Turkish music has many different sounds that people around the world enjoy. However, finding singers who show the full range of Turkish musical talent can be difficult.

This guide will introduce you to 47 important Turkish singers who have helped shape music in the country.

You’ll learn about singers from many types of music, from old-style folk to modern pop.

We’ll look at well-known voices that have been popular for many years, new artists creating fresh sounds, and singers from different musical styles.

This article will tell you about what these singers have done and how they’ve added to Turkish culture.

Get ready to learn about new kinds of music and find singers you might like among Turkey’s most skilled voices.

Most Famous Turkish Singers

1. Zeki Müren

Zeki Müren was a celebrated Turkish classical music singer, composer, and poet. He is often referred to as “Sanat Güneşi” (The Sun of Art) and “Paşa” in Turkey. His contributions to Turkish music have made him a national icon.

• Years Active: 1950–1996
• Birth Date: December 6, 1931
• Major Albums: “Manolyam,” “Zehretme Hayatı Bana Cananım”
• Major Achievements: First Turkish artist to perform a concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall, awarded “State Artist” in 1991.

2. Sezen Aksu

Sezen Aksu is one of Turkey’s most popular and influential pop music singers, composers, and producers, often credited with shaping Turkish pop music.

• Years Active: 1974–present
• Birth Date: July 13, 1954
• Major Albums: “Firuze,” “Sen Ağlama,” “Gülümse”
• Major Achievements: Often referred to as the “Queen of Turkish Pop,” mentored several famous Turkish artists like Tarkan and Sertab Erener.

3. Tarkan

Tarkan is known internationally as the “Prince of Pop” in Turkey, mainly for his contributions to Turkish pop music and the hit single “Şımarık.”

• Years Active: 1992–present
• Birth Date: October 17, 1972
• Major Albums: “Karma,” “Dudu,” “Metamorfoz”
• Major Achievements: Over 15 million albums sold worldwide, winner of multiple Golden Butterfly Awards.

4. Barış Manço

Barış Manço was a pioneer of rock music in Turkey and an influential singer-songwriter. He was known for blending Turkish folk music with rock. His television program for children, “7’den 77’ye,” was immensely popular in the country.

• Years Active: 1958–1999
• Birth Date: January 2, 1943
• Major Albums: “2023,” “Sakla Samanı Gelir Zamanı”
• Major Achievements: Received the title “State Artist,” known for his contributions to Turkish rock and educational TV programs for children.

5. Ajda Pekkan

Ajda Pekkan is regarded as the “Superstar” of Turkish pop music. Her career spans decades and has immense popularity across the country. She is also noted for maintaining her popularity through different musical eras.

• Years Active: 1963–present
• Birth Date: February 12, 1946
• Major Albums: “Superstar,” “Ajda 93”
• Major Achievements: One of the best-selling Turkish female singers, awarded “State Artist” in 1998.

6. İbrahim Tatlıses

İbrahim Tatlıses is a famous Turkish singer who specializes in Arabesque music. He has also gained popularity as a businessman and television personality.

• Years Active: 1970–present
• Birth Date: January 1, 1952
• Major Albums: “Ayşem,” “Mavi Mavi”
• Major Achievements: Won numerous music awards, starred in several movies, and survived an assassination attempt in 2011.

7. Sertab Erener

Sertab Erener is a celebrated Turkish pop and opera singer, best known internationally for winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2003. Her musical range and vocal power have won her critical acclaim in Turkey and abroad.

• Years Active: 1992–present
• Birth Date: December 4, 1964
• Major Albums: “Sertab Gibi,” “Rengârenk”
• Major Achievements: Winner of Eurovision 2003 with the song “Everyway That I Can.”

8. Müslüm Gürses

Müslüm Gürses was a popular Arabesque singer known for his deep voice and emotional performances. He became an icon for working-class fans, representing their struggles in his music.

• Years Active: 1968–2013
• Birth Date: May 7, 1953
• Major Albums: “Küskünüm,” “Veda”
• Major Achievements: Became a cultural icon for Turkey’s working-class listeners and starred in several Turkish films.

9. Nilüfer Yumlu

Nilüfer Yumlu is one of Turkey’s most prominent female pop singers, with a successful career spanning more than four decades.

• Years Active: 1972–present
• Birth Date: May 31, 1955
• Major Albums: “Kar Taneleri,” “Nilüfer’le”
• Major Achievements: Known for her pop hits, she received the “State Artist” award in 1997.

10. Bülent Ersoy

Bülent Ersoy is a renowned Turkish classical and pop singer with a powerful voice, recognized as one of the most prominent figures in Turkish music.

• Years Active: 1974–present
• Birth Date: June 9, 1952
• Major Albums: “Ablan Kurban Olsun Sana,” “Benim Dünya Güzellerim”
• Major Achievements: Broke gender boundaries as a transgender artist, recognized as a “Diva” in Turkish music.

11. Ebru Gündeş

Ebru Gündeş is a popular Turkish pop and Arabesque singer known for her powerful voice and successful albums. Her personal life and high-profile marriage have also kept her in the media spotlight.

• Years Active: 1993–present
• Birth Date: October 12, 1974
• Major Albums: “Tanrı Misafiri,” “Araftayım”
• Major Achievements: Multiple award-winning artist, known for her strong vocals in the Arabesque genre.

12. Teoman

Teoman is one of the most successful Turkish rock musicians. He is known for his melancholic and romantic songs, has a cult following, and is often regarded as a figurehead of Turkish alternative rock.

• Years Active: 1996–present
• Birth Date: November 20, 1967
• Major Albums: “Teoman,” “Gönülçelen”
• Major Achievements: Won many awards in the Turkish rock scene, including Best Male Artist at the Golden Butterfly Awards.

13. Sıla

Sıla is a well-known Turkish pop and rock singer-songwriter. She is recognized for her thought-provoking lyrics and vocal talent. Her style often blends various musical influences, making her a unique voice in the Turkish music scene.

• Years Active: 2007–present
• Birth Date: June 17, 1980
• Major Albums: “İmza,” “Yeni Ay”
• Major Achievements: Multiple award winner, known for her unique style and meaningful lyrics.

14. Kenan Doğulu

Kenan Doğulu is a Turkish pop musician who gained international recognition after representing Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest.

• Years Active: 1993–present
• Birth Date: May 31, 1974
• Major Albums: “Ben Senin Herşeyinim,” “Patron”
• Major Achievements: Represented Turkey at Eurovision 2007 and won numerous national music awards.

15. Haluk Levent

Haluk Levent is a Turkish rock singer and activist known for his philanthropic efforts and music. He founded the AHBAP platform, a highly respected organization for social welfare.

• Years Active: 1992–present
• Birth Date: November 26, 1968
• Major Albums: “Yollarda,” “Arkadaş”
• Major Achievements: Founder of the AHBAP platform, widely recognized for its humanitarian activities.

16. Hadise

Hadise is a Belgian-born Turkish pop singer. She is well-known for her career in Turkey and Europe. Her glamorous image and catchy songs have made her a pop icon in Turkey.

• Years Active: 2003–present
• Birth Date: October 22, 1985
• Major Albums: “Fast Life,” “Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?”
• Major Achievements: Represented Turkey in Eurovision 2009 became a judge on The Voice Turkey.

17. Fikret Kızılok

Fikret Kızılok was a Turkish rock and folk musician known for blending traditional Turkish music with modern sounds. His politically conscious music remains influential in Turkish protest culture.

• Years Active: 1965–2001
• Birth Date: November 10, 1946
• Major Albums: “Zaman Zaman,” “Not Defteri”
• Major Achievements: Pioneered Turkish rock music and introduced Turkish audiences to Western genres.

18. Levent Yüksel

Levent Yüksel is a pop singer and composer known for his distinctive voice and songwriting. He is one of the most respected figures in Turkish pop and has an enduring fan base.

• Years Active: 1993–present
• Birth Date: October 21, 1964
• Major Albums: “Med Cezir,” “Adı Menekşe”
• Major Achievements: Multiple music awards, known for collaborations with major Turkish artists.

19. Hande Yener

Hande Yener is a Turkish pop singer who has influenced the Turkish electronic and dance music scene. She is known for constantly reinventing her musical style.

• Years Active: 2000–present
• Birth Date: January 12, 1973
• Major Albums: “Apayrı,” “Hipnoz”
• Major Achievements: Known for constantly reinventing her music style, she won numerous Golden Butterfly Awards.

20. Ferdi Tayfur

Ferdi Tayfur is a famous Turkish Arabesque singer, songwriter, and film actor. He became one of the most successful Arabesque singers known for his emotional and sentimental music.

• Years Active: 1968–present
• Birth Date: November 15, 1945
• Major Albums: “Çeşme,” “Huzurum Kalmadı”
• Major Achievements: He starred in numerous Turkish films and received various music awards for his contribution to Arabesque music.

21. Aşkın Nur Yengi

Aşkın Nur Yengi is a Turkish pop singer and actress known for her emotional voice and successful career in the 90s. She rose to prominence with romantic ballads, which became anthems for Turkish pop fans.

• Years Active: 1990–present
• Birth Date: July 3, 1970
• Major Albums: “Sevgiliye,” “Sıramı Bekliyorum”
• Major Achievements: Multiple Golden Butterfly Awards, known for her hit singles in the Turkish pop scene.

22. Şebnem Ferah

Şebnem Ferah is a prominent Turkish rock singer and songwriter known for her powerful voice and emotional lyrics. She is often hailed as one of Turkey’s leading female rock icons.

• Years Active: 1996–present
• Birth Date: April 12, 1972
• Major Albums: “Kadın,” “Artık Kısa Cümleler Kuruyorum”
• Major Achievements: One of the most prominent female rock singers in Turkey, winner of several music awards.

23. Mazhar Alanson

Mazhar Alanson is a Turkish singer, guitarist, and songwriter best known as a member of the band MFÖ. His work with MFÖ was crucial in shaping Turkish pop and rock music.

• Years Active: 1966–present
• Birth Date: February 13, 1950
• Major Albums: “Ele Güne Karşı,” “Güllerin İçinden” (with MFÖ)
• Major Achievements: Multiple hit albums with MFÖ, represented Turkey in Eurovision twice.

24. Erkin Koray

Erkin Koray is one of the pioneers of Turkish rock music. He is known for blending traditional Turkish music with rock. His contributions to Turkish psychedelic rock have earned him a lasting legacy.

• Years Active: 1957–present
• Birth Date: June 24, 1941
• Major Albums: “Elektronik Türküler,” “Tamam Artık”
• Major Achievements: Recognized as one of the fathers of Anatolian rock, influential in developing Turkish psychedelic rock.

25. Demet Akalın

Demet Akalın is one of Turkey’s most successful pop singers, known for her energetic and catchy songs. Her outspoken personality and presence in the Turkish entertainment have made her a significant pop culture figure.

• Years Active: 1996–present
• Birth Date: April 23, 1972
• Major Albums: “Banane,” “Giderli 16”
• Major Achievements: Multiple Golden Butterfly Awards, regarded as one of the top pop stars in Turkey.

26. Cem Karaca

Cem Karaca was a prominent Turkish rock musician known for his powerful voice and politically charged lyrics. His music was closely tied to the Turkish political landscape of the 1970s, making him a controversial figure.

• Years Active: 1967–2004
• Birth Date: April 5, 1945
• Major Albums: “Resimdeki Gözyaşları,” “Tamirci Çırağı”
• Major Achievements: A leading figure in Turkish rock and protest music, he was exiled for political reasons during the 1980 military coup.

27. Duman (Kaan Tangöze)

Kaan Tangöze is the lead vocalist of the rock band Duman, who became a major Turkish alternative rock figure. Duman’s blend of grunge and Turkish folk elements has been highly influential.

• Years Active: 1999–present
• Birth Date: September 5, 1973
• Major Albums: “Belki Alışman Lazım,” “Seni Kendime Sakladım”
• Major Achievements: Multiple Best Rock Band awards, known for blending grunge and alternative rock with Turkish music.

28. Emre Aydın

Emre Aydın is a Turkish pop-rock singer and songwriter widely known for his emotional songs and melancholy lyrics. His music has resonated with younger audiences, particularly for its heartfelt and reflective content.

• Years Active: 2003–present
• Birth Date: February 2, 1981
• Major Albums: “Afili Yalnızlık,” “Kağıt Evler”
• Major Achievements: Won Best European Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2008.

29. Göksel

Göksel is a Turkish pop singer-songwriter known for her poetic lyrics and soft vocal style. Her ability to create deeply personal and reflective songs has made a lasting impact on Turkish music.

• Years Active: 1997–present
• Birth Date: November 25, 1971
• Major Albums: “Söz Ver,” “Hayat Rüya Gibi”
• Major Achievements: Won several music awards, known for her deep lyrics and artistic approach to pop music.

30. Yıldız Tilbe

Yıldız Tilbe is a Turkish pop and folk singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice and highly emotional ballads. Her eccentric personality and raw emotion have made her a beloved figure in Turkish music.

• Years Active: 1991–present
• Birth Date: July 16, 1966
• Major Albums: “Delikanlım,” “Aşkperest”
• Major Achievements: Iconic figure in Turkish pop and folk music, celebrated for her unique vocal techniques and emotional depth.

31. Zeynep Bastık

Zeynep Bastık is a rising Turkish pop star known for her modern pop sound and covers of popular Turkish songs. She initially gained popularity through social media before transitioning into mainstream success.

• Years Active: 2014–present
• Birth Date: July 8, 1993
• Major Albums: “Zeynodisco”
• Major Achievements: Gained popularity through YouTube and social media, praised for her vocal performances and live shows.

32. Yonca Evcimik

Yonca Evcimik is a Turkish pop singer, actress, and TV presenter who became a 90s pop icon in Turkey. Her upbeat pop songs and energetic performances set trends for Turkish pop music in the 1990s.

• Years Active: 1991–present
• Birth Date: September 16, 1963
• Major Albums: “Abone,” “Kendine Gel”
• Major Achievements: Known for her energetic stage performances, influential in shaping Turkish 90s pop culture.

33. Burcu Güneş

Burcu Güneş is a Turkish pop singer best known for her strong vocals and successful pop ballads. Her powerful voice has helped her stay prominent in the Turkish music industry.

• Years Active: 1998–present
• Birth Date: August 12, 1975
• Major Albums: “Aşk Yarası,” “Ben Ateş Ben Su”
• Major Achievements: Multiple music awards for her contributions to Turkish pop music.

34. Mabel Matiz

Mabel Matiz is a Turkish pop singer and songwriter known for his avant-garde style and poetic lyrics. His unique musical style has earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.

• Years Active: 2008–present
• Birth Date: August 31, 1985
• Major Albums: “Yaşım Çocuk,” “Gök Nerede”
• Major Achievements: Praised for his lyrical depth and artistic vision, a rising star in Turkish contemporary music.

35. Mor ve Ötesi (Harun Tekin)

Harun Tekin is the lead vocalist of the Turkish rock band Mor ve Ötesi, which gained success with their alternative rock style. The band is known for its politically conscious lyrics and contribution to Turkish alternative rock.

• Years Active: 1995–present
• Birth Date: June 28, 1977
• Major Albums: “Dünya Yalan Söylüyor,” “Büyük Düşler”
• Major Achievements: Represented Turkey in Eurovision 2008, considered one of the most influential rock bands in Turkey.

36. Gökhan Özoğuz (Athena)

Gökhan Özoğuz is the lead singer of the Turkish ska-punk band Athena, known for their unique fusion of punk rock with Turkish elements. Athena’s success brought a new dimension to Turkish rock music, gaining international attention.

• Years Active: 1987–present
• Birth Date: October 11, 1976
• Major Albums: “Her Şey Yolunda,” “Holigan”
• Major Achievements: Represented Turkey in Eurovision 2004, established a new punk rock sound in Turkish music.

37. Özdemir Erdoğan

Özdemir Erdoğan is a Turkish jazz and pop singer, guitarist, and composer known for his distinctive voice and musical versatility. His ability to blend Turkish classical music with jazz has made him a prominent figure in Turkish music.

• Years Active: 1960–present
• Birth Date: June 17, 1940
• Major Albums: “Sevdim Seni Bir Kere,” “Aşkımız Şarkılarda Yaşayacak”
• Major Achievements: Known for his fusion of Turkish music with jazz and Western styles, he was highly regarded in Turkish jazz circles.

38. Candan Erçetin

Candan Erçetin is a Turkish pop singer and professor known for her soulful ballads and deep vocal range. She is highly respected for her vocal ability and contributions to Turkish pop and traditional music.

• Years Active: 1995–present
• Birth Date: February 10, 1963
• Major Albums: “Aman Doktor,” “Melek”
• Major Achievements: Multiple awards for her albums, praised for her contributions to Turkish pop music and cultural preservation.

39. Mustafa Sandal

Mustafa Sandal is a Turkish pop singer, composer, and producer who gained international fame for his upbeat pop songs. He remains a major figure in Turkish pop, known for his catchy tunes and charismatic performances.

• Years Active: 1994–present
• Birth Date: January 11, 1970
• Major Albums: “Gölgede Aynı,” “Karizma”
• Major Achievements: Sold over 20 million albums worldwide, recognized as one of the best-selling Turkish artists.

40. Fatih Kısaparmak

Fatih Kısaparmak is a Turkish folk singer-songwriter, known for his songs that address social and political issues. His blend of traditional Turkish folk music with modern elements has earned him great respect in the Turkish music scene.

• Years Active: 1985–present
• Birth Date: October 31, 1961
• Major Albums: “Bu Adam Benim Babam,” “Sarhoş”
• Major Achievements: Known for his poetic lyrics and significant contribution to Turkish folk music.

41. Aynur Doğan

Aynur Doğan is a Kurdish singer known for her fusion of traditional Kurdish music with modern sounds. Her music not only entertains but also serves as a platform for cultural and political expression.

• Years Active: 2002–present
• Birth Date: March 1, 1975
• Major Albums: “Keçe Kurdan,” “Rewend”
• Major Achievements: Recognized internationally for promoting Kurdish culture through her music, received accolades for her musical activism.

42. Oğuzhan Koç