EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis). In a development that has stirred deep cultural and historical conversations, internationally recognized Turkish actor Can Yaman was reportedly baptized as a Christian during the Easter season of 2025 in Rome, following two years of religious catechesis. The news, first shared by Turkish singer Onur Akay and widely circulated in both Greek and Turkish media, has sparked intense reactions across the region. While some view the actor’s spiritual transformation as a personal milestone, others interpret it as a symbolic act that challenges the prevailing narrative of religious and national identity in modern Turkey, where being “Turkish” has long been equated with Sunni Islam.
Yaman’s baptism resonates far beyond the realm of celebrity headlines. It draws attention to the suppressed yet enduring legacy of Crypto-Christianity in Anatolia. It aligns with mounting genetic and historical evidence indicating that many modern Turks are descended from Christian peoples—Greeks, Armenians, Kurds, and Assyrians—whose ancestors converted to Islam during the Ottoman era. In this context, his conversion may be seen not just as a personal choice, but as a reawakening of a forgotten cultural and spiritual inheritance—one that stirs both hope and controversy in a country still negotiating the complex layers of its past.
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Can Yaman: Internationally recognized Turkish actor baptized as Christian
The recent revelation that one of the country’s most famous actors , 35-year-old Can Yaman , was baptized as a Christian last Easter has caused shock in Turkey !
The… bombshell was dropped by another famous Turk, singer Onur Akai , who also writes for tabloids.
Akai appeared on a live broadcast by journalist Pelin Cini and revealed that Yaman completed his baptism on Easter Sunday (20/4/2025) in Rome .
According to what Akai said, Jan Yaman was a catechist for two years , during which time he allegedly participated in Christian sacraments such as Chrismation, Holy Eucharist, and confession.
Greek TV viewers may remember the 35-year-old, born in Istanbul, from the Turkish series that aired on SKAI in 2019 with the title: ” Winged God “, where Yaman had the leading role.
- Watch his interview on Greek television in 2019 :
With his friend’s wife
Onur Akaç claimed that Yaman’s journey to Christianity was supported by his close friend Stefano Papa , who at the time was married to Sara Bluma – the actor’s current partner .
This connection has become a media focus, following revelations that Yaman began a relationship with Bluma after she was baptized . Akai said that Bluma and Papa’s marriage ended when the latter discovered the illicit relationship .
Stefano Papa , who owns several popular nightclubs in Italy , reportedly publicly expressed his anger after the incident.
According to Turkish journalist Bilal Ozcan , the Italian wrote “ Schifo ”—Italian for “ disgusting ”—under a recent photo on Yaman’s Instagram account.
The public nature of the message sparked further controversy and prompted many Italian social media users to criticize the Turkish actor. Ozcan, who has covered the story extensively, also reported that Papa is the father of Bluma’s only child , Tristan.
Bluma, who is a DJ , has faced additional charges, including drug use . It is claimed that her child is now under state protection due to difficult family circumstances.
Yaman and Bluma officially went public with their relationship recently during an Italian festival in Rimini . However, the reaction from the Italian public was largely negative, with some social media users commenting: ” Those who criticized Can Yaman in Turkey were right. His mask fell off. This is a scandal .”
Previous controversies involving the Turkish actor had already affected his career. During the premiere of the series “El Turco” in Moscow, he was asked if he preferred Italy or Turkey and reportedly replied “ Italy .”
His response sparked strong reactions in Turkey and the series was later removed from the streaming platform, with the company citing “ the sensitivities of the Turkish audience . ” In addition, the series’ viewership in Italy did not meet expectations.
Who is Jan Yaman?
Can Yaman is a Turkish actor and lawyer who has become an international television star, known for his roles in romantic comedies and action series.
Born in Istanbul in 1989, he studied at an Italian high school and graduated at the top of his class with a law degree from Yeditepe University.
Despite his legal background, he turned to acting and became famous with roles in successful Turkish series (e.g. Dolunay and Erkenci Kus), which made him popular throughout Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
Fluent in multiple languages , the 35-year-old has successfully built a career in Italy with series such as Viola Come Il Mare and the upcoming Sandokan series.
In addition to acting, he is also involved in charitable activities through his charitable organization ” Can Yaman for Children “.
He is one of Turkey’s most internationally recognized actors.
