Tarkan Tevetoğlu (born October 17, 1972) was born in Alzey, Rhineland-Palatinate, West Germany. He is a Turkish singer-songwriter who has achieved notable success both in Turkey and internationally. He is professionally known as Tarkan. Since the early 1990s, Tarkan's albums have garnered significant sales, establishing him as a prominent figure in the realm of pop music.
Originally hailing from Alzey, Rhineland-Palatinate, Tarkan relocated to Turkey with his family in 1986. His passion for music blossomed during his childhood, and he pursued his musical aspirations while attending high school in Karamürsel, where he also received music lessons. During this time, Tarkan caught the attention of Mehmet Söğütoğlu, the owner of İstanbul Plak, leading to a contract for his debut album.
In 1992, Tarkan released his first album, titled "Yine Sensiz," featuring the hit single "Kıl Oldum." Following its success, he released his second album, "Aacayipsin," in 1994, and his third album, "Ölürüm Sana," in 1998. The song "Şımarık" from the album "Ölürüm Sana" gained widespread popularity in multiple countries.
In 1998, Tarkan signed a new contract with Universal Music Group, and his compilation album, simply titled "Tarkan," achieved platinum and gold certifications in various countries in 1999. In 2001, his fourth studio album, "Karma," featured notable music videos for the songs "Kuzu Kuzu," "Hüp," and "Verme." Two years later, his extended play "Dudu" performed well on the charts.
In 2006, Tarkan expanded his reach with the release of his first English album, "Come Closer," gaining recognition in Europe with the lead singles "Bounce" and "Start the Fire." The lyrics of the songs in his album "Metamorfoz" received acclaim from the Turkish Language Association. In 2010, his seventh studio album, "Adımı Kalbine Yaz," became Turkey's best-selling album of the year. Tarkan's ninth album, "Ahde Vefa," which embraced a Classical Turkish theme, was released in 2016.
Tarkan's impact extends beyond his music career, as he actively engages in numerous social projects. He has earned monikers such as "Megastar" and "Prince of the Bosporus" in the media. Notably, Tarkan stands out as one of the few European singers who has achieved chart success without primarily singing in English. His captivating live performances have drawn comparisons to the legendary Elvis Presley's influence in the United States during the late 1950s. Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder of Atlantic Records, described Tarkan as one of the best live performers he had ever witnessed. Rhapsody has recognized him as a key artist in the history of European pop music, with his signature song, "Şımarık," serving as a pivotal track that pushed the genre forward. Tarkan's albums have sold over 15 million copies worldwide, and he has received numerous accolades, including four Turkey Music Awards, six Golden Butterfly Awards, and one World Music Award, in addition to various nominations.
In summary, Tarkan Tevetoğlu has made a significant impact on the music scene with his successful albums, captivating live performances, and notable contributions to social causes. His influence extends beyond Turkey, earning him recognition as a key figure in European pop music history.
