He was born in Ankara, Turkey in 1950. He moved to Istanbul after starting elementary school which he finished at Sultanahmet Elementary School in Istanbul. He completed his middle school and high school education at Kadıköy High School which is also commonly known as Kadıköy Maarif College. He graduated from the University of Istanbul, Faculty of Chemistry.

He started playing guitar while at Kadıköy Maarif College. Another popular composer and singer Mazhar Alanson (from the band MFÖ) was at the same school although it is not clear whether they were friends. He played with some groups, including Damlalar (Drops). His music has been influenced by various artists, including The Beatles, Cat Stevens, Donovan and Bob Dylan. His first long play was called “Anlamsız” (Meaningless), which he published while in college.