Meet CZN Burak’s Parents: Didem Bozbura and İsmail Özdemir

Burak Özdemir—better known worldwide as CZN Burak—was born on 24 March 1994 in Yayladağı, Hatay, Turkey, and grew up in Istanbul in a Muslim household.

His father, textile merchant İsmail Özdemir, ran a shop called “Cinzano,” which inspired Burak’s nickname “CZN,” while his mother, Didem Bozbura, provided constant encouragement at home.

Of Syrian‑Arab heritage, Burak discovered cooking at age 13 under the guidance of his chef‑grandfather in Hatay, mastering traditional Turkish‑Middle Eastern dishes that now define his cuisine.

He later balanced studies at Anadolu University’s Open Education Faculty with hands‑on kitchen experience, laying the groundwork for a meteoric career as a chef and restaurateur.

Alongside siblings Uğur Özdemir and Aylin Özdemir, he celebrates family roots and regional flavors for an audience of millions on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube—his giant platters, signature smile, and cultural pride make him one of social media’s most recognizable culinary stars.

İsmail Özdemir

İsmail Özdemir, CZN Burak’s father, is a businessman with a background in the textile industry. He owned a textile shop called Cinzano in Laleli, a bustling commercial district in Istanbul.

The nickname “CZN” (pronounced Che-Ze-Ne) stems from the frequent mispronunciation of Cinzano, a quirky origin story that Burak has embraced as part of his brand identity.

İsmail’s entrepreneurial spirit likely influenced Burak’s drive to build his own restaurant empire, the Hatay Civilizations Table (Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrası), which now boasts multiple branches across Turkey and international locations like Dubai, Doha, and Tashkent.

Beyond textiles, İsmail Özdemir’s family has deep ties to the culinary world. Burak’s grandfather, Zeytindali, was a chef who ran a small restaurant in Hatay, sparking Burak’s passion for cooking at a young age.

Growing up in Istanbul with his siblings, Uğur and Aylin, Burak began assisting in the kitchen at 13, learning traditional Turkish and Syrian recipes from his grandfather. This early exposure to food, rooted in family tradition, laid the foundation for Burak’s culinary career.

İsmail’s role as a supportive father is evident in Burak’s reflections on his upbringing, where he credits his family’s encouragement for his success. However, in 2023, Burak filed a lawsuit against İsmail, alleging embezzlement of funds from the Hatay restaurant chain to purchase luxury cars and real estate, as well as improper licensing of the restaurant name.

Didem Bozbura

Didem Bozbura, Burak’s mother, has been a significant figure in his life, though her public presence has been overshadowed by legal troubles. Born into a family with Syrian roots, Didem raised Burak and his siblings in Istanbul, fostering a warm environment where Burak honed his cooking skills.

Her kitchen was described as a “culinary canvas” where a young Burak delighted family and friends with his creations, showcasing his early talent and passion for food.

However, Didem’s name has been tied to a high-profile corruption case that drew significant media attention. In 2020, she was arrested alongside her husband, Prof. Dr. Mazhar Alp Bozbura, and an associate, Yasin Şimşek, following allegations of bribery at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Medicine.

The case centered on claims that they charged patients exorbitant fees for medical procedures that should have been free for those with social security benefits.

According to court documents, Yasin Şimşek allegedly demanded 8,500 Turkish lira from a patient’s family for surgery, claiming authorization from Didem Bozbura. A sting operation led to their arrests after a complaint by Assoc. Dr. Metin Keskin, who reported misuse of his name in the scheme.

In June 2023, Didem Bozbura was sentenced to 2 years, 7 months, and 7 days in prison for “irtikap” (extortion through abuse of authority), while Mazhar Alp Bozbura received a heavier sentence of 5 years, 2 months, and 15 days.

Didem, who was released on February 27, 2020, under judicial control with a travel ban, denied the allegations, stating she had no knowledge of the financial transactions and did not accept illicit payments.

Despite the legal challenges, Burak has publicly defended his mother, emphasizing her role as a homemaker and condemning media outlets for sensationalizing the case to tarnish his reputation.