Turkey has a rich and diverse musical heritage, and its vibrant music scene has produced many iconic female singers who have left a lasting impact both within the country and beyond.
From the soulful melodies of classical Turkish music to the energetic beats of contemporary pop and rock, these talented women have shaped the sound of their times and inspired countless fans.
This article explores the careers and contributions of some of the most famous female Turkish singers, highlighting their unique styles, achievements, and the indelible marks they have left on Turkish culture.
21 Famous Female Singers from Turkey You Should Hear
Contents
- 1 21 Famous Female Singers from Turkey You Should Hear
- 2 #1 Sezen Aksu
- 3 #2 Ajda Pekkan
- 4 #3 Nazan Öncel
- 5 #4 Sertab Erener
- 6 #5 Nilüfer
- 7 #6 Zerrin Özer
- 8 #7 Bülent Ersoy
- 9 #8 Tarkan
- 10 #9 Sibel Can
- 11 #10 Yonca Evcimik
- 12 #11 Demet Akalın
- 13 #12 Gülşen
- 14 #13 Hülya Avşar
- 15 #14 Ayla Dikmen
- 16 #15 Muazzez Ersoy
- 17 #16 Nükhet Duru
- 18 #17 Hadise
- 19 #18 Simge Sağın
- 20 #19 Aleyna Tilki
- 21 #20 Göksel
- 22 #21 Şebnem Ferah
- 23 Frequently Asked Questions
This list includes a mix of legendary icons and contemporary stars, showcasing the diversity and richness of Turkish music.
Here’s a list of 21 famous female Turkish singers, spanning various genres and eras:
#1 Sezen Aksu
Sezen Aksu, dubbed the “Queen of Turkish Pop,” is one of Turkey’s most influential musicians. Her career began in the mid-1970s, and she quickly rose to fame with her unique voice and emotional depth. Aksu’s music often explores themes of love, heartache, and social issues, making her songs resonate deeply with audiences. She has also been a mentor to many younger Turkish artists, including Tarkan and Sertab Erener.
Beyond her singing, Aksu is a prolific songwriter, with many of her compositions becoming iconic. Her ability to blend traditional Turkish sounds with modern pop has left a lasting impact on the Turkish music industry.
#2 Ajda Pekkan
Ajda Pekkan, known as the “Superstar,” has been a dominant figure in Turkish pop music since the late 1960s. Her career spans over five decades, during which she has continuously reinvented herself, staying relevant in the ever-changing music scene. Pekkan’s music is characterized by its catchy melodies and sophisticated production, appealing to a wide audience.
Her influence goes beyond music, as she has also been a fashion icon in Turkey. Pekkan’s ability to adapt to different musical trends while maintaining her unique style has made her a beloved figure in Turkish culture.
#3 Nazan Öncel
Nazan Öncel is a prominent figure in Turkish pop-rock, known for her distinctive voice and songwriting talent. She emerged in the 1980s, quickly gaining recognition for her deep, often poetic lyrics that explore personal and societal issues. Öncel’s music blends pop with rock elements, creating a sound that is both edgy and accessible.
Her career has been marked by her ability to address controversial topics with honesty and courage, making her a respected voice in Turkish music. Öncel has also inspired many younger artists with her unapologetic approach to both music and life.
#4 Sertab Erener
Sertab Erener is a celebrated Turkish pop singer who gained international fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2003 with her song “Everyway That I Can.” Her career began in the early 1990s, and she quickly became known for her powerful voice and dynamic performances. Erener’s music blends traditional Turkish elements with contemporary pop, creating a unique sound.
Over the years, she has released numerous hit albums and singles, solidifying her place in Turkish music history. Erener’s Eurovision victory brought her widespread recognition, not only in Turkey but across Europe, enhancing her global appeal.
#5 Nilüfer
Nilüfer is a legendary Turkish pop singer who has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the 1970s. She is known for her melodious voice and the emotional depth she brings to her songs. Nilüfer’s music often combines pop with elements of Turkish folk, creating a sound that is both modern and rooted in tradition.
Throughout her career, she has released numerous successful albums and singles, many of which have become classics in Turkish pop music. Nilüfer’s enduring popularity and her ability to connect with audiences across generations have made her a beloved figure in Turkish culture.
#6 Zerrin Özer
Zerrin Özer is a versatile Turkish singer known for her contributions to both pop and Turkish classical music. She began her career in the late 1970s and quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and emotional performances. Özer’s music often explores themes of love, loss, and longing, resonating deeply with her audience.
Her ability to effortlessly switch between different musical genres has made her a unique figure in Turkish music. Over the years, Zerrin Özer has released numerous albums and singles, many of which have become iconic in the Turkish music scene.
#7 Bülent Ersoy
Bülent Ersoy, often referred to as the “Diva,” is a prominent figure in Turkish classical music. She began her career in the early 1970s and quickly became known for her powerful and emotive voice. Ersoy specializes in traditional Turkish art music, and her performances are celebrated for their depth and technical precision.
In addition to her musical achievements, Ersoy is a cultural icon and a trailblazer, particularly in her advocacy for transgender rights in Turkey. Her career has been marked by both immense success and controversy, making her one of the most talked-about figures in Turkish entertainment.
#8 Tarkan
While Tarkan is primarily known as a male artist, his frequent collaborations with female artists such as Sibel Can have greatly influenced Turkish pop music. Sibel Can, who started her career as an oriental dancer before transitioning to music, is renowned for her Turkish folk and pop music performances. Her career took off in the late 1980s, and she has since become a household name in Turkey.
Sibel Can’s voice is known for its rich texture, and her songs often blend traditional Turkish sounds with contemporary pop, appealing to a broad audience. Her longevity in the industry is a testament to her talent and adaptability.
#9 Sibel Can
Sibel Can began her career as a belly dancer before making a successful transition to singing in the late 1980s. She quickly gained popularity with her deep, resonant voice and her ability to convey emotion in her performances. Can’s repertoire includes both Turkish folk and pop music, making her a versatile artist in the Turkish music scene.
Over the years, she has released numerous albums and continues to be a beloved figure in Turkey. Sibel Can’s music often touches on themes of love, heartache, and resilience, resonating with a wide audience.
#10 Yonca Evcimik
Yonca Evcimik is a pop singer, dancer, and actress who became an iconic figure in Turkish pop culture during the 1990s. She is known for her energetic performances and catchy pop tunes that captivated a generation of fans. Evcimik’s music often features a blend of pop, dance, and electronic elements, making her one of the pioneers of modern Turkish pop music.
Beyond her music, Evcimik has also had a successful acting career, further cementing her status as a pop culture icon. Her ability to continuously evolve her style has kept her relevant in the Turkish entertainment industry.
#11 Demet Akalın
Demet Akalın is a prominent Turkish pop singer who has been a dominant figure in the music scene since the early 2000s. Known for her catchy songs and vibrant personality, Akalın quickly became one of the most popular pop stars in Turkey. Her music often features upbeat rhythms and relatable lyrics, making her a favorite among younger audiences.
Akalın’s ability to produce hit after hit has solidified her place as a leading figure in Turkish pop music. She is also known for her bold fashion choices and her strong presence on social media, where she connects with her fans.
#12 Gülşen
Gülşen is a contemporary Turkish pop singer known for her provocative lyrics and daring performances. She began her career in the late 1990s, but it was in the 2000s that she truly rose to fame with a series of hit songs. Gülşen’s music often explores themes of love, desire, and empowerment, resonating with a broad audience.
In addition to her singing career, Gülşen is also a successful songwriter, having penned many of her own hits. Her ability to push boundaries and her innovative approach to pop music have made her a standout figure in the Turkish music industry.
#13 Hülya Avşar
Hülya Avşar is a multifaceted Turkish entertainer, known for her work as a singer, actress, and television personality. She began her career in the early 1980s and quickly became a household name in Turkey. Avşar’s music career includes a variety of pop songs that showcase her vocal talents and appeal to a wide audience.
In addition to her music, Avşar has had a successful acting career, appearing in numerous films and television shows. Her influence extends beyond the entertainment industry, as she is also known for her philanthropic work and her role as a fashion icon.
#14 Ayla Dikmen
Ayla Dikmen was a prominent Turkish singer known for her deep, emotional voice and her ability to convey powerful feelings through her music. Her career began in the 1960s, and she quickly gained recognition for her performances in the Turkish pop and folk genres. Dikmen’s music often touched on themes of love, loss, and longing, resonating deeply with her audience.
Although she passed away in the early 1990s, her songs continue to be cherished by fans, and her influence on Turkish music is still felt today. Ayla Dikmen remains a beloved figure in Turkish music history.
#15 Muazzez Ersoy
Muazzez Ersoy is a celebrated Turkish singer known for her renditions of classical Turkish music. She began her career in the late 1980s, quickly establishing herself as a leading voice in traditional Turkish art music. Ersoy is often referred to as the “Nostalgia Queen” because of her focus on reviving and popularizing older Turkish songs.
Her albums have been hugely successful, and she has become a beloved figure for her ability to bring the richness of classical Turkish music to new generations. Ersoy’s deep respect for tradition and her soulful voice have earned her a special place in Turkish music.
#16 Nükhet Duru
Nükhet Duru is a versatile Turkish singer who has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the 1970s. She is known for her powerful voice and her ability to perform across various genres, including pop, jazz, and Turkish folk music. Duru’s career has been marked by her willingness to experiment with different musical styles while maintaining a strong connection to her Turkish roots.
Her collaborations with other artists and her dynamic performances have made her a beloved figure in Turkish music. Duru continues to influence the Turkish music scene with her innovative approach and timeless voice.
#17 Hadise
Hadise is a Belgian-Turkish pop singer who gained widespread fame after representing Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009 with her hit song “Düm Tek Tek.” Her career began in the mid-2000s, and she quickly became known for her energetic performances and catchy pop tunes. Hadise’s music often blends Western pop influences with Turkish rhythms, creating a sound that appeals to a wide audience.
In addition to her singing career, Hadise has also served as a judge on “The Voice Turkey,” further cementing her place in the Turkish entertainment industry. Her international appeal has made her a standout figure in Turkish pop music.
#18 Simge Sağın
Simge Sağın, known simply as Simge, is a contemporary Turkish pop singer who has quickly risen to fame since her debut in the mid-2010s. She is known for her distinctive voice and catchy pop songs that often feature a blend of electronic and traditional Turkish elements. Simge’s music explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-empowerment, resonating with a wide audience, particularly among younger listeners.
Her hit singles, such as “Miş Miş” and “Yankı,” have made her one of the most popular pop singers in Turkey today. Simge continues to release chart-topping music, solidifying her place in the Turkish pop scene.
#19 Aleyna Tilki
Aleyna Tilki is one of the youngest stars in the Turkish music industry, gaining fame as a teenager with her debut single “Cevapsız Çınlama” in 2016. Her unique voice and bold personality quickly captured the public’s attention. Tilki’s music blends pop with electronic influences, and her songs often feature themes of love, youth, and independence.
Despite her young age, Tilki has already made a significant impact on the Turkish music scene, with several hit singles to her name. Her fearless approach to music and her ability to connect with a young audience make her a rising star to watch.
#20 Göksel
Göksel is a Turkish pop and rock singer known for her poetic lyrics and emotional depth. She began her career in the mid-1990s, and her music often explores themes of love, loss, and longing. Göksel’s sound is a blend of pop and rock, with a focus on strong melodies and introspective lyrics. Her ability to convey deep emotions through her music has earned her a loyal fanbase.
Over the years, Göksel has released several successful albums and singles, many of which have become classics in Turkish pop music. Her enduring appeal and artistic integrity make her a respected figure in the Turkish music industry.
#21 Şebnem Ferah
Şebnem Ferah is a leading figure in Turkish rock music, known for her powerful voice and deeply personal lyrics. She began her career in the early 1990s as the lead singer of the rock band Volvox before embarking on a successful solo career. Ferah’s music often addresses themes of pain, loss, and inner strength, resonating with fans who appreciate her raw honesty.
Her ability to blend rock with traditional Turkish sounds has made her a unique voice in the Turkish music scene. Over the years, Ferah has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, cementing her status as a rock icon in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which female Turkish singer is known for winning the Eurovision Song Contest?
Sertab Erener won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2003 with her song “Everyway That I Can.” Her victory brought international recognition to Turkish pop music.
Who is considered the “Queen of Turkish Pop”?
Sezen Aksu is often referred to as the “Queen of Turkish Pop” due to her immense influence on the genre and her long-lasting career.
Which female Turkish singer is famous for her contributions to both pop and Turkish classical music?
Zerrin Özer is well-known for her versatility in both pop and Turkish classical music, showcasing her powerful voice across different genres.
Who is a pioneering female rock musician in Turkey?
Şebnem Ferah is a leading figure in Turkish rock music, recognized for her powerful voice and deeply personal lyrics.
