Selim Bayraktar, born on June 17, 1975, is a distinguished Iraqi-Turkish actor who has garnered widespread acclaim for his versatile performances in both television and film. With a remarkable career spanning various roles and projects, Bayraktar has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His portrayal of 'Sümbül Ağa' in Muhteşem Yüzyıl and his role in the Netflix series Rise of Empires: Ottoman have earned him international recognition and a devoted fan base.
Selim Bayraktar's background is rooted in the Iraqi Turkmen community, hailing from the city of Kirkuk. Born in 1975, he emerged from a multicultural heritage, with a Turkish father and a Kirkuk-native mother. His formative years were spent in Kirkuk, where he completed his primary education before relocating with his family to Turkey in 1987. Settling first in Eskişehir and then in Antalya, he continued his education and completed high school.
In his pursuit of the arts, Bayraktar's journey led him to the Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory Theater Department, where he honed his acting skills. Following his graduation in 2000, he embarked on a theatrical career, initially working at the Diyarbakır State Theater. His passion and dedication eventually brought him to the Antalya State Theater in 2007, where he further refined his craft.
Bayraktar's entry into the world of television occurred in 2006 when he portrayed Erdal in the TV series Köprü. His talent soon captured the attention of audiences, and in 2009, he took on the role of Mahmut Pasha in the series Bir Bulut Olsam. However, his breakout moment arrived in 2011 when he brought the character of Sümbül Ağa to life in the historical drama Muhteşem Yüzyıl, which aired on Show TV. This role catapulted him to fame and solidified his status as a respected actor.
Beyond television, Bayraktar extended his prowess to the silver screen. He starred in notable films such as Romantic Comedy 2: Farewell to Bachelorhood, Red, and Aşk Sana Benzer. His versatility shone as he embraced a range of characters, showcasing his ability to navigate both comedy and drama.
Bayraktar continued his ascent in the industry, portraying Hakan in the series The Queen of the Night and Edip in Ufak Tefek Cinayetler. He also made his mark in the digital realm with the role of Eşref Şerif in the internet series Görünen Adam, directed by Onur Ünlü. His commitment to his craft extended to the big screen as well, with his role as Resul in the movie Arada, directed by Mu Tunç.