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Turkish pop icon Tarkan has come back on stage in Istanbul after a long break of almost seven years, kicking off a sold-out concert run that underlined his lasting appeal at home and abroad.
Performing on Friday, Jan. 16, at Volkswagen Arena, the artist widely known as the “Prince of Pop” met fans again in a city he described as unmatched, setting the tone for an eight-show series that quickly turned into one of the most in-demand live music events in the city.
The opening night, organized by Hitt Production, began with Tarkan bringing out his 1997 hit “Olurum Sana,” a song that marked an early milestone in his career, before moving into another well-known favorite, “Dudu.”
By opening with familiar tracks, he set up an atmosphere that connected long-time listeners with newer fans, easing them back into his live performances after years away from the Istanbul concert scene.
As the night went on, Tarkan spoke to the crowd with visible emotion, acknowledging the long gap since his last Istanbul show.
He told fans that Istanbul was unique and without equal and openly asked for forgiveness for staying away for so many years.
The strong demand for Tarkan’s comeback showed itself even before the first note was played. Tickets for the first four concerts sold out within 45 minutes, while the remaining dates were taken within about an hour, signaling how much anticipation had built up around the singer’s return.
The packed hall reflected that interest, with a high-profile audience that included well-known Turkish actors such as Ezgi Mola, Merve Dizdar, and Burcin Terzioglu.
Following the opening night, Tarkan is set to carry on with performances at the same venue on Jan. 17, 20, 23, 24, 27, 30, and 31.
With every show already sold out, the series stands as a major cultural moment in Istanbul’s winter concert calendar, bringing the megastar back into close contact with fans in Türkiye’s largest city.
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