Nedret Denizhan was born in Istanbul in 1946. Her interest in theater began in childhood. At the age of eight she was accepted into the Children’s Section of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) City Theaters and began her training in the fundamental disciplines of theater. She served as an actress and assistant director in the Children’s Section.

Following her education and work in the Children’s Section of IMM City Theaters, Nedret Denizhan continued her institutional development. After participating in various productions in the Children’s Section, it is noted that in 1964 she moved to the City Opera at the request of theater artist Aydın Gün. At the City Opera she undertook roles as a chorus member and assistant director and performed in operettas. After the closure of the City Opera, Denizhan returned to IMM City Theaters, where she took on roles as an actress, assistant director, and stage director.

In 1974, Nedret Denizhan was sent to Germany for training by the leading theater figure of the time, Muhsin Ertuğrul. In Germany, she expanded her knowledge and expertise in theater and stage direction. In 1977 she resumed her career as a director. Between 1980 and 1988, in addition to directing, she took on the role of dramaturg and played an active part in the technical and creative processes behind the scenes. She also worked in fields such as radio theater and film voice direction.

Nedret Denizhan’s theater career progressed through a multifaceted structure encompassing both acting and directing roles. She participated in various fields of stage arts, performing in institutional theaters and serving as a dramaturg in the detailed preparation of plays for the stage.

Over many years, Nedret Denizhan held institutional and artistic roles in various units of IMM City Theaters. Through her enduring association with this institution, she contributed to the formation of institutionalized stage arts in Turkish theater.

Nedret Denizhan appeared in numerous productions both as an actress and director. These productions included dramatic, comedic, and classical works, and she expanded her stage experience across both classical and modern theater repertoires. It is noted that in the projects she performed in and directed, she collaborated with young artists.

Nedret Denizhan passed away on 23 December 2025. Following the announcement of her death, IMM City Theaters issued a statement expressing the loss of a veteran artist of the theater and conveying condolences for her contributions to Turkish theater.

A ceremony for Denizhan was scheduled for Thursday, 25 December 2025 at 11:00 at the Üsküdar Musahipzade Celal Stage. Press releases stated that her funeral prayer would be held after the noon prayer at Üsküdar Şakirin Camii, and that she would be buried at Hekimbaşı Cemetery.