13.11.2025 10:03
The legendary voice of Turkish classical music, Muazzez Abacı, passed away in the USA, leaving her fans and the art community in mourning. This has brought attention to the necessary procedures for repatriating the artist's remains to her homeland. The transfer of the deceased from the USA to Turkey involves both legal and administrative procedures.
The master of Turkish Art Music, Muazzez Abacı, passed away in the United States. The news of her death, which has saddened the art world, has also raised questions about how her body will be brought back to Turkey.
While no statement has yet been made regarding Abacı's funeral, the official procedures and consulate processes that need to be followed for repatriation of the body from abroad have become a matter of curiosity.
HOW DOES THE LEGAL PROCESS WORK?
In the event of a person's death in the USA, the process of repatriating the body to Turkey requires both legal and administrative procedures. These processes are carried out by ensuring that the documents are prepared completely, the consulate procedures are conducted, and actions are taken in accordance with international transport rules.
When a Turkish citizen passes away in the USA; first,
• The death is reported to local health and police authorities,
• The death certificate is officially issued,
• An autopsy or health report is prepared if necessary,
• It is ensured that the documents are notarized and apostilled.
CONSULATE PROCEDURES
Turkey's Embassy or Consulates in the USA are authorized for the repatriation of the body to Turkey. Therefore,
• The death notification is communicated to Turkey by the consulate,
• A funeral transport document (laissez-passer) is issued for the transportation of the body to Turkey.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The documents required for the repatriation of a body from the USA to Turkey are as follows:
• Official death certificate obtained from US authorities,
• Passport and identification documents,
• Health report explaining the cause of death,
• Health certificate indicating that the body does not carry infectious diseases,
• Report showing that the body is properly packaged and prepared in a zinc coffin,
• Funeral transport document issued by the Turkish Consulate.
TRANSPORTATION PROCESS
• After the documents are completed, the body is transported from the USA to Turkey by air,
• When it arrives in Turkey, customs procedures are completed,
• The body is transported to the city and cemetery where it will be buried.