Arda Bektas

Arda Bektas, professionally known as Arya Bektaş, is a Turkish digital influencer and makeup artist who redefined the beauty landscape in Turkey through her journey of gender transition. Born in 1999, she first gained attention as one of the country's earliest male makeup influencers before publicly transitioning to become a celebrated female-presenting creator. Her work challenges traditional gender norms and has made her a pivotal figure for LGBTQ+ visibility in the region.

As of 2026, Arya operates under her new name with a massive following across social media platforms. She runs a professional makeup booking agency called Lure Digital and continues to produce content that blends high-fashion beauty tutorials with personal advocacy. Her influence extends beyond mere aesthetics, serving as a beacon of self-expression for a generation navigating identity in a conservative society. [edit]

Arda was born into a well-off family in Izmir, Turkey, where he grew up as an only child with a supportive household. His grandmother played a central role in his upbringing, fostering an environment where creativity was encouraged rather than suppressed. This bond became evident early on when she frequently appeared in his videos, eventually leading to their joint feature on the BBC's #GrannyWisdom series in April 2017.

In May 2015, Arda launched his YouTube channel at age 16, becoming one of the first men in Turkey to create content focused on heavy makeup artistry. He faced significant societal pushback for defying patriarchal expectations, yet he persisted by reviewing products from global icons like Jeffree Star and Rihanna. His early tutorials often featured brands such as Maybelline and even included creative projects inspired by artists like Frida Kahlo. By the time he decided to transition publicly, his channel had already amassed over 240,000 subscribers, proving that his unique voice had resonated deeply with audiences despite the controversy. [edit]

The trajectory of Arda's career shifted dramatically in 2022 when he posted a raw, unfiltered video documenting his cosmetic surgery and gender transition process. This bold move solidified his status as a trailblazer for transgender rights in Turkey and marked the beginning of his evolution into Arya Bektaş. Following the transition, he rebranded his online presence, and his subscriber count surged as he embraced his true identity.

By 2026, Arya had established herself as one of the top 20 beauty influencers in Turkey according to industry data from Favikon. Her main YouTube channel, @AryaBektass, boasts over 244,000 subscribers, while her Instagram account @aryabektas has grown to more than 501,000 followers. Beyond content creation, she expanded her business ventures by launching Lure Digital, an agency that offers professional makeup booking services. Her ability to merge advocacy with commerce has allowed her to maintain relevance and financial stability in a rapidly changing digital market. [edit]

Arya Bektaş presents a polished, feminine aesthetic that contrasts sharply with the conservative image of traditional Turkish media figures. Her style is characterized by bold makeup looks, fashionable attire, and a confident demeanor that commands attention. She uses her social media voice to advocate for self-love and acceptance, positioning herself not just as a beauty guru but as a cultural commentator. Media outlets describe her as a symbol of modern Turkey, bridging the gap between generations and genders. Her content avoids tabloid sensationalism, focusing instead on empowerment and the authenticity of her personal journey. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While there are no official global rankings published by iFANN as of September 2026, Arya Bektaş holds a formidable position within the Turkish digital sphere. She is consistently ranked among the top 20 beauty influencers in the country, a metric that reflects her immense local popularity and influence.

Her fanbase, often referred to simply as supporters of "Arya" or the "Arya Community," is highly engaged and protective. Fans actively stream her videos to boost algorithmic visibility and organize campaigns to counter online harassment she may face due to her identity. There is no single formalized fandom name, but the community functions with a strong sense of unity around themes of gender fluidity and self-discovery. Arya engages back by sharing personal updates and responding to comments, creating a direct line of communication that strengthens the bond between creator and audience. [edit]

Arya Bektaş is widely recognized for being the first male makeup content creator in Turkey to successfully transition into a leading female influencer, a feat that has been documented by major media outlets. Her 2022 transition video remains one of the most viewed pieces of content in the country's history regarding LGBTQ+ topics. The BBC's #GrannyWisdom series highlighted her relationship with her grandmother, showcasing a rare intergenerational dialogue that challenged cultural stereotypes about age and tradition in Turkey. Fans often cite her Frida Kahlo-inspired makeup tutorial as an iconic moment that showcased her artistic range early in her career. Additionally, she is known for her direct approach to discussing gender fluidity, refusing to hide behind vague metaphors and instead using her platform to educate her audience on the realities of transition. [edit]

Arda grew up as an only child in a comfortable home in Izmir, surrounded by a family that supported his interests. His grandmother was perhaps the most influential family member in his public life, appearing regularly in his videos and serving as a source of wisdom and love. Their close bond was so significant that it caught the attention of international broadcasters, resulting in a feature on the BBC. While he keeps details about other relatives private, his upbringing in a supportive environment clearly laid the foundation for his confidence in challenging societal norms. [edit]

Jeffree Star, Rihanna, Frida Kahlo, BBC #GrannyWisdom, Lure Digital. [edit]

Public records regarding Arya Bektaş's romantic history are limited compared to mainstream celebrities, reflecting her focus on advocacy and content creation. However, credible reporting confirms a significant relationship that emerged after her public transition. In 2025 and 2026, media outlets like OneDio reported that she was dating an Argentine model. This partnership was highlighted as a testament to her happiness and acceptance post-transition, showing that she has found love outside the pressures of her public persona.

The couple met during her rise to prominence as a trans woman, and their relationship serves as a positive narrative in her life story. As of 2026, Arya is reported to be in a committed relationship with her Argentine partner. There are no public records of marriages, divorces, or children at this time. Her social media presence focuses heavily on beauty, advocacy, and her partnership rather than tabloid-style dating rumors. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Arya Bektaş's net worth at approximately $300,000. This figure reflects her status as a Tier-1 influencer in Turkey, derived from her substantial follower counts on both YouTube and Instagram. Her primary income streams include brand collaborations with major beauty companies, revenue from YouTube ad placements, and fees charged for private makeup consultations booked through her agency, Lure Digital.

High-end influencers in the Turkish market typically earn between $5,000 and $15,000 per sponsored post. With multiple revenue channels and a loyal audience, Arya has built a sustainable financial model that supports her continued growth. As of 2026, her wealth trajectory remains upward as she expands her business operations and cements her reputation as a leading voice in the industry. [edit]