Turkish Memes
90s Turkish Pop, what an unforgettable era ! My best memories of Turkish summers was hearing the “Kral top 20” and “Powerturk top 20” blasting at my aunties house , and then heading out and hearing the same songs at every milk bar, cafe & bar.
We have put together a top 20 list in no particular order of some unforgettable 90s Pop music that will take you on a trip down memory lane.
1.MUSTAFA SANDAL-ARABA | 1996
Most would be familiar with the name Mustafa Sandal. Born in 1970 ,the singer/song writer has released many #1 hits with “Araba” being one one of his best work. I have waited my entire life to get the car of my dreams, just so i can leave the dealership blasting this track with my windows down. Shout out to everyone still listening to this track in 2021 !
2.MIRKELAM-HER GECE | 1995
Mirkelam , a name which you may or may not recognise, but I am certain you have heard his music. Born in Istanbul 1996, the Turkish singer/song writer has found a spot in the Turkish charts on many occasions with his hit single “Her Gece” which kick started his career.
3.SERDAR ORTAÇ-KARA BIBERIM | 1994
Born in 1970 the singer and song writer shot to the fame in 1994 with his hit single “Kara Biberim” as part of his album “Aşk İçin. Most will also be familiar with the rather intriguing video clip . (We’re talking about the part where Serdar Ortaç appears to be eating a grape out of a woman’s belly button). Yikes ! Grape anyone ?
4. TARKAN-SIMARIK | 1997
This is a track everyone will recognise. This hit single was released in 1997 by popular artist Tarkan Tevetoglu. Born in 1972, Tarkan shot to fame in the early 90s and has been a popular figure in the Turkish music industry since. The hit single “Simarik” also known as “Kiss Kiss” was written by singer and song writer Sezen Aksu. “Simarik” sold millions of copies world wide, and the hit track has been translated into many different languages including an English cover by Australian artist Holly Vallance.
5. MUSTAFA SANDAL- AYA BENZER | 1998
With 31 million views just on Youtube Mustafa Sandal released his chart topping hit “Aya Benzer” which also proved to be popular amongst many international listeners. This track also features a version of the song with an appearance from German born Turkish artist Gülcan.
6. TARKAN- OLURUM SANA | 1997
Olurum sana , literally translating to “I will die for you” was another track released by the king of Turkish pop Tarkan Tevetoglu. The somewhat controversial video clip was shot in New York where Tarkan spent most of his time.
7. REYHAN KARACA-SEVDIK SEVDALANDIK | 1997
Reyhan Karaca, born in 1970 shot to fame during the 90s with one of the biggest hit singles of the era. With 50 million views on Youtube alone, there is no doubt that this track is in the 90s Turkish pop hall of fame.
8. ÇELIK – HERCAI | 1995
“Hercai” is a track to take you down memory lane by popular 90s artist Çelik. This dreamy love song will have you missing someone you haven’t even met !
For those who haven’t heard this track, you might recognise the recent cover released by Turkish artist Cavid Tagizade.
9. RAKKAS – SEZEN AKSU | 1995
Undoubtably one of the most played tracks at any wedding ! Released in 1995 by one of Turkeys biggest singer/song writers Sezen Aksu. This hit track is still played on repeat with no signs of ever aging. This one is sure to get your hips moving !
10.SERTAB ERENER- ZOR KADIN | 1999
The Iconic Sertab Erener is no stranger to the top 20 charts in Turkey. Her single “Zor Kadin” released in 1999, takes me back to the summer of 1999 in Turkey. This feel good song is sure to brighten your mood and have you listening on repeat. This track features Belgian beat box group “voice male” who add a dynamic twist to the track.
11. ASKIN NUR YENGI – AY INANMIYORUM | 1994
With millions of hits , this is a track by Turkish artist Aşkın Nur Yengi is sure to take you down memory lane. Topping the charts in 1994, the vocals and colourful music clip will have you listening on repeat.
12. YONCA EVCIMIK – BANDIRA BANDIRA | 1994
Yonca Evcimik, born 1963 is no stranger to Turkish pop music with one of her most popular hits being “Bandira Bandira” This feel good track will definitely have you singing along !
13. EGE – DELICE BIR SEVDA | 1995
Relesed in 1995 by singer song writer Ege, this track will have you mesmerised with unique vocals and unique Turkish/spanish instrumentals
14. GRUP LACIN – BEKAR GEZELIM | 1998
“Bekar Gezelim” was undoubtably the biggest hit track of 1998 , and is still to this day played at many events, particularly weddings. Grup Laçin, formed in 1991 was a Turkish band consisting of 6 members, with the lead singer being Hakan Alkar
15. KENAN DOGULU – YAPARIM BILIRSIN | 1993
It wouldn’t be a top 20 list if we didn’t include Turkish pop legend Kenan Dogulu.
“Yaparim bilirsin” was a chart topping hit from 1993 which was a single from the first album released by the talented Kenan Dogulu. The video clip features the pop legend wearing a two piece purple suit which at the time probably seemed like a good idea.
16. AYNA – YENIDEN DE SEVEBILIRIZ | 1998
Ayna is a Turkish group formed in 1996 consisting of 5 members. Most will recognise the iconic suits and sunglasses combinations worn by the group members . Ayna shot to popularity with hit single “Yeniden de sevebiliriz” which resulted in huge turnouts to concerts with hundreds of thousands of fans eager to watch the group perform live .
17. ÇUKULATA KIZ – RAGGA OKTAY | 1998
Some may or may not recognise this artist, but most who grew up in the 90s will recognise this track. Born in Holland to Turkish parents, Ragga Oktay has released songs from many genres including Reggae, HipHop, Pop & Rnb. Ragga Oktays most popular track was undoubtably “Çukulata Kiz”
18. KENAN DOGULU- SIKI SIKI | 1994
Kenan Dogulu once again makes our top 20 list with his hit single “Siki Siki” released in 1994 which also features a very intriguing and unique video clip.
19. SERDAR ORTAC – YAR DIYE DIYE | 1999
“Yar diye diye” by Serdar ortac is a track many will recognise. Still played at wedding and events till this day, this track will have you singing along , bringing you back to the iconic year of 1999.
20. MANSUR ARK – MAALESEF | 1997
Mansur Ark, an artist born to a Turkish mother, and African father shot to fame in 1997 when he released his hit single “Maalesef” Most have described this song as a track that never ages, and is a true throw back to the 90s
Listen to this playlist + more from 90s Turkish pop by visiting our Spotify playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5PbgLGLjaO3KawnP4sh7nr?si=_D6RwVdhReWGKyCly5cPGQ
