Bekir Develi was born on April 4, 1975, in the city of Bielefeld, Germany. He grew up in a humble family as the son of a housewife and a tailor. He completed his primary and secondary education in Adana, and later graduated from the German Language Teaching department of Samsun 19 May University. His years in Samsun gave him not only a diploma but also a spouse and rich life experiences. Beyond his field of study, he worked in many different jobs: radio broadcasting, ironing, jewelry making, theater acting, trade, and even eskimo selling, experiencing various facets of life through these occupations.

Before entering the Art and media worlds, he received acting and stage training from the late Assistant Professor Mete Tuncel. This training laid the foundation for both his television and stage careers. In his television career, Bekir Develi hosted more than 600 episodes, including travel, documentary, and competition programs, reaching a wide audience. He particularly became a guest in homes during Ramadan months by hosting the program “Ramadan Sevinci” on TRT 1 for five years. Additionally, from 2012 to 2025, he provided viewers with memorable viewing experiences through live broadcasts held at various venues such as Süleymaniye Camii, Kız Kulesi, and Büyük Çamlıca Camii.

Television Programs

Bekir Develi’s television career is listed as follows:

• Annemin Yemeği: This cooking program, which aired 22 episodes on TRT 1, won audience approval through village receptions and scenes of mothers teaching daughters or grandmothers teaching grandchildren how to cook.
• Anadolu Gezgini: This program, which introduced the customs, traditions, and hidden beauties of Anatolia, aired 107 episodes on TRT 1. Re-runs continue to reach audiences on TRT Belgesel and TRT Diyanet TV.
• Gez Göz Arpacık: This program, which won the “Best Culture Art Ethics Award” in 2011, brought the cultures of different countries around the world to the screen over 53 episodes.
• Ramazan Sevinci: Airing during Ramadan months on TRT 1 for five years, this program is one of Develi’s most well-known works.
• Dünya’da Ramazan: This program explored how Ramadan is observed in different countries and aired a total of 19 episodes: 4 in 2010 and 15 in 2011.
• İstanbul’da Ramazan: This program reflected the spirit of Ramadan over 15 episodes, showcasing different neighborhoods of Istanbul.
• Kim Bilecek?: This quiz program, filmed in more than 50 provinces of Türkiye, aired 97 episodes on TRT 1.
• Arife Tarif: Co-hosted with Ceyda Baza, this cooking program met viewers live on TRT 1 for 38 episodes.
• Sütlü Kahve: This morning program, co-hosted with Yeliz Şar, aired 24 episodes on TRT 1.
• Bayram Şekeri: A 15-episode TRT production reflecting the spirit of the holiday.
• Kardeşlik Sofrası: A Ramadan program broadcast live from Bayrampaşa Adapark on 360 TV in 2015.
• El Alem Ne Der?: One of Develi’s earliest television programs, this production ran for 60 episodes.
• Seçmen Ne Der?: A 15-episode TRT program that brought public opinions to the screen.

Stage Performances

Bekir Develi is also known for his stage performances. His humorous shows include:

• Hacıların Çocuğuyum: This stand-up show, written and performed by Develi, has been staged numerous times in Türkiye and Europe.
• Dengeli Feslenme: This play, performed over 600 times in 15 countries across Türkiye and Europe, concluded its run.
• Dinde Zırlama Yoktur: A touring show that visited all provinces of Türkiye.
• Fânî But Funny: Staged in Türkiye and eight other countries.
• Bizim Hikayemiz: A 1.5-hour talk show.
• Dinli-Yorum: Develi’s first stage performance, this play humorously portrayed everyday life and was discontinued due to new projects.
• Adsız Gösteri: This program continues to be performed in six countries and 50 cities.

Works

Bekir Develi’s publications released by Profil Kitap include:

• Allah Cümlemizi Korusun (2018): His first book.
• Herkes İçin Siyer: Peygamberimiz’in Hayatı - Mekke Dönemi.
• Herkes İçin Siyer: Peygamberimiz’in Hayatı - Medine Dönemi Cilt 2.
• 40 Öncü 1

He has also collaborated with Hayati İnanç on the works Fabrika Ayarı and Aile İçinde Hayati İnanç.

Personal Life and Legacy

Bekir Develi is married and a father of two child. Over the years, he has traveled extensively across Anatolia and various countries, sharing the experiences he gained with his viewers. Culture continues his artistic career by combining humor and spirituality in his works.

Currently, Bekir Develi hosts the programs “Peynir Gemisi” and “Gönle Düşen” on YouTube. In “Peynir Gemisi,” he welcomes guests and engages in on conversations on various topics; in “Gönle Düşen,” he tells short stories. These programs demonstrate how Develi continues his storytelling experience from television and stage onto this platform.