List of Famous people born in İzmir Province
Azra Kohen
Azra "Akilah" Kohen is a Turkish writer. After releasing her first novel, Fi, under the name Akilah, she started to release her subsequent novels, Çi and Pi under the name Azra Kohen. She later published best-selling novels Aeden in 2017 and Gör Beni in 2019. Her last book Gör Beni is still a best seller in Turkey.
Çevik Bir
Çevik Bir is a retired Turkish army general. He was a member of the Turkish General Staff in the 1990s. He took a major part in several important international missions in the Middle East and North Africa. He was born in Buca, Izmir Province, in 1939 and is married with one child. Çevik Bir is of Albanian origin.
Tamer Levent
Tamer Levent is a Turkish actor, director, art director and writer. In 1971, he joined the Ankara State Conservatory and entered the Department of Theater. He graduated from the conservatory's Department of theater in 1977. He first worked as an actor and then as a director in State Theaters. He later served as general director of State Theaters and deputy general director. Through the plays that he directed, he received invitations to festivals in Russia, Canada, South Korea, Iran and North Cyprus. He is currently the director of the State Theaters and is the founder and first President of TOMEB, the Association of Theater Actors Professional Association (TOBAV).
Bengü
Bengü Erden is a Turkish singer. She became first familiar with music during her time at the İzmir State Symphony Orchestra. In İzmir, she was cast in a leading role in the musical "Oliver Twist". She later took singing lessons with İzmir State Conservatory's general manager, Müfit Bayraş. In 1998, by performing a song by Müfit Bayşara, she ranked second at the competition Pop Show '98, organized by Mü-Yap and Show TV. She then studied music at Istanbul Academy. She worked as a backing vocalist for Kenan Doğulu for three years. In 2007, Bengü became the winner of Show TV's singing competition Bak Kim Dans Ediyor. Her first album, Hoş Geldin, was produced by Kenan Doğulu and Ozan Doğulu and released in July 2000. Her second studio album, Bağlasan Durmam, was released in 2005. After two years, she released her third studio album, Taktik. With the song "Korkma Kalbim" from this album, she received a digital certification from Mü-Yap and the album became one of the best-selling albums of the year.
Nezihe Kalkan
Nezihe Kalkan, better known as Nez, is a Turkish singer and dancer known for her modern-oriental hybrid dancing style combined with techno-inspired pop music.
Dilara Aksüyek
Dilara Aksüyek is a Turkish actress.
Belkıs Özener
Belkıs Özener is a Turkish singer.
Hilal Altınbilek
Hilal Altınbilek is a Turkish actress.
Damla Colbay
Damla Colbay is a Turkish actress.
Selin Şekerci
Selin Şekerci is a Turkish actress.