The Art World Remembers Zihni Göktay: 'We Heard His Voice in Many Films'

A ceremony was held for the renowned Turkish actor Zihni Göktay at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage. Göktay, who spent about 66 years in theater, left his mark on the hearts of audiences with the characters he portrayed.Many artists who attended the ceremony commemorated Göktay. İBB Deputy Chairman Nuri Aslan stated that Göktay never lost his naivety and humility, saying, 'The great master was an example to us all.' Aslan recalled Göktay's role in the play 'Lüküs Hayat', saying '

We heard his voice in many films. When we saw him on the street, we hugged him, calling him 'older brother'. Many characters came to life with his breath. Many generations learned to love theater from him. He told us about ourselves. We laughed, got sad, and thought with him. We saw ourselves, our older brothers, our fathers, and our friends in his characters. He worked under the umbrella of İBB City Theaters for 53 years. He devoted his life to this institution, which is a part of the master-apprentice tradition that Muhsin Ertuğrul founded. He became the century-old memory of the City Theaters.

'. Aslan also mentioned that Göktay played in 72 different plays at the City Theaters and read a condolence letter from Ekrem İmamoğlu.İBB City Theaters Deputy Art Director Emrah Özertem stated that Göktay was 'Zihni abisi' (older brother Zihni) to everyone, saying, 'He guided young artists and taught us a lot.'Actor Hikmet Körmükçü said he acted with Göktay for 53 years, saying ''.Actor Hakan Altıner mentioned that they recently launched a project called 'Tiyatromuzun Çınarları' (The Oaks of Our Theater) within the İBB City Theaters, saying '

This season, we will stage Ahmet Kutsi Tecer's play 'Köşebaşı'. Our retirees will also be there. That's why the project is called 'Tiyatromuzun Çınarları' (The Oaks of Our Theater). There is a role of a guard in the play, and we said, 'Let Zihni play it.' We thought that we would ensure his comfort, no matter what. When discussing whether there would be a problem with memorization, I said, 'Don't worry about memorization. Zihni will start talking, and the audience will listen. He will mesmerize them, and every word he says will open up a different world.' Unfortunately, we cannot stage the play with him. But on the night of October 28, the play 'Köşebaşı' will be performed in memory of Zihni Göktay. May he rest in peace.

'.Other artists who attended the ceremony also commemorated Göktay. Göktay's funeral will be held at the Üsküdar Şakirin Mosque after the noon prayer, and he will be buried in the Karacahmet Cemetery. Zihni Göktay left his mark on the world of theater. His memory will be remembered forever by many audiences and artists.