Born Bülent Erkoç in 1952, the Turkish star also known as “Diva” and “Older Sister” is a transgender icon and singer whose rich voice made her a star with both pop-Arabesk and classical fans during her roller-coaster career. Once imprisoned and barred from the stage, she spent much of the ’80s in Germany but back in Türkiye, with her popularity growing, she refashioned herself as a pious Muslim and nationalist. Singing emotive, intricately embellished melodies over viscous string arrangements, Ersoy epitomises both the old and new of her country, like a modern Turkish heir to Umm Kulthum.