He was born in 1952 in Urfa - in a cave, as he says - the eldest of seven children of liver chef Ahmet Tatlı and his wife Leyla. İbrahim Tatlıses's father is Arab and his mother is of Kurdish origin. From time to time, he made different statements regarding his ethnic identity. İbrahim Tatlıses replied, "My father is Arab, my mother is Kurdish, and I am Turkish" when asked what do you express yourself in a program broadcast on Kanal D. In Arbil Carols concert in 2005. "My father is Turkish, Kurdish my mom, I bring you greetings from Turkish My son Turkey Turkey" has greeted the audience saying.
