Halil İbrahim Ceyhan on %100 Aşk, Canvermezler, and the Art of Becoming

Turkish actor, singer, songwriter, and former model Halil İbrahim Ceyhan has become one of the most recognizable faces of recent years, earning a devoted international following through his breakout role as Yaman Kırımlı in the hit television series Emanet. Since first entering the entertainment industry through modeling, Ceyhan has steadily expanded his career across acting and music, distinguishing himself with his versatility, ambition, and thoughtful approach to his craft. Fresh off the set of the romantic comedy film %100 Aşk and the period drama Canvermezler, he joins us for a candid conversation about the projects shaping this new chapter of his career, his artistic aspirations, the lessons he carries from childhood, and the values that continue to guide him both on and off screen.

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Dilay Seckin: What period of your life are you in right now?

Halil İbrahim Ceyhan: It’s a complex period in many ways. I’m faced with so many intertwined formulas, it’s like being surrounded by integrals.

DS: You recently finished filming the movie %100 Aşk, in which you share the lead role with Zeynep Tuğçe Bayat and play the character Ateş. Can you tell us a little about the plot and the character you’ll be playing?

HİC: Ateş is a likeable character who’s trying to get a second chance at life, seeking refuge in a small guesthouse, away from the chaos and confusion, and working as a chef in a peaceful environment. Working with the friendly Zeynep Tuğçe Bayat was also very comfortable and enjoyable. Her energy, friendliness, and hard work made the filming process peaceful and fun. I thank her very much.

DS: What factors influence your decision to accept a project offer?

HİC: What attracted me to this project was that the character was different from the ones I usually play. The fact that it’s a romantic comedy, along with the character’s relaxed attitude and energy are major factors.

DS: What kind of character would you most like to bring to life?

HİC: I’m very interested in characters who’ve shaped history. Portraying a cult figure who left their mark on an era is one of the roles I most want to bring to life. We just finished filming Canvermezler for the TRT Tabii channel. Canvermezler is a project that excited me from the first moment I read it, with its atmosphere and strong story among the historical works produced recently. I played a sharp, confident, and intelligent detective in the 1930s. I’ve always been curious to be involved in period dramas. Demir Müşir, a delightful character, has left a lasting impression on me, making me eager for future period projects. We completed the filming with a wonderful team, and I’m very happy. But I’m also curious about every character that might come my way.

DS: What kind of success did you have in mind when you first entered the industry? Where do you see yourself in relation to that goal now?

HİC: My dreams are coming true, step by step. I’m learning so much. It’s a long journey, a path that requires patience and perseverance. I’m happy to be getting better with a community I’ve grown up with…

DS: Do you have any new TV series projects coming up?

HİC: We’re discussing some very exciting new projects. We’re reading them meticulously. We want the project to be the most accurate, the most beautiful, and the one that resonates most with us. That’s why we don’t want to rush into making a decision.

DS: What is your view on participating in international projects?

HİC: Of course, I’d love to be a part of such a project. More than just a personal desire, it’d be a great source of pride for me as a Turk to have our country represented. One of my biggest career dreams is to be involved in a successful project abroad. There’re already offers in that direction. There’ll be a surprise very soon.

DS: The author Jorge Amado said, “A person’s homeland is their childhood.” If we go back in time a bit, what stories can you tell us about those days?

HİC: One should never abandon the child within. Many things I experienced and felt during those times prepared me and brought me to where I’m today. The things my birthplace and the environment in which I grew up have given me are invaluable.

DS: We know you entered the industry through modeling. How did you transition into acting?

HİC: Acting was a profession I wanted to pursue from a young age. Modeling helped me get to where I’m today. I’m so glad I did it. It contributed a great deal to my career.

DS: You’re just as successful as a musician as you are as an actor. You write lyrics, compose music, and you’re a fantastic performer. Do you have an album project in mind?

HİC: Not yet, but production’s always ongoing. If I ever get a music album, it’d be a surprise for me too :)

DS: What empowered you in discovering yourself and charting your own path? Who was your biggest supporter on your journey?

HİC: I’ve always received the greatest support from my family. Their belief and support lifted me up and helped me continue even in the most impossible times. Of course, the people around me who believed in me and guided me are also very valuable to me. Having such valuable people around you and knowing their worth is a great treasure.

DS: Does loneliness increase as success increases?

HİC: I’ve always competed with myself. I didn’t think in terms of increasing or decreasing in my life. But there’re people who make me happy when I share this situation, and who’re genuinely happy about it too. I’m happy with them…

DS: What do you enjoy doing on a relaxed day when you have no work?

HİC: I love exercising. I watch old Turkish films. I read books, I write lyrics. I try to learn new things.

DS: Do you exercise regularly?

HİC: I try to exercise regularly. It’s very difficult to establish a routine because of the nature of our work, but exercise’s always my priority. At the very least, I’ll go for a few hours on my bike.

DS: Do you follow fashion, and how would you describe your style?

HİC: I’m not someone who follows fashion. I prefer timeless colors and styles. Every I believe that every environment’s an atmosphere, and I generally make my choices accordingly. Therefore, I can’t say that I have a fixed style.

DS: Everyone defines love in their own way, so I’d like to ask you for your definition of love.

HİC: I believe love is the freedom of our spiritual side. Unlike the material world, which conforms to reason, logic, and rules, it’s the immortal soul we carry making itself felt and living on…

DS: So, what is your definition of an ideal relationship?

HİC: Loyalty is about trust and knowing how to be content. Contentment is often perceived in a material sense. But I believe it’s about finding happiness through acceptance of every situation and emotion you share with the person in your life. It always leads to something better, to growing together, and to increasing what you can be content with; at its core, I believe, is trust…

DS: Why are relationships and marriages no longer as long-lasting, and where does the magic begin to fade?

HİC: Actually I’ve explained a lot of things. It’s also partly due to the artificial effects of the digital age, creating a false sense of security in a virtual atmosphere. It makes people make decisions.

DS: Do you actively use social media? What are your fans most interested in about you?

HİC: This’s the topic I get the most criticism about :) I try to use social media whenever I have time.

DS: Do you self-criticize? In what areas do you criticize yourself the most?

HİC: I always engage in self-criticism. A life without criticism hinders progress. I love reading, but I think I read too little. I believe the foundation of everything is reading and researching.

DS: What detail from this shoot best reflects you?

HİC: It’s a pleasant shoot where we stepped outside the usual Halil İbrahim style, thank you…

DS: What aspect of yourself would you like people to remember after this interview?

HİC: I’m just like everyone else. There’s a piece of everyone inside me. Someone who’s timeless, hungry for success, and striving to push their own limits and share it with everyone…

DS: If you could write a note to yourself right now, what would it say?

HİC: Never give up on capturing and living the moments in life. Always keep moving and never lose sight of the wind at your back…

DS: As we wrap up the interview, what is the strongest emotion you’re feeling right now?

HİC: I’m excited. I’m curious about the immediate developments and changes in our ever-evolving world. And it’ll always be that way…

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Team Credits

Creative Director: Zişan Seçkin

Interviewer: Dilay Seçkin

Photography & Videography: Ünal Avcı

Styling: İrem İnançu

Make-up: Cüneyt Seven

Hair Styling: Sabit Akkaya

Styling Assistant: Elif Hoşgör

Hair Styling Assistant: Ömer Bağsız

Location: The St. Regis Istanbul

Management: Vega Acting Menagement & Vildan Mumcu

Press Advising: Ebru Ünal