Tanyeli passed away; the famous artist bid farewell after battling cancer

Tanyeli, the famous artist and well-known dancer, passed away at the age of 54 after 2.5 years of battling pancreatic cancer, at the hospital where she was being treated. This heartbreaking news brought the artistic community into mourning.

Long battle with the disease

Tanyeli, who always received support from her family and fans during her long illness, ultimately succumbed to this relentless disease. Her husband, İlker Sünneli and her son Taylan Sadıkoğlu shared posts on social media asking people to pray for her recovery, but unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.

"I’m sorry I can’t reply to messages, I’m in a lot of pain and I have no more strength left, just pray for me" — Tanyeli's last message on social media

A difficult life path

After marrying İlker Sünneli, Tanyeli migrated to Australia but returned to Turkey for stomach surgery. After multiple examinations, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Reactions from celebrities

Many prominent artists expressed their deep sorrow over Tanyeli's passing and paid tribute to her memory:

Statements from artists

Melek Baykal: I am very saddened, dear Tanyeli, rest in peace.

Ebru Gündeş: You will always remain in my heart with your smile... May your place be paradise, my dear Tanyeli.

Demet Akalın: You were strong until the last moment... Rest peacefully, my kind sister.

Sibel Can: Rest in peace, my dear friend... You will always be remembered for your kind heart.

Seray Sever: The strongest woman I have known, rest in peace dear.

Bengü: Rest in the lights, Tanyeli.

Safiye Soyman: I always thought you would come back... Rest peacefully in paradise, our dearest friend.

Gonca Vuslateri: You were a beautiful guest in our world... may your soul rest in peace.

Cenk Eren: My 30-year-old friend, I will miss you... I hope you are at peace where you are.

İrem Derici: You were a wonderful person, you will always remain in my memory.

Nükhet Duru: May God have mercy on you, dear Tanyeli.

İbrahim Tatlıses: May your place be paradise, condolences to your family and loved ones.

Yonca Evcimik: You fought for life until the last moment, you were an inspiration to everyone.

Mahsun Kırmızıgül: I wish patience for your family.

Ajda Pekkan: Your gentle and pure soul will always be remembered.

Funeral program

According to her husband İlker Sünneli, Tanyeli's body will be buried on March 18 after noon prayer at Zincirlikuyu Mosque and will then be transferred to Bodrum to be buried next to her mother’s grave.

Who was Tanyeli?

Tanyeli, whose real name was Çağrı Tanyeli Özruh, was born in 1972 in Izmir. From childhood, she was passionate about dance and, with talent and perseverance, became one of the most prominent figures in oriental dance in the 1980s. Her energetic performances, unique style, and participation in international festivals made her a global icon in oriental dance.

A difficult childhood

Tanyeli's parents, who were relatives, separated when she was just two years old, and she spent her childhood in the orphanage. She endured a hard and bitter childhood and even contracted tuberculosis due to poverty and malnutrition.

"The only memory I have of those years is crying in a cold, empty room from hunger" — Tanyeli about her childhood

Domestic violence and poverty

After being discharged from the hospital, she faced abuse from her stepmother and severe financial hardship. She spoke of constant beatings and starvation, including being hung upside down by her feet with ropes and severely beaten by her father.

Starting work and entering the world of art

As a teenager, she worked in a store to support herself and was later encouraged by those around her to pursue dance. Her talent quickly caught attention, and after participating in a special program for Princess Margaret, she rose to fame.

Successes and personal life

After moving to Istanbul, Tanyeli climbed the ladder of success step by step. She married four times and had two sons from her marriages. Alongside her stage performances, she also trained students in oriental dance and remained active in this field until the end of her life.