‘Güneşin Doğduğu Yer’ loses founding directors as Ketche takes over

‘Güneşin Doğduğu Yer’ faces a major shake-up as Ketche replaces its founding directors.

Turkish drama ‘Güneşin Doğduğu Yer’ is undergoing a major change behind the scenes just weeks after its television debut. Acclaimed directors Çağrı Vila Lostuvalı and Çiğdem Bozali are reportedly leaving the ATV series, with experienced filmmaker Ketche set to take over the directing duties. The news was reported by Turkish journalist Birsen Altuntaş on October 21, 2026.

The departure marks a notable shift for the production, which began its run with the award-winning directing duo at the helm. No official explanation has been announced for their exit, and ATV and production company TIMS&B Productions have not publicly confirmed the reported change.

Why Are Çağrı Vila Lostuvalı and Çiğdem Bozali Leaving?

Lostuvalı and Bozali served as the founding directors of ‘Güneşin Doğduğu Yer’, helping establish the series’ visual style and dramatic tone from its opening episode.

The pair are well known for their work on ‘Masumlar Apartmanı’, the popular Turkish drama that earned them the ‘Best Director award at the 2021 Golden Butterfly Awards’. Their departure is therefore drawing attention, particularly because the series premiered only recently.

Although reports confirm that the two directors are stepping away from the project, the reason for their departure remains unclear. No verified information has established whether the decision was related to scheduling, creative differences or another factor.

Ketche Takes Over as the New Director

The director reportedly taking over is ‘Hakan Kırvavaç, professionally known as Ketche’. He is an established name in Turkish television and cinema, with experience directing both television dramas and feature films.

Ketche previously worked as the founding director of ‘Kızılcık Şerbeti’, one of Turkish television’s prominent dramas. He directed the series for 91 episodes before leaving in early 2025, after which Aydın Bulut took over. His film credits include ‘Romantik Komedi’ and ‘Müslüm’, which he co-directed with Can Ulkay.

His appointment brings an experienced director to ‘Güneşin Doğduğu Yer’ as the series continues developing its story. However, reports have not yet specified which episode will mark his first work on the production.

What Is ‘Güneşin Doğduğu Yer’ About?

Produced by TIMS&B Productions for ATV, ‘Güneşin Doğduğu Yer’ stars Burak Özçivit, Beyza Gümülcine, Sibel Taşçıoğlu and Görkem Sevindik. The screenplay is written by Yıldız Tunç, with Timur Savcı and Burak Sağyaşar serving as producers.

The drama follows Kenan Kozan, played by Özçivit, whose romance with Leyla Breger, portrayed by Gümülcine, begins in Germany before bringing them into the complex family dynamics of Adana in the 1990s. Kenan’s love for Leyla challenges his loyalty to his family, particularly his powerful mother, Celadet Kozan, played by Taşçıoğlu.

The series premiered on ATV on September 17, 2026, after its original launch plan was adjusted. It airs on Thursday evenings and has attracted attention for its established cast and family-centered storyline.

A New Chapter for the ATV Drama

The reported director change comes early in the series’ broadcast run, making it one of the production’s most notable developments so far. Ketche’s arrival could bring a different directing approach, although it is too early to predict how the change might affect the show’s style or future episodes.

For now, the key details are clear: Çağrı Vila Lostuvalı and Çiğdem Bozali are reportedly leaving, and Ketche is expected to take over. The reasons behind the departure and the exact timing of the handover remain unannounced, leaving viewers waiting for further details from the production team.