Zara (born Neşe Yılmaz, current real name: Neşe Zara Yılmaz, January 15, İstanbul,1976) is a popular Turkish folk singer and actress.   She was born in Üsküdar district of Istanbul in January 15, 1976. She graduated from the Sosyal Meskenler Primary School in Esatpaşa quarter. In 1991 and 1993, Zara was first among female Turkish folk musical soloists in a nation-wide high school level competition of music and folk dance organized by the newspaper Milliyet. She completed her higher education in the Department of Vocal Music of Istanbul Technical University State Conservatory.