Emel Sayın, born on 20 November 1945, is a Turkish vocal artist and actress. She began her music career at a young age and held positions at Ankara Radio.

Life and Education

Emel Sayın was born on 20 November 1945 in the Şarkışla district of Sivas province in Türkiye. During her childhood she lived with her maternal grandmother and began her primary education at Kayseri Cumhuriyet İlkokulu. She won first prizes in singing competitions during her school years, demonstrating her talent at an early age. After returning to Konya with her family for secondary education, she continued her studies in Üsküdar after her family relocated there.

At the age of thirteen, the artist began taking music lessons from Arif Sami Toker and later received training from renowned figures such as Münir Nurettin Selçuk. After graduating from Çapa Anadolu Öğretmen Lisesi, she studied singing under Alis Rosenthal at the Istanbul Municipal Conservatory. During these studies, she won the title of “Queen of Voice” after performing a composition by Münir Nurettin Selçuk in a competition organized by Hürriyet News Agency.

Career

Stage Life

Emel Sayın began her professional stage career at the age of seventeen at Necdet Yazar’s nightclub in Ankara Gençlik Parkı. In 1963 she passed the examination for Ankara Radio and worked there for seven years before moving to Istanbul Radio, where she performed as an soloist at Lalezâr Gazinosu.

Still from the film “Beyaz Melek” featuring Emel Sayın (IMDb)

Cinema and Television

In addition to her music career, Sayın has also been active in cinema. The artist made her cinematic debut in the 1970 film “Eyvah” and appeared in films such as “Mavi Boncuk” (1974), “Yalancı Yarim” (1973), and “Hasret” (1974). Among these, the film “Mavi Boncuk,” in which she shared the lead role with Tarık Akan, became a standout production in her cinematic career. Sayın also entered the world of television, appearing alongside Mehmet Ali Erbil in the series “Aşkım Aşkım” in 2001.

Poster for the film “Mavi Boncuk” (IMDb)

Acting Roles

Düğün Dernek (2013)

Altın Kızlar (2009)

Beyaz Melek (2007)

Karınca Yuvası (2006)

Cennet Mahallesi (2004)

Aşkım Aşkım (2001)

Olacak O Kadar (1986)

Rüzgar (1980)

Acı Hatıralar (1977)

Hasret (1974)

Mavi Boncuk (1974)

Yalancı Yarim (1973)

Feryat (1973)

Düşman (1973)

Süreyya (1972)

Gülizar (1972)

Feride (1971)

Hicran (1971)

Makber (1971)

Şampiyon (1970)

Eyvah (1970)

Awards

• 1998: State Artist Title
• 2007: Altın Kelebek Award (Best Female Turkish Art Music Artist)
• 2016: Antalya Altın Portakal Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2023: Presidency Culture and Arts Grand Award in the field of music. She received this award during the celebration of her 60th year in the arts.

The Presidency Culture and Arts Grand Award presented to Emel Sayın (Anadolu Agency)