Tuba Büyüküstün stands among the most recognizable faces in Turkish television, drawing millions of global fans through hit series like Kara Para Aşk and Cesur ve Güzel. While her professional milestones receive heavy media spotlight, her personal life—particularly her high-profile marriage to fellow actor and director Onur Saylak—draws constant public curiosity. Tabloids and entertainment sites often gloss over the actual timeline, reducing a six-year marriage to sensational rumors. Understanding their relationship requires looking past the superficial headlines into how they met, built a family, and ultimately parted ways.
Onur Saylak is an accomplished Turkish actor, filmmaker, and director whose career spans gritty indie cinema and major television projects. Their paths crossed professionally before romance blossomed, leading to a quiet, international wedding and the birth of twin daughters. Their union combined two major forces in the Turkish entertainment ecosystem, creating a dynamic that fascinated fans from Istanbul to international streaming markets.
How Tuba Büyüküstün and Onur Saylak Met
Long before they walked down the aisle, Büyüküstün and Saylak crossed paths in the Turkish television industry. They initially worked together on the set of the popular drama series Asi, where they developed a steady professional friendship that lasted for years. At the time, both were focused on expanding their respective acting portfolios, taking on demanding roles in weekly series that required grueling shooting schedules.
Over time, this working relationship evolved into a deeper romance. Unlike many celebrity couples who court public attention through red-carpet debuts, Büyüküstün and Saylak kept their early dating life relatively low-profile. They navigated the intense scrutiny of Turkish tabloid culture by maintaining strict boundaries between their public personas and private romance. This discretion earned them a reputation as a grounded couple who valued their craft over sensationalism.
The Paris Wedding and Family Life
On July 28, 2011, Büyüküstün and Saylak married in a private ceremony held at the Turkish Consulate in Paris, France. Opting for an intimate destination wedding allowed them to bypass the media circus typical of high-profile Turkish celebrity unions. Only close family members and a small circle of friends attended the ceremony.
Shortly after their wedding, the couple announced they were expecting children. On January 19, 2012, Büyüküstün gave birth to twin girls, named Maya and Toprak, at a hospital in Istanbul. Becoming parents shifted their professional and personal priorities. Both actors adjusted their filming schedules to ensure one parent was always present with the children, a balancing act frequently covered by Turkish entertainment magazines. They shared glimpses of family life during interviews, emphasizing that raising their daughters was their primary collaborative project.
Professional Collaborations Behind the Scenes
Sharing the same profession offered unique advantages and challenges for the couple. They understood the punishing hours, emotional demands, and intense travel schedules required for Turkish television production. In interviews from their marriage, they often referred to each other as sounding boards for script choices and character development.
In 2017, Saylak stepped behind the camera to direct his debut feature film, Daha (More). He cast Büyüküstün in a key role, bringing their professional dynamic full circle. However, film industry insiders and journalists later noted that production on the movie coincided with a strained period in their personal lives. While they maintained professional decorum on set, media outlets began tracking signs of strain in their relationship.
The Reality Behind Their Divorce
By early 2017, rumors of marital friction began circulating heavily in Turkish media. Tabloids reported that the couple had separated their living arrangements, citing conflicting career trajectories, intense schedules, and personal growth paths that drifted apart. Initially, both actors denied severe splits through public statements, urging media outlets to respect their family's privacy.
The separation was finalized on June 5, 2017, during a single hearing at the Marmara Ereğlisi Family Court. The divorce was uncontested, structured through a mutual agreement that prioritized the well-being and custody of their twin daughters. Media commentators noted the dignity with which both handled the legal proceedings, avoiding the bitter public disputes typical of celebrity splits. They released joint statements asking for understanding as they transitioned into co-parenting roles.
Co-Parenting and Life After Divorce
Following their split, Büyüküstün and Saylak maintained a civil and cooperative approach to raising Maya and Toprak. Both actors continued to prioritize their daughters, arranging their busy production calendars around school terms and holidays. Turkish media frequently commended them for keeping their children out of the tabloid crossfire while successfully managing separate lives.
Onur Saylak married manager Gözde Yılmaz, with whom he has a son, and continued directing acclaimed projects like the Netflix series Uysallar. Tuba Büyüküstün expanded her international presence, starring in high-profile digital projects such as Netflix's Another Self (Zeytin Ağacı) while balancing her role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Though their marriage ended, their shared history remains a notable chapter in modern Turkish pop culture history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Tuba Büyüküstün and Onur Saylak get married?
They married on July 28, 2011, in a private ceremony at the Turkish Consulate in Paris, France.
Do Tuba Büyüküstün and Onur Saylak have children?
Yes, they share twin daughters, Maya and Toprak, who were born in January 2012.
Why did Tuba Büyüküstün and Onur Saylak divorce?
The couple divorced mutually on June 5, 2017, citing irreconcilable differences driven by demanding work schedules and separate personal paths, handling the split through a private contractual agreement.
Is Onur Saylak still acting?
Yes, Onur Saylak remains active in the Turkish entertainment industry as both an actor and an award-winning film and television director.
