In a remarkable move combining art and investment, the famous Turkish star Khalid Ergenç, who etched his name in the memory of millions with his role as “Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent”, moved from Istanbul to the British capital, London, to begin a new chapter in his professional and personal life by opening a store specializing in selling authentic Turkish sweets and pastries.

A carefully planned project

In a press statement, Argenç confirmed that this business venture was not a coincidence, but rather the result of a well-thought-out idea that had been planned for a long time. He explained that the store was established in partnership with a number of close friends, emphasizing that his current focus is on the success of this London branch, and denying any plans to expand or open other branches within Türkiye at present.

Background to the decision: Stepping away from the spotlight

The decision to move to London wasn't solely driven by investment; it was also a search for a quieter and more private life. Halit Ergenç relocated to Britain with his wife, actress Bergüzar Korel, and their three children. Sources close to the family indicate that the intense media pressure and constant paparazzi pursuit in Turkey were key factors in their desire to find an environment that would allow their children to grow up naturally, away from the spotlight of their parents' fame.

The phenomenon of "Harem of the Sultan" and the power of Turkish drama

This news comes amidst the immense global impact of Turkish drama over the past decade. The series "Magnificent Century" (Muhteşem Yüzyıl) is a prime example of this soft power, achieving phenomenal success not only in Turkey but also being broadcast in dozens of countries worldwide, from the Middle East and North Africa to the Balkans and Latin America, achieving record viewership. This success transformed Halit Ergenç into a global icon and paved the way for the widespread dissemination of Turkish culture.

The cultural and economic importance of the project

Argenç is more than just a business venture; it serves as an ambassador for Turkish cuisine and culture in one of the world's most important capitals. In a multicultural city like London, the project introduces a new audience to traditional Turkish sweets such as baklava and Turkish delight. This initiative also demonstrates the ability of celebrities to leverage their global fame in projects that promote their country's cultural heritage, creating a dual economic and cultural impact.

A glimpse into the career of "The Sultan"

Halit Ergenç was born on April 30, 1970, in Istanbul. He began his artistic career on stage in the mid-1990s before rising to fame in television and film. He married his fellow actress Bergüzar Korel in 2009, and their relationship is considered one of the most successful and well-known in the Turkish entertainment industry, as they form a beloved couple with audiences.

International praise for Saudi Arabia's high-quality participation

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's participation in the 57th Cairo International Book Fair in 2026 was widely praised. The World Assembly of Muslim Youth commended the Saudi pavilion, describing it as a balanced and sophisticated model that skillfully embodies the rich cultural heritage while simultaneously offering a glimpse into the future of knowledge for young people. The Assembly affirmed that this active participation enhances the Kingdom's standing as an influential cultural force both regionally and internationally.

This distinguished participation, led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, included the involvement of 10 prominent government entities, among them the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, and the King Fahd National Library. This integrated institutional presence contributed to presenting a comprehensive picture of the cultural and intellectual movement taking place in the Kingdom, and underscored its commitment to supporting the publishing industry, empowering youth intellectually, and building enlightened awareness.

Historical context and importance of the Cairo International Book Fair

The Cairo International Book Fair, first launched in 1969, is one of the most important and prestigious book fairs in the Arab world and globally, ranking second only to the Frankfurt Book Fair. For over five decades, the fair has served as an annual meeting place for intellectuals, publishers, and readers from around the world, and a vital platform for intellectual dialogue and cultural exchange. Saudi Arabia's participation in this historic event is of particular significance, given the deep and enduring cultural ties between the Kingdom and Egypt, which have consistently witnessed fruitful cooperation in the fields of literature, art, and publishing.

Expected impact and its role in achieving Vision 2030

This prominent cultural participation cannot be separated from the broader strategic framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places culture as one of its fundamental pillars for achieving comprehensive and sustainable development. The Saudi pavilion serves as a cultural diplomatic platform reflecting the major transformations taking place in the Kingdom and presenting the world with a modern image of a vibrant society open to global cultures. This participation is expected to contribute to strengthening bilateral relations with Egypt, opening new avenues for cooperation in the creative industries, and showcasing young Saudi talent in the fields of writing, publishing, and translation to a wide international audience.

Details of the 57th edition of the exhibition

Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated the 57th edition of the exhibition on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The exhibition is being held at the Egypt International Exhibition Center from January 21 to February 3, 2026. This edition carries the slogan “He who stops reading for an hour falls centuries behind,” a quote by the world-renowned writer Naguib Mahfouz, who was chosen as the exhibition’s personality for this year. Meanwhile, the great artist Mohi El-Din El-Labbad was chosen as the personality for the Children’s Book Fair, in recognition of his rich artistic career.