Internet Personalities from Turkey

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  • CZN Burak

    Occupation: Internet Personality

    Burak Özdemir, better known as CZN Burak, is a renowned Turkish chef and social media sensation born in Istanbul. He gained global fame through viral videos showcasing his skillful preparation of lavish Turkish dishes, often featuring his signature wide-eyed stare directly at the camera, cheerful personality, and innovative cooking techniques. The nickname "CZN" originated from a mispronunciation of "Cinzano," the name of his family's textile shop in Istanbul's Laleli neighborhood, where he grew up assisting his father. Transitioning from textiles to gastronomy, Burak opened his first restaurant in 2010 and has since expanded the CZN Burak brand internationally, with locations in Turkey, Egypt, and formerly Dubai—though he ended operations there in 2025 due to partnership disputes. With over 52 million Instagram followers, he specializes in gourmet Turkish cuisine, including hearty breakfasts, kebabs, and desserts, emphasizing fresh ingredients, creative presentations, and warm hospitality. His restaurants, like the flagship in Istanbul's Vadi Istanbul Mall, are celebrated for their delicious yet indulgent meals and inviting atmosphere.

    Instagram: 52.4M Followers / Subscribers YouTube: 18.1M Followers / Subscribers Facebook: 7.7M Followers / Subscribers X: 577K Followers / Subscribers

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  • Salt Bae

    Occupation: Internet Personality

    Salt Bae, whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, is a Turkish chef, butcher, and restaurateur born on August 9, 1983. He rose to global fame in January 2017 through viral videos showcasing his theatrical meat-preparation technique, particularly his signature move of sprinkling salt over dishes by letting it cascade from his fingertips down his arm to the food, earning him the playful nickname "Salt Bae." This flamboyant style turned him into an internet sensation and sex symbol, inspiring memes, artwork, and tributes worldwide.

    Gökçe founded the Nusr-Et chain of upscale steakhouse restaurants, starting in Istanbul and expanding to cities like New York, London, and Dubai. His establishments are known for luxurious, high-priced offerings, including gold-leaf-encrusted steaks that can cost hundreds of dollars, blending fine dining with performance art. While praised for the spectacle—often described as "dinner theater"—critics have noted the food can be overpriced, oversalted, and underwhelming in quality.

    Beyond the kitchen, Gökçe has courted controversy, such as serving controversial figures like Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in 2018 and making unauthorized contact with the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022, drawing widespread backlash. By 2025, reports have emerged of workplace issues at his restaurants, including allegations of a toxic culture and inappropriate demands toward staff. Despite these, he remains a polarizing figure in culinary pop culture, frequently seen jet-setting, smoking cigars, and rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Diddy.

    Instagram: 52.2M Followers / Subscribers Facebook: 7.1M Followers / Subscribers Wikipedia: 0 Followers / Subscribers