Nurettin Sönmez

Nurettin Sönmez — Biography

Nurettin Sönmez is a Turkish actor born on 24 July 1978 in Istanbul. His father is a dentist and his mother an immigrant of Albanian descent. He began his studies in the Mining Engineering Department at Istanbul University, then attended an acting school before going on to study theatre at Yeditepe University. His work as an instructor of Far Eastern martial arts, combined with his skill in horseback riding and swordsmanship, later gave him a considerable advantage in the historical drama roles he would go on to play.

Sönmez first appeared on screen in the series Mavi Kelebekler (2011) and, after taking a part in Bir Zamanlar Osmanlı Kıyam (2013), rose to wide recognition playing Bamsı Beyrek in Diriliş Ertuğrul (2014). He carried the same beloved character into the sequel series Kuruluş Osman (2019), leaving the production in 2021 a few episodes before that season's finale. Alongside acting, he continues to give training and seminars on Far Eastern martial arts in Turkey and abroad.