Okan Buruk comes from a close Turkish family with deep connections to football. Born in Istanbul on October 19, 1973, the Galatasaray manager is the youngest child of Ali and Zehra Buruk. He has three older siblings: Handan, Tarık and former professional footballer Fuat Buruk. Okan also has one son, Ali Yiğit, with his former wife and reconciled partner, Nihan Akkuş.
Who Are Okan Buruk’s Parents?
Okan Buruk’s parents are Ali Buruk and Zehra Buruk. The family is originally from Akçaabat in Türkiye’s Trabzon Province but settled in Büyükçekmece, Istanbul, where Okan and his siblings were raised.
Okan was the youngest of four children. Although the family experienced modest circumstances, football occupied an important place in their home. His father supported Galatasaray and encouraged his sons’ interest in the game.
Who Was Okan Buruk’s Father?
Okan Buruk’s father was Ali Buruk. He reportedly worked as a glazier in Büyükçekmece and was closely involved with football in the local community.
Ali served as an administrator at Eyüp Şafakspor and regularly followed Galatasaray’s matches. His enthusiasm for football helped create the environment in which Okan and his older brothers developed their interest in the sport.
Despite not being a professional player himself, Ali saw multiple members of his family enter professional football as players and coaches.
Who Is Okan Buruk’s Mother?
Okan Buruk’s mother is Zehra Buruk. She has generally maintained a private life but occasionally appears alongside her son at public celebrations in Büyükçekmece.
In July 2026, Zehra attended a Galatasaray supporters’ event with Okan and her son Fuat. Okan described having his mother present as particularly valuable to him and joined her in leading a traditional supporters’ celebration.
Does Okan Buruk Have Siblings?
Okan Buruk has three older siblings: a sister named Handan Buruk and two brothers named Tarık and Fuat Buruk. The four children were raised together in Büyükçekmece.
Handan, Tarık and Fuat have spoken publicly about Okan’s childhood, describing his early obsession with football and his determination to play whenever possible.
Who Is Handan Buruk?
Handan Buruk is Okan’s older sister. She has recalled playing neighbourhood football with her younger brother when they were children.
Handan has remained outside professional football and keeps most details about her personal life private.
Who Is Tarık Buruk?
Tarık Buruk is one of Okan’s older brothers. He also played football, although he did not achieve the same public profile as Okan or Fuat.
Reliable information about Tarık’s later career and personal life is limited. He occasionally appears in family interviews discussing Okan’s upbringing.
Who Is Fuat Buruk?
Fuat Buruk is Okan’s best-known sibling. He was a professional footballer before moving into coaching and has worked alongside his younger brother as part of different technical teams.
Fuat’s playing career included appearances for several Turkish clubs. As a coach, he became one of Okan’s trusted assistants, continuing the family’s long association with football.
Who Is Okan Buruk’s Wife?
Okan Buruk married Turkish model and fashion designer Nihan Akkuş on July 3, 2007. Nihan had previously gained recognition in modelling and represented Türkiye in international beauty competitions.
The couple remained married for approximately 17 years before officially divorcing on February 16, 2024. Their divorce was reportedly completed by mutual agreement.
Are Okan Buruk and Nihan Akkuş Back Together?
Although Okan Buruk and Nihan Akkuş are legally divorced, Turkish reports indicate that they later reconciled. They were photographed together with their son in 2024 and subsequently appeared holding hands after leaving a restaurant.
In December 2025, Nihan shared a photograph of herself, Okan and their son Ali Yiğit during a family trip to Paris. The appearances suggested that they had resumed their relationship, but they have not publicly confirmed a second marriage.
Nihan is therefore most accurately described as Okan’s former wife and reconciled partner rather than his current legal wife.
How Many Children Does Okan Buruk Have?
Okan Buruk has one child, a son named Ali Yiğit Buruk. Okan and Nihan welcomed him in 2009, approximately two years after their wedding.
Ali Yiğit grew up closely connected to Galatasaray and regularly attended matches involving his father. As he became older, he also appeared around the club’s football operations.
Because Ali Yiğit entered public attention while still young, information about his education and private activities should be treated with appropriate care.
Okan Buruk’s Extended Football Family
Football continued into another generation of the Buruk family. Okan’s nephews Alican Buruk and Berk Buruk also pursued playing careers.
Alican, the son of Fuat Buruk, developed through Galatasaray’s academy before representing clubs in Türkiye’s lower divisions. The involvement of Okan, Fuat and their sons and nephews demonstrates how strongly football has influenced the wider family.
Okan Buruk’s Family Background
Okan grew up in Büyükçekmece as part of a Trabzon-origin family. He began playing with the local club Karadeniz İdman Ocağı before joining Galatasaray’s academy at the age of 11.
His older brothers’ involvement in football gave him early examples to follow, while his father’s support for Galatasaray strengthened his connection to the club. Okan eventually became a successful Galatasaray player and later returned as head coach.
His career also included Inter Milan, Beşiktaş, İstanbul Başakşehir and the Turkish national team. As a manager, he won league championships with İstanbul Başakşehir and Galatasaray, adding to a family story built around football.
Frequently Asked Questions About Okan Buruk’s Family
Who are Okan Buruk’s parents?
Okan Buruk’s parents are Ali and Zehra Buruk. The family has roots in Akçaabat, Trabzon, but Okan grew up in Büyükçekmece, Istanbul.
What did Okan Buruk’s father do?
Ali Buruk reportedly worked as a glazier and served as an administrator at the local football club Eyüp Şafakspor.
Who is Okan Buruk’s mother?
His mother is Zehra Buruk, who occasionally attends community and Galatasaray-related celebrations with her sons.
How many siblings does Okan Buruk have?
Okan has three older siblings: Handan, Tarık and Fuat Buruk.
Is Fuat Buruk related to Okan Buruk?
Yes. Fuat is Okan’s older brother. He is a former professional footballer and football coach.
Who is Okan Buruk’s wife?
Okan married Nihan Akkuş in 2007, but they officially divorced in February 2024. They later reportedly reconciled without announcing another marriage.
Are Okan Buruk and Nihan Akkuş still together?
Reports and public appearances indicate that they reconciled after their divorce. However, their current legal status remains divorced.
How many children does Okan Buruk have?
Okan Buruk has one son, Ali Yiğit Buruk, born in 2009.
James Horan is a football writer focused on the Premier League transfer market, covering confirmed signings, transfer rumors, and club strategies during the transfer windows.
