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ZEKI MÜREN COMMEMORATED IN BODRUM ON 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH

24.09.2026

Zeki Müren, one of the most celebrated figures of Turkish classical music and widely known as Türkiye’s “Sun of Art”, was commemorated in Bodrum on the 30th anniversary of his death.

The memorial programme was hosted by the Turkish Armed Forces Mehmetçik Foundation and the Turkish Education Foundation (TEV), with contributions from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bodrum District Governor’s Office, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and Bodrum Municipality. The events began at 14.30 at the Zeki Müren Art Museum with a public Mevlid and prayer ceremony.

The programme was attended by retired Brigadier General İsmail Şanlı, General Manager of the TSK Mehmetçik Foundation; Prof. Dr Mehmet Şükrü Tekbaş, Chair of the Turkish Education Foundation; Acting Bodrum Mayor Emel Çakaloğlu; and members of the public.

Speaking before the prayers, İsmail Şanlı said Zeki Müren was being commemorated in both Bodrum and his birthplace, Bursa. He also shared information on the Mehmetçik Foundation’s support for the families of fallen and veteran service members, noting that the organisation currently supports more than 17,000 people, including 1,672 university students.

Prof. Dr Mehmet Şükrü Tekbaş highlighted Zeki Müren’s contribution to education and philanthropy. He said TEV had provided scholarships to nearly 300,000 students to date, with more than 4,500 receiving support directly through the Zeki Müren Fund.

Acting Mayor Emel Çakaloğlu said memorial events for Zeki Müren had continued uninterrupted in Bodrum for 30 years and described him as an important part of the town’s cultural memory. She said Bodrum Municipality would continue to support efforts to preserve his legacy and highlighted the contribution made by TEV and the TSK Mehmetçik Foundation through the donations he left behind.

Following the speeches, the programme continued with prayers and the Mevlid, led by Erol Bulca from Kızılhisarlı Mustafa Paşa Mosque and Serbülent Sarı from Umurca Neighbourhood Mosque. Lokma pastries were served to participants afterwards.

The commemoration programme will continue in the evening at Bodrum Castle with the “Zeki Müren Memorial Night Concert” at 20.00, featuring Muğla Metropolitan Municipality City Orchestra and Gökhan Sezen. The concert will bring Zeki Müren’s best-known works to audiences once again.