Renowned Turkish theater and cinema actor Zihni Goktay has been laid to rest following a farewell ceremony in Istanbul. The veteran artist, who passed away at the age of 80, was honored by family, friends, and numerous representatives from the cultural and artistic community.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the funeral prayer for the late actor was held at the Sakirin Mosque in Istanbul's Uskudar district following the noon prayer. The ceremony served as a final tribute to a career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on Turkish performing arts.
During the ceremony, the actor's daughter, Zeynep Goktay Dilbaz, shared reflections on her father's profound dedication to his craft. "Throughout my childhood, I witnessed how hard my father worked. He was a man in love with his profession," she stated, emphasizing the responsibility the family feels in preserving his artistic legacy. She noted that her father had positively impacted the lives of many through his work.
Colleagues also paid their respects. Hikmet Kormukcu, a long-time friend and stage partner of 53 years, shared memories of their extensive collaboration in numerous plays and television series. Fellow artist Yavuz Karakas also paid tribute, describing Goktay as a deeply valued and kind-hearted individual.
Following the funeral service, Zihni Goktay was interred at the Karacaahmet Cemetery in Istanbul. Goktay was widely celebrated in Turkey for his versatile performances, particularly his contributions to the Istanbul City Theaters, where he became a beloved figure known for his comedic timing and dramatic depth. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Turkish theater history, as he was considered one of the last representatives of a traditional generation of actors who bridged the gap between classic stage performance and modern media.
