Who Was Nihal Candan? From TV Fame to a Painful Battle with Illness and Death at 30
Nihal Candan, a well-known Turkish TV personality and former contestant on shows like "Bu Tarz Benim" and "Survivor", passed away at the age of 30 after a period of battling the severe illness Anorexia Nervosa.
Nihal Candan’s Biography
Her full name was Gulnihal Candan, and she was born on June 15, 1995, in the city of Mersin. She moved to Istanbul to pursue a degree in law at Beykent University. Nihal rose to fame through the TV show "Bu Tarz Benim" aired on TV8 and later became a social media influencer known for her distinctive lifestyle.
Participation in TV Shows
In 2014, Candan appeared as a guest on the show "Bu Tarz Benim" and received three stars from the judges, allowing her to officially join the competition. She competed in the show’s second season, where judges included Nur Yerlitaş, Ivana Sert, Uğurkan Erez, and Kemal Doğulu. In 2016, she also took part in the popular show Survivor as a member of the volunteers' team.
Marital Status and Personal Life
Nihal married Mehmet Faruk Çiçek on July 28, 2023. However, the marriage didn’t last long. Following a divorce request, the Istanbul Family Court ordered her husband to pay temporary alimony of 70,000 Turkish Lira per month. The next hearing is scheduled for October 21, 2025.
Arrest and Release Case
In November 2023, Nihal Candan and her sister Bahar Candan were arrested on charges of "fraud" and "money laundering." On November 16 of the same year, both were sent to prison. Although legal proceedings are still ongoing, Nihal was released from prison on April 26, 2024, due to critical health conditions.
What Was Nihal Candan's Illness?
According to her lawyer, Nihal developed Anorexia Nervosa in prison and her weight dropped to 37 kilograms. This disorder is a type of psychological-physical illness where the person is excessively afraid of gaining weight and avoids eating in an unhealthy way.
“Due to Anorexia Nervosa, Nihal Candan dropped to 23 kilograms in a short time and experienced organ failure.”
Treatment Stages and Health Deterioration
On June 10, 2025, Nihal was hospitalized. At the time of admission, she weighed 29 kilograms. Over time, she continued losing weight, reaching 23 kilograms. Doctors stated that her vital organ functions had severely declined.
On June 19, Nihal’s heart stopped temporarily, but the medical team managed to revive her. Her sister Bahar Candan asked people to pray for Nihal’s recovery.
Nihal Candan’s Death
After a long struggle with anorexia, Nihal Candan suffered a second cardiac arrest on June 20, 2025. This time, the medical team could not save her, and her death was officially confirmed.
