Turkey’s internet-famous chef Burak Özdemir, better known as CZN Burak, has drawn renewed attention on social media after purchasing a luxury Mercedes-Benz once owned by popular actor and model Burak Özçivit.
The deal, reported by Turkish daily Hürriyet, was closed for around 14 million Turkish lira — approximately $400,000 — a price described by local media as a “fantastic sum.” The purchase has sparked debate about the chef’s high-profile lifestyle and growing portfolio of investments beyond the restaurant industry.
From kitchen star to social media icon
CZN Burak rose to fame through viral cooking videos showcasing enormous portions, warm hospitality, and his trademark smile while preparing dishes. With millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, he has become one of Turkey’s most recognisable personalities, attracting both global fans and celebrity visitors to his restaurants in Istanbul, Dubai and beyond.
But his fame has also brought scrutiny. Some commentators argue that his recent purchases — from luxury property to expensive vehicles — suggest that his income streams extend well beyond the culinary world.
Not his first major purchase
The Mercedes is not the chef’s first major investment. Just months earlier, CZN Burak reportedly bought a duplex apartment in Istanbul’s prestigious Nişantaşı-Teşvikiye neighbourhood. Valued at around $4 million, the property is located in one of the city’s most expensive districts, popular among Turkey’s business elite and entertainment figures.
The back-to-back acquisitions have raised eyebrows, with Turkish media and online observers questioning how the 30-year-old chef manages such sizeable investments so frequently.
A car with celebrity history
Adding to the allure of the purchase is the fact that the luxury Mercedes previously belonged to Burak Özçivit, a leading figure in Turkish television and cinema, best known for his role in the hit series Kuruluş: Osman. Fans online noted the unusual overlap of two of Turkey’s most high-profile personalities named Burak, with one celebrity passing on a prized possession to another.
Social media spotlight
News of the deal quickly spread across Turkish and international social media platforms, with fans and critics alike weighing in. Supporters congratulated the chef on his success and ability to enjoy the fruits of his labour, while detractors questioned whether his fortune reflects his restaurant business alone.
The chef himself has not publicly commented on the speculation. However, the purchase continues to fuel discussions about the growing wealth of Turkey’s digital influencers and the blurred line between culinary fame, entrepreneurship and celebrity culture.
Beyond the kitchen
CZN Burak’s investments appear to signal a diversification of his interests beyond food and hospitality. His global popularity, coupled with endorsement deals, merchandise, and his expanding restaurant franchise, has turned him into a brand in his own right.
Whether his luxury car purchase is a simple indulgence or part of a broader public persona strategy, it cements his status as one of Turkey’s most talked-about internet personalities.
