Born in 1963 in Izmir. he followed his father’s path to become the master of percussion in Turkey. He’s continuing his work in Istanbul since 1986. his first album, released in 2004 with his brother Mehmet Akatay, ‘ Dest be Dest’ was a revelation. 

He’s part of the Kudsi Erguner Ensemble since 2008.He  has participated many major festivals and collaborated to projects like ‘Sound and Culture’, some projects with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Beatles Alla Turca. He accompanied many famous musicians such as Djivan Gasparyan, Shusela Raman.

He is one of the founder member of  ‘Trace Istanbul Quartet’  which gathers Goksal Baktagir, Yurdal Tokcan,  Eyup Hamis. 

His workshop gathers a huge number of students and his recently published book is a major source for the education of traditional percussionists.