Tanyeli, the renowned oriental dancer whose real name was Öznur Kral, passed away on March 17, 2025, after battling pancreatic cancer for 2.5 years. She was 54 years old at the time of her death. Tanyeli had been receiving treatment for her aggressive illness for approximately four months prior to her passing. Just days before, her condition had worsened, and she was placed under intubation.
Tanyeli was born on January 15, 1971, in İzmir, and faced immense challenges throughout her youth. After her parents divorced when she was only two, she spent her early years in the Children’s Protection Agency. Despite these early hardships, Tanyeli found joy and purpose through dance, beginning her career as early as age 12. Over the years, she became one of Turkey's most celebrated oriental dancers, known for her energetic performances on both stage and television.
Her illness began to take its toll about 2.5 years ago when she received her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. On February 27, 2025, she shared with her followers on social media, "Hastanedeyim Allah nasip ederse bugün yarın taburcu olacağım inşallah" (I am hospitalized, and God willing, I will be discharged today or tomorrow). Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed as her condition deteriorated.
Dance and performance were Tanyeli's way of life, leading to her rising stardom throughout the 1980s and beyond. She was not only known for her captivating dance ability but also made her mark as a dance teacher and instructor, impacting many aspiring artists along the way. Tanyeli had released several dance albums, including 'Dans Et Benle', 'Turkish Belly Dances', and 'Dansın Kraliçeleri.'
Throughout her health challenges, Tanyeli was never alone; she received constant support from many prominent personalities. On February 12, 2025, fellow artists Yıldız Tilbe, Hakan Altun, and Zara organized a concert to raise funds for her medical expenses. Tanyeli's friends, family, and fans were all invested in her recovery, demonstrating the love and loyalty she inspired. The camaraderie of her friends was evident as they coordinated these beneficial events, ensuring she felt supported during her tough times.
According to reports, Tanyeli had experienced severe complications from her cancer. Despite the rigorous treatments, she maintained her determination to overcome her battle, saying, "Her şeyin iyi olacağını umuyorum. Kanseri Allah’ın yardımıyla yeneceğime inanıyorum" (I hope everything will be fine. I believe with God's help, I will overcome cancer). Sadly, her health continued to decline until she succumbed to her illness.
Following her passing, her son Taylan and her husband İlker Sünneli took to social media to address the rumors surrounding her health and eventual death. They expressed their sadness and gratitude for the support she received, and Taylan shared, "I'm not able to respond, please forgive me. I'm in a lot of pain and don't have the strength to write or talk. God bless you, the best gift for me is your prayers,” conveying Tanyeli's enduring spirit and the love surrounding her.
Tanyeli’s funeral is set to take place on March 18, 2025, at Zincirlikuyu Mosque, following the noon prayer. She will be laid to rest beside her mother, fulfilling her final wish.
Known for her unmatched energy on stage, Tanyeli's light shone brightly for many years. Her legacy is not just marked by her talents as a dancer but also the heartfelt connections she made with those around her. She leaves behind cherished memories and teaches valuable lessons about resilience and friendship. Fans and followers will continue to celebrate her life and contribution to the arts, remembering Tanyeli as not only one of Turkey's top oriental dancers but also as a genuinely vibrant and beloved figure.
Through the hearts of her friends, colleagues, and family, Tanyeli's story lives on, weaving through the fabric of Turkish arts and dance, symbolizing strength against adversity and the importance of community support. Her life was rich, dynamic, and filled with the love of many – and she will be deeply missed.
