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Digital Phablet – Turkey is preparing to say goodbye to legendary actor Kadir İnanır. The nation is mourning the loss of this iconic figure, whose passing at age 77 has generated heartfelt reactions from fellow artists, politicians, and millions of fans across the country.
Among the most touching tributes was from veteran actor Ahmet Mekin, who starred alongside İnanır in the classic 1977 film Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalım. Mekin played Cemşit, while İnanır brought to life the memorable character of İlyas, in one of Turkey’s most celebrated cinematic works.
Speaking after hearing of İnanır’s death, Mekin expressed deep sorrow. “When I learned about Kadir İnanır’s passing, I was overwhelmed. I had known him since his youth, and we worked together. He was an extraordinary actor, respected for his personality and demeanor. He was very disciplined and beloved in Turkey. Like everyone, I am profoundly saddened. May he rest in peace,” he said.
Many industry colleagues echoed similar sentiments, recognizing İnanır as a defining figure of Turkish cinema. His death occurred on June 26 at Acıbadem Fulya Hospital in Istanbul, where he had been hospitalized for several weeks. According to hospital reports, he had been fighting advanced lung cancer, complicated by pneumonia and severe respiratory issues. His health deteriorated after admission in May, leading to intensive care, kidney failure, and multiple organ failures. Despite extensive traitements, he passed away at 6:05 p.m. local time.
His nephew, actor Levent İnanır, shared that the actor had battled his illness with remarkable resilience over the years. He also mentioned that the family was moved by the support and prayers from across Türkiye, and that he hadn’t fully realized his uncle’s widespread affection until witnessing the heartfelt public response.
A memorial service has been scheduled at Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage in Harbiye, Istanbul, on Sunday, June 28, at 1:00 p.m. Following the ceremony, funeral prayers will be held at Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa Mosque after the afternoon prayer. He will then be laid to rest at Ulus Cemetery in Istanbul.
The news of his passing drew tributes from across Türkiye. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his condolences, praising İnanır as one of the masters of Turkish cinema, and extended sympathies to his family, friends, 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, and Nuri Alço, shared heartfelt messages honoring his legacy and contributions.
For decades, Kadir İnanır was recognized as one of the brightest stars of Yeşilçam. His performances in classics like Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalım, Dila Hanım, Tatar Ramazan, Yılanların Öcü, Kara Gözlüm, among many others, established him as a household name in Turkish film. Throughout his illustrious 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 status among Turkey’s greatest performers.
His profound influence and memorable performances over more than fifty years have ensured his place as not only a legendary actor but also a cherished cultural icon within Türkiye’s cinematic history.
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