Erkan Kolcak Köstendil is a multifaceted Turkish artist, exceling as an actor, writer, director, and singer. His uncle, the renowned actor Bülent Sakrak, played a significant role in his early life.
Born and raised in the bustling city of Bursa, located in northwestern Anatolia, Köstendil initially considered a career as a goalkeeper. However, his path crossed with two seasoned actors who made a profound impact on him, prompting him to pursue a degree in theater at the prestigious Mimar Sinan University of the Fine Arts.
Köstendil's passion for the performing arts led him to write, direct, and act in numerous plays and short films. He wrote and starred in the play 'Karsi Cinsle Tanisma Sanati,' earning him the title of 'Actor of the Year.' He also received a 'Young Actor Special' award for his performance in the play 'Aut.'
As a writer and director, Köstendil created the first Turkish Facebook Series, 'Mukadderat.' His short film, 'Vakit,' garnered widespread industry recognition and numerous awards. He then wrote and directed a medium-length film, shot in Istanbul and Amsterdam.
Köstendil made a successful transition to TV acting, appearing in numerous popular shows and cementing his place in the acting world with his unique character interpretations. His breakthrough role came in 2005 with the show 'Kurtlar Vadisi.' He gained international recognition with his portrayal of a low-ranking soldier in the 2009 production 'Sakarya Firat.'
Throughout his career, Köstendil has appeared in a variety of films and TV shows. In 2014, he took on the character 'Karlos Nevizade' in the hit TV show 'Ulan Istanbul,' earning him widespread fame and recognition in Turkey. He also wrote and performed a song, 'Yanarim Yanarim,' which gained millions of views on YouTube.
Köstendil's most recent notable roles include his portrayal of 'Shahin Khan Girai,' the last Khan of Crimea, in the internationally aired historical drama 'Muhtesem Yuzyil: Kosem.' His last appearance was in the TV show 'Familya.'
