The celebrated actress Fatma Girik, a defining figure of Turkish cinema known for starring in over 200 films and television series, passed away on January 24, 2022, after battling viral pneumonia related to Covid-19, ultimately succumbing to multiple organ failure.
A Quiet Farewell to a Yeşilçam Icon
The passing of Fatma Girik, a beloved star of Turkish cinema, was marked by a small, intimate ceremony reflecting a perceived lack of widespread recognition.
- Fatma Girik’s career spanned from 1956 to 2012, leaving an indelible mark on Turkish film and television.
- She spent her final years in the Torba district of Bodrum.
- The commemoration ceremony following her death was attended by a remarkably small number of people.
Girik spent the later years of her life in the Torba district of Bodrum. The artist, who was 79 years old at the time of her death, was laid to rest at Torba Cemetery. The ceremony was a somber occasion, attended by only approximately 10 people, including her brother Müyesser Girik, a few local residents, and representatives from the Bodrum Municipality, alongside eight members of the press.
Prayers for a Legacy
During the ceremony, prayers were offered not only for Fatma Girik but also for her mother, Münevver Ukav, who is buried in the same cemetery, as well as for Director Memduh Ün and artist Akrep Nalan. Following the ceremony, Müyesser Girik shared a poignant sentiment with the press, stating simply, “We are looking for it, we miss it.”
The modest attendance at Girik’s commemoration has sparked conversation about the recognition afforded to prominent figures of Turkish cinema, particularly those from the “Yeşilçam” era.
