ALBAWABA - Türkiye prepares to bid farewell to legendary actor Kadir İnanır.
Türkiye is mourning the loss of legendary actor Kadir İnanır, whose death at the age of 77 has prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow actors, politicians, and millions of fans across the country.
One of the most heartfelt tributes came from veteran actor Ahmet Mekin, who starred alongside İnanır in the unforgettable 1977 classic Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalım. Mekin played the character Cemşit, while İnanır portrayed the iconic role of İlyas in one of the most celebrated films in Turkish cinema history.
Speaking after learning of İnanır's death, Mekin said he was devastated by the news.
"When I learned of Kadir İnanır's death, I was extremely saddened. He was someone I had known since his youth. We also worked together. He was a very valuable actor with his personality and demeanor. He was extremely disciplined in his work. He was Türkiye's beloved. Like everyone else, I am very saddened. May he rest in peace."
His comments echoed the feelings shared by many artists who described İnanır as one of the defining figures of Turkish cinema.
Kadir İnanır died on June 26 at Acıbadem Fulya Hospital in Istanbul, where he had been receiving treatment for several weeks. According to the hospital, the actor had been battling advanced lung cancer while also suffering from pneumonia and severe respiratory complications. His condition worsened after he was admitted in May, leading doctors to place him in intensive care. He later developed acute kidney failure and multiple organ failure, and despite extensive medical treatment, he died at 6:05 p.m. local time.
His nephew, actor Levent İnanır, told reporters that the veteran star had fought his illness with remarkable determination over the past several years. He said the family had been deeply moved by the prayers and messages of support sent from across Türkiye, adding that he never realized just how loved his uncle was until witnessing the overwhelming public response.
The funeral program has also been announced.
A memorial ceremony will be held at Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage in Harbiye, Istanbul, at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. Following the ceremony, funeral prayers will take place at Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa Mosque after the afternoon prayer. İnanır will then be laid to rest at Ulus Cemetery in Istanbul.
News of his passing prompted tributes from every corner of Türkiye.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his condolences, describing İnanır as one of Turkish cinema's master actors and offering sympathy to his family, loved ones, and the entire arts community. Many of İnanır's longtime colleagues, including Türkan Şoray, Hülya Koçyiğit, Cem Yılmaz, Ata Demirer, Hülya Avşar, Demet Akalın, Kenan Doğulu, Nuri Alço, and numerous other artists, also shared emotional messages honoring his legacy and contributions to Turkish cinema.
For decades, Kadir İnanır was regarded as one of the biggest stars of Yeşilçam. His performances in classics such as Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalım, Dila Hanım, Tatar Ramazan, Yılanların Öcü, Kara Gözlüm, and dozens of other films made him one of the most recognizable faces in Turkish cinema. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including Best Actor honors at the Adana Golden Boll Film Festival and the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, cementing his place among the country's greatest performers.
Kadir İnanır leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning more than five decades. His unforgettable performances, powerful screen presence, and lasting influence on Turkish cinema ensured that he became not only a legendary actor but also one of the most beloved cultural icons in Türkiye's history.
