12.06.2025 12:43
One of the important figures of Turkish folk music, Mehmet Erenler, is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. The bağlama virtuoso Erenler has been admitted to the palliative care unit at Bahçelievler State Hospital. The master artist, known for his background with TRT and conservatories, has released more than 20 albums.
"I Cut Watermelon, No One Eats", "Do Not Touch My Sorrowful Heart" and "I Saw a Pair of Cranes" are among the many Turkish folk songs compiled by the artist Mehmet Erenler, who has been hospitalized for treatment. The classical bağlama virtuoso Erenler, who has been battling pancreatic cancer for some time, is receiving treatment at the Palliative Care Unit of Istanbul Bahçelievler State Hospital.
WHO IS MEHMET ERENLER? Erenler was born in Ankara in 1946. The artist, who started learning the bağlama by himself at the age of 8, participated in Muzaffer Sarısözen's "Voices from the Homeland" program at the age of 13. He began his career at Ankara Radio after passing the exam opened by TRT in 1966, and in the following years, he worked as a faculty member at the Istanbul State Conservatory.
In 1980, Mehmet Erenler took on the roles of bağlama artist and choir conductor at Istanbul Radio, where he was appointed at his own request. The master artist, who has given many concerts and seminars both domestically and abroad, has taught courses at various universities and trained numerous artists. Erenler, one of the rare bağlama artists who has created his own style while adhering to authentic working methods, gained the appreciation of listeners with his technical mastery, sensitivity, creativity, and accumulation in the tradition of free-meter improvisation known as "açış." Still serving as an artist at TRT Istanbul Radio, Mehmet Erenler has prepared more than 20 albums.