Huri Sapan is an Arabesk and a Türk Sanat Müziği singer and an actress. She was born and raised in the Black Sea region, in a conservative Laz family. Started her musical carrer in 1968 with her albums released on a label called Pathe. Before recording for big Turkish labels (Istanbul Plak; Elenor) Huri Sapan had her singles first released in Serbia. Cooperated with the biggest artists of Turkish popular music in 70s. Huri Sapan was one of the female singers performing in many of Ferdi Tayfur's movies. Huri Sapan often appeared in Turkish gazinos (Maxim, Bebek, Lunapark) as well as singer movies (sanatçı film) through all 70s and 80s. The song titled “Bir Şans Daha Ver”, released in 1974 by Elenor Plak, was used in the Oscar winning Alan Parker's “Midnight Express” movie from 1978.

Huri Sapan lives in Istanbul and still performs on stage.

Photo: Elenor Plak

1939 - 2017

Handan Kara started her career in TRT Radyosu. She got involved in the film industry since the begining of her musical activity. It was lip-syncing and dubbing of famous Turkish actresses (for example Türkan Şoray) that made Handan Kara recognized and popular in Turkey. She performed also in several Turkish movies as an actress and a singer. One of the most succesful movies of Handan Kara was “İşte Deve, İşte Hendek”, where she appeared together with two other Turkish singers Neşe Alkan and Rana Alagöz. But it was a Turkish blockbuster "Sonbahar Rüzgarları" that made Handan Kara widely recognized and aknowledged as a singer. She used to perform in Bebek Gazinosu. She moved to Hamburg and lived there till early 2000s.

Handan Kara died in Istanbul in 2017.

Photo: Şah Plak

Gönül Yazar was born as Mürşide Gönül Özyeğiner in 1936. She had been recognised as a talented vocalist after winning a vocal contest at the age of 13. Started her official career in 1954 in TRT Radyosu. Gönül is widely known in Turkey not only for her brilliant music career but also for her vibrant private life. Gönül got married 6 times. Her first marriage was arranged when she was 15. She got married to Neced Yazar, twice older owner of gazino, after secretly going on music tour with him. Her family was sure that that Gönül's reputation was in tatters. The marriage was arranged in order to cover-up the scandal. Since 70s Gönül has been praised as one of the greatests Turkish pop singers. She was a star of the most prestigous music hall of Istanbul - Maksim Gazinosu. Gönül is a sister of popular Arabesk singer – Belkis Özener.

Photo: Elenor Plak

1949 - 2002

Esmeray - Turkish pop singer and one of the very few representatives of Afro-Turks in Turkish show business. She got famous in late 70s and 80s for her TRT television concerts. Esmeray started her career as an actress in 1960. In early 70s she performed with Kim Bunlar band. She won the first and last Toplu İgne Composition Contest – a contest organised by TRT Television Channel (Turkish National Television) in 1974. The song Unutama Beni (Do Not Forget Me) was chosen by the audience as the best song of the competition. The deep sound of the song was based on Arabic maqam. Soon after the success on this contest, the song was censored by the channel. Arabic influences and musical patterns, which were part of Turkish culture for so many centuries, were then perceived as symbols of cultural backwardness. With their eye fixed to the West, TRT’s members considered Esmeray’s music inappropriate to represent the modern Turkish music in 70s. Her outstanding voice is still remembered in Turkey. However many of her songs are still waiting for appreciation and deep understanding. Especially the song titled "13,5" deserves further attention of international audience.

Photo: Kaan Diriker

Neşe Alkan is a barely known Turkish female singer, who started her career in 70s. Recorded her first singles on a label named Elenor. As many other Turkish singers she was not only a singer but also an actress. Neşe Alkan got remembered as a beautiful and strong woman of Ala Turka music scene. She got disappeared from showbusiness in 80s just after the release of Tut Kalbimi Tut album. The album is a rare example of autonomy and independence of female artist in Turkey. Neşe Alkan not only brought the album ready to the Elenor, but also took the absolute control over the production process.

Photo: Elenor Plak

The birth name of Gülden Karaböcek is Saniye Gülden Göktürk. She was born in 1953. She has two sisters, Neşe and Gülcan, both involved in music business. Started her career with Elenor in early 70s as a young, progressive Türkü singer. She got married to Atilla Alpsakarya, a former husband of her sister Neşe and the owner of Elenor Plak. For years Gülden was stigmatized in the Turkish show business for getting married to Atilla Alpsakarya. Gülden was perceived as a gifted singer and modern interpreter of long lasting aşık tradition. Apart from being a singer she was also known as a guitarist and composer of her own songs. Since the end of 70s Gülden had changed her direction towards very popular musical genre called Arabesk. It was “Dilek Taşı” movie from 1977 that brought her success and appreciation. Gülden worked with the biggest artists and arrangers of Turkish music scene (Onno Tunç and Esin Engin). She still performs on stage in Turkey.

Photo: Elenor Plak

Gül Sorgun is an Alevi female singer, known mostly for her folk and Türkü songs. She comes from a family of bağlama musicians. She performed with the biggest stars of the genre - Arif Sağ and Selda Bağcan and made a collaboration with Şah Plak in 80s.

Photo: Şah Plak

Ferda Gül is an Alevi female singer specialized in Oyun Havaları and Fantezi music. She made a collaboration with Şah Plak in 80s.

Photo: Şah Plak

Dilber Doğan is an Alevi female singer, born in Sivas. She initially performed mostly on weddings and other Turkish festive celebrations. She was respected as an uzun hava singer. Dilber Doğan got her recognition as a female singer of Alevi community in late 80s. She was also known for her artistic cooperation with Aşık Mahsuni Şerif.

Photo: Şah Plak