Zeki Müren remembered on 30th death anniversary in Bursa and Bodrum

Turkish classical music legend Zeki Müren was commemorated on September 24, 2026, marking the 30th anniversary of his death. Ceremonies took place simultaneously in his birthplace Bursa and in Bodrum, where he spent his final years.

In Bursa, a graveside ceremony was held at Emir Sultan Cemetery with the participation of the Turkish Education Foundation (TEV) and the Mehmetçik Foundation. Family members, students, and officials attended the prayers. An evening concert followed at the Merinos Atatürk Congress and Culture Center featuring singer Nükhet Duru, the Bursa Turkish Classical Music Choir, and NILKONDER.

“Zeki Müren was not only a great artist but also a special person who devoted himself to education and charity.”

In Bodrum, a memorial program began at 14:30 at the Zeki Müren Art Museum with a Mevlid recital. TEV Chairman Prof. Dr. Mehmet Şükrü Tekbaş and Mehmetçik Foundation General Manager retired Brig. Gen. İsmail Şanlı delivered speeches highlighting Müren's philanthropy. The foundations noted they have supported over 17,000 martyr and veteran relatives and provided scholarships to nearly 300,000 students, with over 4,500 funded directly through the Zeki Müren Fund.

Müren, born December 6, 1931, in Bursa's Hisar district, rose to fame via Istanbul Radio in 1951. Known as "Sanat Güneşi" (Sun of Art) and "Pasha," he left a vast legacy of records, films, and a distinctive stage persona before passing away on September 24, 1996.