07.07.2026 13:10
A memorial ceremony was held at IBB Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage for Zihni Göktay, an important figure in Turkish theater. While the artist's daughter and colleagues gave emotional speeches, Göktay's body will be buried in Karacahmet Cemetery after the funeral prayer at Üsküdar Şakirin Mosque.
A ceremony was held for master actor Zihni Göktay, who has left his mark on memories with his unique style and the characters he portrayed throughout his artistic life spanning more than half a century in Turkish theater.
Many names from the art world attended the ceremony held at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage.
Speaking at the ceremony, the artist's daughter Zeynep Göktay Dilbaz stated that her father was in love with his profession and very devoted to his family, and she read the letter he wrote to her when she started acting.
IMM DEPUTY MAYOR ASLAN: HE NEVER GAVE UP HIS HUMILITY
IMM Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan, who attended the ceremony, pointed out that Zihni Göktay remained on stage for approximately 66 years, saying, "He dedicated his life to art. He found a place in all our minds and hearts, and while doing all this, he never once gave up his naivety and humility. When I think of the great master, trees full of fruit come to mind. Because only a tree with fruit bows its head. I thank him for always being an example to us with his knowledge and experience."
Noting that Göktay is the first to come to mind in the play "Lüküs Hayat," Aslan stated the following:
"We heard his voice in many films. When we saw him on the street, we embraced him calling him 'brother.' Numerous characters came to life with his breath. Generations first learned the love of theater from him. He explained us to ourselves. We laughed, saddened, and thought with him. We saw ourselves, our brothers, our fathers, our friends in his characters. He served under the roof of the IMM City Theatres for exactly 53 years. On that great path opened by Muhsin Ertuğrul, he gave his life to this institution as one of the most loyal guardians of the master-apprentice tradition. He was the century-old memory of the City Theatres."
Aslan stated that Göktay performed in 72 different plays on the City Theatres stage and read Ekrem İmamoğlu's letter of condolence.
"HE BECAME A COMPASS FOR YOUNG ARTISTS"
IMM City Theatres Deputy General Art Director Emrah Özertem expressed that Göktay was everyone's "big brother Zihni," saying, "When I first came to this theater, one of the plays he was in was being performed. He told me many things on stage. He taught young artists a lot, he became a compass on our path."
Actor Hikmet Körmükçü also stated that they performed together in plays for 53 years, saying, "We cried together, laughed together, and were very happy. Sometimes we were unhappy, sometimes very unhappy. We always supported each other. I will miss his jokes, his anecdotes, and how he drove me crazy on stage. Our last play together was 'Round Trip Moscow.'"
HE COULD NOT PERFORM HIS FINAL PLAY
Actor Hakan Altıner stated that last week they signed a project called "The Sycamores of Our Theater" within the IMM City Theatres, and provided the following information:
"This season, we will stage Ahmet Kutsi Tecer's play 'Köşebaşı' (The Corner). Our retirees will also be there. That's why the project is named 'The Sycamores of Our Theater.' There is a watchman role in the play, and we said, 'Let it be Zihni.' After some hesitation, we thought we could ensure his comfort despite everything. While discussing whether there were any memorization difficulties, I said, 'Forget the memorization. Zihni starts speaking, and the audience listens. He enchants them; every word he tells opens a completely different world.' Unfortunately, we cannot perform the play with him. However, on the night of October 28, the play 'Köşebaşı' will raise its curtain for Zihni Göktay. May his soul be at peace."
Retired City Theatres artist Uğurtan Atakan, orchestra conductor and musician Ertan Ergül, and musician Selim Atakan also shared their feelings and thoughts about Zihni Göktay at the ceremony.
Göktay's remains will be laid to rest at Karacahmet Cemetery after the funeral prayer to be held at Üsküdar Şakirin Mosque following the noon prayer.