Sıla was born in Denizli. She worked before as a producer, lyricist and background singer for many Turkish artists, such as Kenan Doğulu and Emel Müftüoğlu.

In 2007, she released her debut album Sıla. The first single, “…Dan Sonra”, was the biggest hit song of the year in Turkey, spending 3 months at number one on the music charts, and reaching 79 in the European charts. The song’s video was the 12th most watched video from 2007-2008 worldwide. The second single from the album, “Kenar Süsü”, reached 2nd place in the Turkish charts.