by Barış Bıçakçı. The film was highly praised for its poetic and philosophical narrative, and Karayel's subtle yet powerful performance was critically acclaimed.

Put Şeylere (2018) – Psychological Thriller

Her 2018 film Put Şeylere was a dark psychological thriller, once again proving her ability to take on complex and challenging roles.

Upcoming Film: Umami (2025)

In 2025, she will be seen in Umami, an internationally produced film that is expected to showcase her talent on a global stage.

Personal Life & Marriage to Can Bonomo

Aside from her professional life, Öykü Karayel’s personal life has also been in the public eye. She is married to Can Bonomo, a well-known Turkish musician and poet. The couple has been together for several years and often shares glimpses of their happy and artistic life.

Despite her fame, Karayel maintains a low-profile lifestyle, preferring to focus on her craft and personal growth rather than the spotlight.

Öykü Karayel’s Filmography

Television Series:

• Kuzey Güney (2011-2013) – Cemre Çayak

• Kara Para Aşk (2014-2015)

• Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Kösem (2016) – Dilruba Sultan

• Kalp Atışı (2017-2018) – Eylül Erdem

• Muhteşem İkili (2018-2019)

• Jet Sosyete (2019)
  
  

Films:

• Bulantı (2015)

• Toz (2015)

• İşe Yarar Bir Şey (2017)

• Put Şeylere (2018)

• Umami (2025)