Özcan Tekgül
Özcan Tekgül | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 15, 1941 |
| Died | July 2, 2011 (aged 70) Antalya, Turkey |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Occupation(s) | Belly dancer, actress |
| Years active | 1955–1986 |
| Spouse | İdris Tekgül |
Özcan Tekgül (15 January 1941 – 2 July 2011) was a Turkish belly dancer and actress. She was particularly known for her signature "Ateş Dansı" ("Dance of Fire") and her roles in numerous Yeşilçam films.
Early life and career
Tekgül was born in the Çubuklu district of Istanbul in 15th January 1941. At the age of 13 in 1954, she gained public attention by winning a "Beach Beauty" contest organized by a local newspaper. This led to opportunities in theater, and by 1955, she was performing at venues such as the Karaca and Ses Theaters.[1]
Film career
Tekgül made her film debut in Kaybolan Gençlik (1955), directed by Faruk Kenç. Over the next two decades, she acted in around 30 films, often playing strong, seductive female leads. Her notable films include:
- Papatya (1956)
- Sokak Kızı (1962)
- Çadır Gülü (1963)
- Yedi Adım Sonra (1968)
- Dişi Hedef (1971)
Her screen presence frequently integrated her dance performances.[2]
International performances
In the 1960s, Tekgül performed abroad in Egypt, Lebanon, and parts of Asia.[3]
Controversies
Tekgül's open expression of sexuality in dance led to legal troubles. In 1956, she was charged for participating in what authorities called “indecent photography.” The incident sparked national debate about art, morality, and the treatment of female performers in Turkey.[4]
Later life and death
After retiring in 1986, Tekgül relocated to Antalya. She died on 2 July 2011 following a traffic accident. Her death initially went unnoticed; her body remained in the morgue for days until friends arranged her funeral. She was buried at Uncalı Cemetery in Antalya.[5]
Selected filmography
- Kaybolan Gençlik (1955)
- Papatya (1956)
- Sokak Kızı (1962)
- Çadır Gülü (1963)
- Yedi Adım Sonra (1968)
- Dişi Hedef (1971)
References
- ^ Türkeş, Pekcan (2021-07-04). "Ateş Dansı ile Dünyayı Titreten Kadın". Türkiye Haber Ajansı (in Turkish). Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ "Özcan Tekgül - IMDb". Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ Türkeş, Pekcan. "Ateş Dansı ile Dünyayı Titreten Kadın". Türkiye Haber Ajansı. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ "The Scandalous Bellydancer from Outer Space". Mother Tongue. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ "Kraliçe dansözün hazin sonu". CNN Türk. Retrieved May 4, 2025.