Following the death of Turkish musician Soner Olgun at age 67, an emotional memorial service brought family and artists together in Istanbul. The gathering preceded a public rift over funeral arrangements, highlighting tensions between his former spouse and relatives following his passing from pancreatic cancer.
The Turkish music community mourns the loss of Soner Olgun, who died at the age of 67 after battling pancreatic cancer. A prominent figure known for blending Turkish folk music with modern instruments and distinct interpretations, Olgun left behind a rich catalog that includes albums such as his 1992 Letafet, alongside widely recognized renditions like Nazende Sevgilim and Hekimoğlu. Born in Fethiye in 1959, Olgun was widely known for his television programs in addition to his musical career.
Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Sahnesi Memorial Gathering
Family members, colleagues, and lifelong friends gathered at Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Sahnesi for the musician’s initial farewell ceremony, before his body was taken to Teşvikiye Mosque for the noon funeral prayer and subsequent burial at Hasdal Cemetery. The commemoration for the artist, who passed away on October 16 at the hospital where he was receiving treatment, featured family and artist friends coming together in a deeply emotional atmosphere.
During the tributes, Olgun’s former wife and longtime artistic collaborator, Özlem Koldaş, reflected on their decades-long partnership, stating that they had been together since she was 21 years old and shared the same home, stage, and work environments. School friend Hilmi Zafer Şahan noted that their acquaintanceship extended back to 1977, describing Olgun as a person connected to his country and aware of its values, whose powerful voice and storytelling would be heard by Turkey for many years. A letter sent for the memorial by Olgun’s doctor, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özdağ, was also read to the attendees.
Colleagues also shared memories of the artist’s dedication to his craft and peers. Murat Aksu described him as an exceptionally intelligent person and an older brother figure of 45 years. Nebil Özgentürk highlighted Olgun’s tremendous sense of humor and dervish-like patience, noting that he was a remarkable stage performer who could remain on stage for seven hours. Kubat shared that his final visit to Olgun took place at the artist’s home, where their last farewell included singing a folk song together.
Taziye Evinde Yaşanan Aile Anlaşmazlığı
Özlem Koldaş voiced deep hurt on social media regarding actions taken by Olgun’s eldest daughter, Ayşecan Olgun, following the musician’s passing.
According to Koldaş, she established a designated condolence house and informed everyone, including the eldest daughter, who responded that it was unnecessary before organizing a separate condolence gathering without informing them. Koldaş expressed frustration over the situation, questioning how a child could be left unaware of a condolence gathering held for her own father and noting the impact on Elif, the daughter’s sister.
Koldaş Questions Diagnostic Steps Before Olgun's Chemotherapy
In the wake of his passing, questions surrounding Olgun’s medical timeline emerged through television commentary. Koldaş raised concerns about the diagnostic progression of his illness, pointing to significant shifts in blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels recorded months before advanced metastasis was detected, prompting calls for closer examination of the diagnostic steps taken prior to his chemotherapy treatments.
Beyond the ongoing discussions among relatives, Olgun’s artistic footprint remains defined by his extensive repertoire. From traditional folk interpretations recorded across decades to his 2024 release Bir Damlacık Aşkın Yeter and his 2015 project Yakarım Yağmurları, the artist established a distinctive presence in Turkish contemporary music that continues to resonate with listeners.