Jeff Hiller

Nurgül Yeşilçay (born Nurgül Gültekin on March 26, 1976, in Afyon, Turkey) is a Turkish actress. She completed her middle and high school education in İzmir. She graduated from Eskişehir Anadolu University's Theatre Department in 2001. During her university education, she gained recognition for her role as Gülsüm in the TV series *İkinci Bahar*. In 2002, she rose to fame for her role as Bahar Karadağ in the TV series *Asmalı Konak*, directed by Çağan Irmak. The same year, she starred in the film *Mumya Firarda* with Teoman. In 2003, she starred alongside Özcan Deniz in *Asmalı Konak — Hayatta*, a sequel to *Asmalı Konak*, directed by Abdullah Oğuz. Her role as Kostak Emine in the film *Eğreti Gelin*, directed by Atıf Yılmaz, earned her the Best Actress award at the 12th Adana Golden Boll Film Festival in 2005. That same year, she starred in the TV series *Melekler Adası* with Hande Ataizi. In 2004, she played Saliha in the film *Anlat İstanbul*, directed by five different directors. From 2005 to 2006, she starred alongside Berna Laçin and Kenan Işık in the TV series *Belalı Baldız*. In 2006, she appeared in the theatre play *Sen Olmasaydın* with Cem Özer. In September 2006, she began filming *Yaşamın Kıyısında* (On the Edge of Life), a film written, directed, and produced by Fatih Akın. Her portrayal of Ayten Öztürk earned the film a nomination for the Palme d'Or at the 60th Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Best Screenplay award. In 2007, she starred as Ezo Gelin in the TV series *Ezo Gelin*. She served on the main jury of the 31st Cairo International Film Festival, chaired by British director Nicolas Roeg. In 2007, she delivered a flawless performance as Hacer in the film *Adem'in Trenleri* (Adem's Trains), directed by Barış Pirhasan. This role won her the Best Actress award at the 13th Sadri Alışık Theatre Awards. She also won the Best Actress Award at the 15th ÇASOD (Çağdaş Sinema Oyuncuları Derneği) Traditional Actor Awards for her performances in *Yaşamın Kıyısında* and *Adem'in Trenleri*. From April 5th to 20th, 2008, she served on the national competition jury at the 27th Istanbul International Film Festival, chaired by Semin Kaplanoğlu. On May 26, 2008, she began filming *Vicdan* (Conscience), directed by Golden Bear winner Erden Kıral, where she played Aydanur, a factory worker, a cabaret dancer, and a woman wearing a headscarf – showcasing her versatility. This role earned her the Best Actress award at the 45th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. In January 2010, she starred alongside Murat Yıldırım in the TV series *Aşk ve Ceza* (Love and Punishment), which ended in 2011. That same year, she starred in the TV series *Sensiz Olmaz*. She continued to appear in films such as *Aşk Kırmızı*, *Gece*, and *İkinci Şans*. She replaced Beren Saat in the second season of the TV series *Muhteşem Yüzyıl Kösem*, portraying Kösem Sultan. She played the leading role of Gülseren in the TV series *Paramparça*. She married Cem Özer, her co-star in *Melekler Adası*, on October 26, 2004, and gave birth to their son, Osman Nejat, on May 22, 2005. They divorced in 2011.