Kudret à Âandra (born *Kudret Sulatasñ*; 12 December 1932 â 9 January 2020) was a Turkish dancer, actor, and dance instructor. He was one of the few male belly dancers in Turkey to gain prominence in the traditionally female-dominated art of belly dancing, known locally as "zenne" or "köçek" dancing.
à Âandra was born in ÃÂsküdar, Istanbul, to Hikmet Bey, a chief at the Maritime Bank, and Fatma Hanñm, a homemaker. At the age of 14, he expressed his desire to leave school, leading to a cessation of financial support from his father. At 18, he moved to BeyoÃÂlu, Istanbul, to pursue his passion for dance. He sought mentorship from the renowned dancer Emine Adalet Pee, who agreed to train him despite initial reservations about the prospects for male dancers in Turkey. Under her guidance, à Âandra honed his skills and began performing professionally at the age of 16.
In 1948, à Âandra made his film debut in the lead role of ÃÂñldñran Baba, directed by Vedat ÃÂrfi Bengü. Over his career, he appeared in more than 50 films, composed music, and recorded several records.
à Âandra was also a dedicated dance instructor, teaching many prominent Turkish actors and actresses, including Ayhan Ià Âñk, Filiz Akñn, Türkan à Âoray, Nazan à Âoray, Hülya KoçyiÃÂit, Fatma Girik, Leyla Sayar, Suzan Avcñ, Sevda FerdaÃÂ, Figen Say, Mine Soley, and Devlet Devrim. He also taught foreign artists such as Helen Chanel, Margreth Lee, and Sabina.
Known for his expressive style and technical proficiency, Ã Âandra's performances in the 1960s and 1970s contributed to the popularization of male belly dancing in Turkey. He was often referred to as "the man who made Turkey belly dance."
In 1978, at the age of 46, à Âandra retired from dancing and underwent a personal transformation, becoming a follower of a religious order. He performed the Hajj pilgrimage, grew a beard, and adopted an Islamic lifestyle. He authored two books: Yeà Âilçam'dan Kâbe'ye (From Yeà Âilçam to the Kaaba) in 1985 and Büyünün Esirleri - à Âifa Reçeteleri (Prisoners of Magic - Healing Recipes) in 1987.
à Âandra died on 9 January 2020 in Istanbul at the age of 88 due to heart failure and diabetes. His funeral was held on 10 January 2020 at Maltepe Küçükyalñ Kñlavuz ÃÂayñrñ Mosque, and he was buried in Istanbul.