25.01.2026 11:00
One of the leading figures of Turkish theater, master actor and director Haldun Dormen is being bid farewell on his final journey with a ceremony held at the Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage, in accordance with his will. A large number of artists flocked to the hall for Dormen's final duty.
State Artist Haldun Dormen passed away on January 21 at the hospital where he had been receiving treatment for a while. His son, Ömer Dormen, announced the death of Dormen, who contributed countless works and students to Turkish theater, through a post on his social media account. In his post, Ömer Dormen expressed, "I am in indescribable sorrow for bidding farewell to my dear father Haldun Dormen. I wish my condolences to everyone who knew, loved, and was touched by him. May his place be paradise."
HIS WILL IS BEING FULFILLED
In accordance with his will, a memorial ceremony was held today at the Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage for Haldun Dormen. Many famous names from the arts, society, and sports worlds attended the ceremony. Those who paid their respects to the master artist shared their memories and feelings about Dormen.
"IF I HADN'T MET HIM, THERE WOULD BE NO EMRE ALTUĞ TODAY"
Emre Altuğ stated, "Haldun Dormen has saved me many times. I have never experienced anything as enjoyable as working with him. He never kept his knowledge to himself. He is the man who brought musicals to life. Haldun Dormen was behind every job I did. If I hadn't met him, there would be no Emre Altuğ today."
"HE CONTINUED TO CREATE UNTIL HIS LAST MOMENT"
Suna Keskin described Dormen as "a theater person with a bright face and mind, who said my only hero is Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. He was my teacher, colleague, confidant, and older brother for 60 years. If I have been on stage for 60 years, it is thanks to him. I learned everything I know about the stage from him. He had a divine power, and he continued to create until his last moment."
"WE WILL ALWAYS CARRY HIM IN OUR HEARTS"
Melek Baykal expressed her sadness about not being able to share enough memories with Dormen, saying, "I wish I could have shared the stage with him even in one play. Today, I bid farewell to that chance. He will always be in our hearts."
"HIS LIGHT WILL NEVER GO OUT"
Tilbe Saran emphasized that Haldun Dormen was an artist who made people feel valuable. Saran stated, "He was an exemplary person with his kindness, generosity, passion for learning, trust in young people, and his refusal to put down his book until his last day. He made everyone feel valuable just for being human. His light will never go out."
FUNERAL PRAYER AT TEŞVİKİYE MOSQUE
After the memorial ceremony, a funeral prayer will be held for Haldun Dormen at Teşvikiye Mosque following the noon prayer. The master artist will be laid to rest in the family cemetery at Edirnekapı Martyrs' Cemetery.