Peninsula People: Ajda Pekkan
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The Timeless Icon of Turkish Pop and Her Enduring Bond with Bodrum
Few names in Turkish pop music carry as much weight and respect as Ajda Pekkan’s. While she’s celebrated nationwide for her six-decade-long career, it’s her deep connection to Bodrum that reveals another, more personal side of the superstar. Owning a home on the peninsula, Pekkan often retreats to Bodrum’s serene coastal haven, finding both inspiration and solace. This quiet refuge contrasts with the vibrant life Pekkan leads on stage and screen. Her recent milestone — performing her first stadium concert at Istanbul’s Beşiktaş Tüpraş Stadium in June 2024 — served as a celebration of a remarkable 60 years in the spotlight.
Sixty Years in the Spotlight
Pekkan’s journey to superstardom began in the late 1960s, transitioning from film roles to music with ease. Her breakout hit, Kimler Geldi Kimler Geçti (1973), quickly became a classic, setting the tone for a career marked by reinvention and longevity. She extended her appeal beyond Türkiye with her French-language album Pour Lui in 1978 and made waves on the international stage by representing Türkiye in the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest. An icon in Türkiye, Pekkan has often been compared by international media to global stars like Cher.
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A Timeless Presence
Beyond her music, Pekkan’s cultural significance is undeniable. In 2022, she was honoured with the Presidential Culture and Arts Grand Award, a testament to her lasting impact on Turkish culture. She has also been recognised internationally; in 2016, she was among four Turkish women invited to The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Power 100 event, standing alongside celebrated global figures.
More Than a Star: Culture, Compassion, and a Lifelong Bond with Bodrum
But Pekkan’s influence extends beyond entertainment. She is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, frequently supporting stray animals and promoting kindness towards them. In 2023, her bond with the region deepened further when she visited the municipal animal shelter in Torba, showing her continued commitment to animal welfare and her hands-on approach to advocacy. That same year, Bodrum’s then-mayor, Ahmet Aras, named her the district’s official ambassador for culture and art—a fitting title for someone who has spent decades shaping both.
Ajda Pekkan embodies more than just a successful career—she represents the enduring spirit of Turkish culture, blending talent, grace, and heartfelt commitment. Her love for Bodrum, her artistic legacy, and her humanitarian efforts make her a true icon — one whose influence continues to resonate both on and off the stage.