Meltem Arıkan, born on January 7, 1968, in Ankara, is a Turkish novelist. She also wrote two plays and contributes to many periodicals as columnist and writer. 
Her first short stories and essays were published in various literary journals during 1992 – 1995. Her first novel, Ve… Veya… Belki… (And… Or… Maybe…) was published in 1999, followed by Evet… Ama… Sanki… (Yes… But… As If…) in 2000 and Kadın Bedenini Soyarsa (Undressing Herself) in 2002.Her fourth novel Yeter Tenimi Acıtmayın (Stop Hurting My Flesh) had been banned in early 2004 by the Committee to Protect the Minors from Obscene Publications, with the accusation of “Writing about the non-existing incest fact in Turkey, attempting to disturb the Turkish family order with a feminist approach.” The ban was lifted after two months and Arıkan has been awarded with “Freedom of Thought and Speech Award 2004” by the Turkish Publishers’ Association. Her fifth novel Zaten Yoksunuz (You Exist In No Way) was published in 2005, followed by Umut Lanettir (Hope is a Curse) in 2006. After her first 6 novels, Arikan wrote the script for the play Oyunu Bozuyorum (I’m Breaking the Game) which premiered in August at the Zurich Theater Spectacle, performed by Garajistanbul and awarded the “New Unique Play” prize from VIII. Lions Theatrical Awards in 2007. She published a research book titled Beden Biliyor (The Body Knows) in 2008. In 2009 another play, Parallel, whose dramaturgy was by Arıkan, was staged by Garajistanbul as a part of the Linz 2009: European Capital of Culture program. Her last novel, Özlemin Beni Savuran (The Tempest of Yearning) was published in June 2009. Meltem Arikan has been within the professional business life since 1986. Besides being board member of Enersis, Elektrosis Inc., Arikan is the Executive Board President of EEM pcm Design, Project Management and Consultancy firm, she established with five women.