ISTANBUL: Turkish actor Serhat Mustafa Kilic, widely recognised for portraying the character Mihail Kosses in the popular historical drama Kurulus Osman, was found dead at his apartment in Istanbul, according to reports.
The 51-year-old actor was reportedly found unresponsive on September 5 at his residence in Istanbul’s Kagithane district. His friend, Ozlem E., discovered him sitting motionless on a chair inside one of the rooms of the apartment.
According to reports, Ozlem had been trying to contact Kilic since September 3 but was unable to reach him. Concerned about his well-being, she went to his apartment to check on him.
After entering the residence, she reportedly found the actor apparently not breathing and immediately contacted emergency services for assistance. Medical teams arrived at the scene and confirmed that Kilic had died.
The circumstances surrounding the actor’s death have prompted an investigation by Turkish authorities. Police have reportedly begun examining the case to establish what happened and determine the exact cause of death.
An initial examination reportedly found no apparent signs of physical assault or open wounds on the actor’s body. However, authorities transferred his remains to a hospital for a post-mortem examination. The autopsy is expected to provide further information about the circumstances and cause of his death.
According to reports, Ozlem E. told police that Kilic had been suffering from lymphatic cancer. Authorities are nevertheless investigating the death, and the final cause will be determined through the medical examination and official investigation.
Kilic, born in 1975, was a well-known Turkish film, television and theatre actor. He began his artistic career in theatre in 1998 before establishing himself as a familiar face on Turkish television and cinema.
Over the course of his career, he appeared in a number of popular Turkish productions and became known to audiences both in Turkey and internationally.
Among the productions associated with his career was the historical television series Kurulus Osman, in which he played Mihail Kosses. The character became particularly recognisable among international viewers who follow Turkish historical dramas.
Kilic also appeared in the television series Soz and Mehmed: Fetihler Sultani, among other productions. His performances in Turkish television and cinema earned him recognition among a wide audience.
His film career also included Kirik Bir Ask Hikayesi, while his involvement in Turkish cinema brought him further attention. Reports state that his 2014 film Kucuk Uykusu received an award at the Cannes Film Festival, adding an international distinction to his career.
The actor’s death has come as a shock to fans of Turkish television, particularly viewers who knew him through Kurulus Osman and his other popular productions.
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of sadness among viewers and admirers of Turkish dramas. Fans have remembered Kilic for his performances and his contribution to Turkish theatre, television and cinema.
While the initial examination has reportedly found no obvious evidence of an assault, authorities are continuing their investigation. The post-mortem examination is expected to clarify whether his reported health condition was connected to his death or whether another factor was involved.
Kilic’s career, which began on the theatre stage in the late 1990s, spanned more than two decades and included work across theatre, film and television. His appearances in internationally followed Turkish series helped introduce his performances to audiences beyond Turkey.
The actor’s portrayal of Mihail Kosses in Kurulus Osman was particularly significant for international audiences, as the series has developed a substantial following in several countries.
Authorities are expected to announce further details once the post-mortem examination and investigation have been completed. Until then, the exact circumstances surrounding Serhat Mustafa Kilic’s death remain under investigation.
The Turkish entertainment industry has lost an actor whose career extended across multiple forms of performing arts. From his early theatre work to his appearances in prominent television dramas and films, Kilic remained active in the Turkish entertainment sector for many years.
His death at the age of 51 has left colleagues, fans and viewers mourning the loss of a familiar face from Turkish television and cinema. Further official details about the cause of death are expected following the completion of the forensic examination.



