ALBAWABA - A beloved Turkish television partnership is returning to the screen, as Kenan İmirzalıoğlu and Bergüzar Korel prepare to share the same project again after more than a decade.
Bergüzar Korel has joined the second season of ATV’s A.B.İ., taking on the role of Leyla, a strong and idealistic woman whose past becomes closely connected to İmirzalıoğlu character, Doğan. The casting marks the reunion of two actors who became one of Turkish television’s most memorable on-screen duos through Karadayı.
The news comes after Afra Saraçoğlu, who played Çağla during the first season, departed the series. Her exit left viewers wondering who would become Doğan new leading partner.
According to Turkish entertainment reports, Bergüzar Korel was approached for the role and subsequently reached an agreement to join the second season. ATV has now confirmed her addition to the cast, announcing that she will portray Leyla.
The character is expected to bring a new dynamic to the story. Leyla has a connection to Doğan that comes from their past, and their reunion will force both characters to confront feelings and secrets they believed were left behind. Her arrival is also expected to increase the action and reshape the relationships within the series.
From Mahir and Feride to Doğan and Leyla
For Turkish television viewers, the casting carries particular significance because İmirzalıoğlu and Korel previously starred together in Karadayı.
The series ran from 2012 until 2015, with İmirzalıoğlu playing Mahir Kara and Korel portraying Feride Şadoğlu. The pair became one of the central attractions of the drama, with their characters' relationship forming an important part of the story. ATV's official archive confirms their roles in the series.
Karadayı ended with its 115th episode on June 15, 2015. Their return to the same television project therefore comes approximately 11 years after their previous series together.
This time, however, they will not be repeating their old characters. İmirzalıoğlu will continue as Doğan in A.B.İ., while Korel enters the story as Leyla.
Major Changes Coming to A.B.İ.
Bergüzar Korel's arrival is part of a broader transformation planned for the second season.
The series is produced by OGM Pictures, while Yağız Alp Akaydın has taken over as director. Ertan Kurtulan and Eylem Akın are writing the new season. The second-season production has also begun, according to Turkish reports.
The first season ended with significant changes to Doğan's story, particularly following Çağla's departure. The introduction of Leyla now opens another chapter for the character and creates a new connection to his past.
Her mysterious introduction had already generated curiosity during the season finale, when viewers were shown only the feet of the new female character. Turkish media subsequently identified Korel as the actress behind the role.
A Highly Anticipated Reunion
The reunion has already generated considerable excitement among Turkish television fans, particularly those who remember the chemistry between Mahir and Feride in Karadayı.
Mert Demirci, who plays Sefa in A.B.İ., also commented on the reunion, saying that bringing Korel and İmirzalıoğlu together again after Karadayı could bring a different energy to the new season.
While A.B.İ. will tell an entirely different story from Karadayı, the return of the two actors to the same set gives the second season an undeniable nostalgic appeal.
After 11 years apart on television, Kenan İmirzalıoğlu and Bergüzar Korel are once again sharing the screen — this time as Doğan and Leyla in A.B.İ..
