Veteran Actor Zihni Göktay Laid to Rest as Emotional Farewell Brings Mourners to Tears
The esteemed figure of Turkish theater, Zihni Göktay, was bid farewell today in a series of ceremonies. The memorial service, held at the Harbiye Muhsin Ertugrul Stage of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theatres, to which he devoted 53 years of his life, was filled with emotional moments.
As his coffin, draped in the Turkish flag, was brought onto the stage amidst applause, the artists, colleagues, and admirers in the hall could not hold back their tears. During the ceremony, Zihni Göktay's children, Ömer Göktay and his actress daughter Zeynep Göktay Dilbaz, accepted condolences while friends who took to the stage shared memories of the master artist.
The memorial service was attended by numerous figures from the theater world, including Suna Keskin, Meltem Cumbul, Zafer Algöz, Hikmet Körmükçü, and Hazım Körmükçü. Emotional moments were experienced during the speeches, and Zihni Göktay's contributions to the art world and the great legacy he left behind were frequently emphasized.
Source: 2nd Page/ Okan Mermer
The news of the death of Zihni Göktay, considered one of the living legends of Turkish theater and one of the last great representatives of the tuluat tradition, has deeply grieved the art world.
The veteran actor, who is particularly remembered for his unforgettable character Rıza in the musical 'Lüküs Hayat' which he performed for many years, had made millions of spectators burst into laughter by opening the curtain thousands of times throughout his career spanning over half a century.
It was known that Göktay, who was 80 years old, had been struggling with health problems in recent times. During a tour in Ankara, the esteemed actor suffered an unfortunate fall, resulting in a broken hip bone, and his health condition progressively worsened from this point. Due to a condition known as yellow spot disease in his eyes and the need for regular treatment, Göktay had been staying in a care center for some time. He was rushed to the hospital following a sudden deterioration in his health, but despite all the efforts of the doctors, he unfortunately passed away.
Following the news of his death, numerous figures from the theatre community and the wider art world shared messages of condolence one after the other. His fans also commemorated the veteran actor on social media, remembering him for his unforgettable roles and the laughter he brought to audiences over the years.
The renowned actor Zihni Göktay, who passed away at the age of 80, received a heart-wrenching farewell from his children, Ömer and Zeynep.
The first farewell ceremony for Zihni Göktay was held at the Harbiye Muhsin Ertugrul Stage of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theatres, where he devoted a full 53 years of his life.
Zafer Algöz bid farewell to his master, Zihni Göktay, by kissing his coffin.
As the coffin draped in the Turkish flag was brought onto the stage amidst applause, the room was filled with poignant moments. Colleagues, students, and art enthusiasts gathered to pay their last respects to the master who had dedicated his life to the theatre.
Zeynep Göktay couldn't hold back her tears while reading the letter her father Zihni Göktay had written for her.
At the ceremony, condolences were received by his children, Ömer Göktay and his actress daughter, Zeynep Göktay Dilbaz. Speaking after her father's passing, Zeynep Göktay Dilbaz touched the hearts of those in the room as she shared that her father never lost his zest for life until the very end and was always hopeful of the day he would reunite with his audience.
Numerous artists, including Suna Keskin, Meltem Cumbul, Zafer Algöz, Hikmet Körmükçü, and Hazım Körmükçü, were present at the ceremony. During the speeches, many were moved to tears as they expressed that Zihni Göktay was not only a great actor, but also one of the most valuable masters of the theater world.
Following the ceremony in Harbiye, the remains of the master artist were transported to Şakirin Mosque.
Following the midday prayer, Zihni Göktay was bid farewell on his final journey amidst applause and prayers after the funeral prayer. He was laid to rest in the Karacaahmet Cemetery.
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