Haluk Levent

Haluk Levent has emerged as one of the prominent representatives of Anatolian rock in the Turkish music scene. In addition to his music career, he has led social responsibility projects through the Ahbap Association and is particularly known for his aid efforts during times of disaster. With his emphasis on environmental awareness and mutual aid, he has established a wide sphere of influence in both artistic and societal life. In 2023, he was named among the world's most influential people by Time magazine.

Life and Education

Haluk Levent was born on November 26, 1968, in the Yamaçlı neighborhood of Yüreğir, a district of Adana. His birth name is Haluk Acil. He is the eighth of nine siblings and comes from an Alawite (Nusayri) background. He completed his primary education at Sabancı Primary School and attended Adana Atatürk High School for his secondary education. He began his university studies in the Forestry Engineering Department at Karadeniz Technical University, later enrolling in the Computer Programming program at Ankara University's Kastamonu Vocational School, the Physics Department at Middle East Technical University, and the Accounting Department at Ankara University. However, he did not complete any of these programs for various reasons.

Due to his family's financial difficulties during his school years, he ventured into business. He later moved to Istanbul, began working in bars, and through his connections with musicians, transitioned to album production.

Music Career

Haluk Levent began his music career with the release of his debut album Yollarda in 1993. As an artist producing works in the Anatolian rock genre, he went on to be recognized as one of the leading figures in Turkish rock music. His albums achieved unexpected commercial success and reached a broad audience. His 1995 album Bir Gece Vakti sold nearly one million copies.

In 1997, he served a prison sentence of 9 months and 15 days for forgery related to a commercial dispute from 1989. During his incarceration, he wrote his first book, Kedi Köprüsü (The Cat Bridge). After his release, he completed his military service while continuing to give concerts.

His music also incorporates themes of environmental awareness and social responsibility. He participated in events opposing environmentally harmful projects in various regions and was involved in related legal actions.

Albums

• 1993: Yollarda (On the Roads)
• 1995: Bir Gece Vakti (One Night Time)
• 1996: Arkadaş (Friend)
• 1997: Mektup (The Letter)
• 1998: Yine Ayrılık (Separation Again)
• 2000: www.leyla.com
• 2001: Kral Çıplak (The King Is Naked)
• 2002: Bir Erkeğin Günlüğü (A Man’s Diary)
• 2003: Türkiye Turnesi 2003 (Turkey Tour 2003)
• 2004: Aç Pencereni (Open Your Window)
• 2005: Annemin Türküleri (My Mother's Folk Songs)
• 2006: Akşam Üstü (Late Afternoon)
• 2010: Karagöz ve Hacivat
• 2014: Dostane (Friendly)
• 2019: Tam Bana Göre (Just for Me)
• 2021: Vasiyet (Testament)

Books

• 1998: Kedi Köprüsü (The Cat Bridge)
• 2004: Moritos’un Düşleri (Dreams of Moritos)

Film and Television Work

Haluk Levent has acted in various projects and contributed music to others.

As an actor:

• 2002: Reyting Hamdi (TV series)
• 2013: Günce (Feature film)
• 2013: BKM Güldür Güldür (TV show, guest artist)

Music composition:

• 1998: Gülün Bittiği Yer (Where the Rose Ends) – Feature film

Social Responsibility Work

In 2017, Haluk Levent founded the Ahbap Platform, organizing aid for people in need. The platform quickly expanded and was institutionalized as the Ahbap Association on July 31, 2017. The association operates in areas such as scholarships and dormitory support for students, provision of medical equipment and drugs to patients, and financial aid to those in need.

Following the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, he organized relief operations in the region through the Ahbap Association. He played a crucial role in delivering tents, medical supplies, clothing, and essential goods to the earthquake victims.

Awards and Achievements

• 2023: Named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World”; however, he declined the award due to statements included in the accompanying profile.
• Supported numerous social projects through proceeds from charity concerts in Turkey.
• Noted for performing two record-length concerts lasting twelve hours each.
• Honored with hundreds of awards and certificates of appreciation.

Personal Life

Haluk Levent married Neslin Yonarlar in 2004 and divorced in 2017. He has a daughter named Ela, born in 2008. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in environmental protection, human rights, and social aid efforts.