Alişan

Alişan — Biography

Alişan, born Serkan Burak Tektaş on 19 June 1976 in Istanbul's Şişhane neighbourhood within Beyoğlu, comes from a Zaza family with roots in Kiğı, Bingöl Province, and is known in Turkey as a singer, television presenter and actor.

After finishing his schooling at Kuvay-ı Milliye primary school, Özel Şişli Koleji and Özel Evrim Lisesi, he won a place at the Istanbul Technical University State Conservatory of Turkish Music, but left in his final year as his music career intensified. Spotted as talented by his family in childhood, he made his first recordings in high school with his father's backing; real success came with the 1997 album Sana Bir Şey Olmasın, on the Prestij Müzik label, carrying the hit "Kralı Gelse." Further albums followed, including Var Ya, Alişan, Kalbim Ellerinde and Seni Biraz Fazla Sevdim.

He moved into television acting with the 1998 series Aynalı Tahir, but it was Ferhat in Cennet Mahallesi (2004-2007), a spin-off of the film Gırgıriye, that made him widely known; he also appeared in Aşkına Eşkıya, Gonca Karanfil and Dostlar Mahallesi. Beyond music and acting, he has co-hosted morning and game shows with presenters including Çağla Şıkel, Demet Akalın and Ayşe Özyılmazel.