Belgin Doruk: A Life in Turkish Cinema

Belgin Doruk (June 28, 1936, Ankara - March 26, 1995, Istanbul) was a Turkish actress and model, recognized as one of the leading stars of Turkish cinema in the 1950s and 1960s.Born in Ankara on June 28, 1936, Belgin Doruk grew up with aspirations of becoming an artist. In 1952, during her final year of middle school, she participated in a contest supported by Yıldız Dergisi and İstanbul Film. Her victory in the contest led to her first film role in 'Çakırcalı Mehmet Efe'nin Definesi,' directed by Faruk Kenç. This marked the beginning of her career in Turkish cinema. Over the years, she appeared in various films, including 'Ölüm Korkusu,' 'Çölde Bir İstanbul Kızı,' and the renowned 'Küçük Hanımefendi' series, making her one of the most popular actresses of the era.By the late 1950s, Belgin Doruk had achieved significant success and recognition in the film industry. She starred in numerous films, collaborating with notable actors like Zeki Müren and Ayhan Işık. In 1958, she divorced her first husband, Faruk Kenç, and married the film director and screenwriter Özdemir Birsel in 1961. Throughout the 1960s, she continued to appear in successful films, such as 'Küçük Hanımefendi' and 'Duvarların Ötesi.'The 1960s marked the peak of Belgin Doruk's career, with her starring in acclaimed films like 'Küçük Hanımefendi.' Her on-screen partnership with Ayhan Işık became iconic, and the 'Küçük Hanımefendi' series gained a special place in Turkish cinema history. However, her career faced challenges due to health issues and personal struggles, leading to a decline in film appearances toward the end of the 1960s.As the 1970s approached, Doruk's filmography became less extensive. She starred in fewer films, with her last cinematic appearance in 'Gecekondu Rüzgarı' in 1972. In 1975, she announced her retirement from cinema. After a hiatus of 15 years, she returned to the screen for a television commercial in 1987. Belgin Doruk's legacy in Turkish cinema remains significant, particularly for her roles in popular films of the 1950s and 1960s. Her contribution to the industry earned her awards and recognition, and her name is associated with the golden era of Turkish cinema.1952: The Treasure of Çakırcalı Mehmet Efe1952: Bloody Farm1953: Köroğlu - Türkan Sultan1953: Köroğlu/Türkan Sultan1953: The City That Kills1954: Let the Lutes Play, Let the Girls Dance1955: Fate1955: Fear of Death1955: Last Composition1957: Tormented Nightingale1957: An Istanbul Girl in the Desert1957: Istanbul Return1957: Until Doomsday1958: Let's Die Together1958: Will I Continue?1958: Hell of Life1958: Years of Sorrow1959: I'm Looking for My Mother1959: Binnaz1959: Years of Sorrow1959: Broken Disc1959: Undying Love1959: One Night of My Life1959: Milky Way1959: True Romance1960: Ayşecik, the Seductive Devil1960: Night Bird1960: First Love1960: Treacherous1960: The Bloody Fugitive1960: Sold Man1960: The Light of Green Mansion, and many more projects.In 1955, she became uncomfortable with her weight and started using a slimming medication given by her mother. She used the medication regularly and managed to return to her previous shape until the early 1960s. In 1967, she started using a slimming medication called 'Pat.' She was unaware of the presence of the Amphetamine substance in the medication. Amphetamine is a nerve system-disrupting drug. Özdemir Birsel's busy work schedule overwhelmed Belgin Doruk. She sought solace in alcohol and later received an offer for singing. Under the influence of the medication, she felt like an opera singer and accepted the offer. She ignored Zeki Müren's suggestion to take music lessons. Under the influence of Amphetamine, she lost touch with reality. On her first night on stage, she started reciting poetry instead of singing. The audience and backstage were astonished by the incident. Belgin Doruk's first stage experience ended in failure, and she opened her eyes in her bed.[13] She trembled all over, and around this time, Özdemir Birsel faced financial difficulties. Belgin Doruk was admitted to the French Lape Hospital in Şişli after suffering a nervous breakdown. The iron doors of the hospital, where mental patients were treated, terrified Belgin Doruk. The room she was confined in seemed like a prison to her, and her screams echoed from the locked room. There were even claims that she was chained. Özdemir Birsel went bankrupt in the early 1970s. Economic turmoil was added to Belgin Doruk's loneliness and unhappiness. After facing these difficulties and gaining weight, she appeared in her last film in 1972 and announced that she was retiring from acting in 1975. After quitting acting for 20 years, she fell ill one night in Bebek. On her last night, her blood pressure kept fluctuating. In the early hours of March 27, 1995, she passed away. Her funeral was held at Şişli Mosque, and she was laid to rest at Zincirlikuyu Cemetery.