Introduction
Tarkan Tevetoğlu (Born October 17, 1972) known professionally as Tarkan is a/an Turkey - German
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Personal Information
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Tarkan: The Prince of Turkish Pop
Early Life and Background
Tarkan Tevetoğlu, known mononymously as Tarkan, was born on October 17, 1972, in Alzey, West Germany, to Turkish parents. His family returned to Turkey when he was 13, settling in Karamürsel, Kocaeli province.
From an early age, Tarkan showed exceptional musical talent. He began composing songs as a teenager and was discovered by music producer Mehmet Söğütoğlu in 1991. This encounter launched his professional music career.
Tarkan attended Karamürsel High School and later studied at the Karadeniz Technical University in Trabzon, though he left to pursue music full-time. His multicultural background (born in Germany, raised in Turkey) would later influence his musical style that bridges East and West.
Musical Career
Tarkan's career spans over three decades, during which he has become one of the most successful Turkish artists internationally, selling over 29 million records worldwide.
Breakthrough and International Fame
His 1997 album "Ölürüm Sana" (I Would Die For You) catapulted him to international stardom, particularly with the hit single "Şımarık" (Spoiled). The album sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
Complete Discography
| Year | Album | Certifications | Notable Songs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Yine Sensiz | 2× Platinum | Kıl Oldum, Vazgeçemem |
| 1994 | Aacayipsin | 4× Platinum | Hepsi Senin Mi?, Dön Bebeğim |
| 1997 | Ölürüm Sana | 7× Platinum | Şımarık, Ölürüm Sana |
| 2001 | Karma | 5× Platinum | Kuzu Kuzu, Hüp |
| 2003 | Dudu | 3× Platinum | Dudu, Gülümse Kaderine |
| 2006 | Come Closer | Gold (Europe) | Bounce, Start the Fire |
| 2008 | Metamorfoz | 4× Platinum | Vay Anam Vay, Pare Pare |
| 2010 | Adımı Kalbine Yaz | 3× Platinum | Sevdanın Son Vuruşu, Adımı Kalbine Yaz |
| 2016 | Ahde Vefa | 2× Platinum | Cuppa, Beni Çok Sev |
| 2017 | 10 | Platinum | Yolla, Beni Benimle Bırak |
International Singles
| Year | Song | Language | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Şımarık (Spoiled) | Turkish | #1 in Turkey, Top 10 across Europe |
| 1999 | Şıkıdım | Turkish | European club hit |
| 2006 | Bounce | English | #2 Germany, #3 Austria |
| 2006 | Start the Fire | English | Top 20 in Europe |
| 2008 | Vay Anam Vay | Turkish | #1 in Turkey |
| 2016 | Cuppa | Turkish | Viral hit internationally |
Tarkan has sold over 29 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling Turkish artists of all time. His music blends Turkish folk elements with contemporary pop, dance, and R&B influences.
Career Timeline
Discovered by Mehmet Söğütoğlu, begins music career
Releases debut album "Yine Sensiz" at age 19
"Ölürüm Sana" album brings international fame
Wins Best European Act at MTV Europe Music Awards
Releases "Karma" album after military service
English-language album "Come Closer" targets international market
"Metamorfoz" album marks return to Turkish music
Performs at Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo
Releases "Ahde Vefa" featuring Turkish classical songs
Celebrates 25th anniversary with album "10"
Continues to perform sold-out concerts worldwide
International Success
Tarkan achieved unprecedented international success for a Turkish artist:
- First Turkish artist to chart across Europe with "Şımarık" (1998)
- Won Best European Act at MTV Europe Music Awards (1999)
- English-language album "Come Closer" (2006) reached #2 in Germany
- Performed for audiences of over 50,000 in Europe and North America
- His music has been featured in Hollywood films and TV shows
- Collaborated with international artists like Wyclef Jean
Cultural Impact
Tarkan's influence extends beyond music:
- Popularized Turkish pop music globally
- Bridged cultural gaps between East and West
- Inspired a generation of Turkish artists to think internationally
- His style and image redefined male pop stardom in Turkey
- Advocated for Turkish-Greek friendship through music
Personal Life
Tarkan has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his fame:
Relationships
Tarkan married his longtime girlfriend Pınar Dilek, a ballet dancer, in 2016. The couple has two children:
- Daughter Liya (born 2018)
- Son Miran (born 2022)
Military Service
Tarkan completed his mandatory military service in 2000-2001, which caused a temporary hiatus in his career. His return was marked by the successful album "Karma."
Legal Issues
In 2010, Tarkan faced legal issues regarding his military service obligations, which were eventually resolved. He has since been an advocate for updating Turkey's military service laws.
Philanthropy
Tarkan supports various charitable causes:
- UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador (since 2006)
- Supports children's education programs
- Participates in disaster relief efforts
- Advocates for animal rights
Awards and Recognition
Tarkan has received numerous awards throughout his career:
| Year | Award | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Kral TV Video Music Awards | Best New Artist |
| 1997 | Golden Butterfly Awards | Best Male Artist |
| 1999 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Best European Act |
| 2001 | World Music Awards | Best Selling Turkish Artist |
| 2004 | Balkan Music Awards | Best Male Artist |
| 2008 | MGD Awards | Best Album (Metamorfoz) |
| 2010 | Galatasaray University | Honorary Doctorate |
| 2017 | Turkey Youth Awards | Lifetime Achievement |
In 2010, Tarkan received an honorary doctorate from Galatasaray University for his contributions to Turkish music and culture.
Artistry and Legacy
Musical Style
Tarkan's music is characterized by:
- Blend of Turkish folk with contemporary pop and R&B
- Powerful, emotive vocals with wide range
- Sophisticated production values
- Bilingual approach (Turkish and English)
- Energetic dance tracks alongside emotional ballads
Influence
Tarkan has influenced:
- Generations of Turkish pop artists
- International perception of Turkish music
- Male pop star image in the Middle East
- Cultural exchanges between Turkey and Europe
- Turkish diaspora's connection to homeland
Current Status and Future
As of 2023, Tarkan:
- Continues to perform sold-out concerts worldwide
- Works on new music projects
- Focuses on family life
- Maintains status as Turkey's most recognizable pop icon
- Occasionally appears as a judge on music competitions
With over 30 years in music, Tarkan remains the undisputed "Prince of Turkish Pop," his legacy secure as the artist who brought Turkish music to the world stage.