Ceremony held for Muazzez Abacı at AKM

Master artist Muazzez Abacı passed away on Wednesday, November 12, on her 78th birthday, due to a heart condition she suffered in the United States (USA). A ceremony is being held for Abacı at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM). The ceremony was attended by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, artists Muazzez Ersoy, Orhan Gencebay, Selami Şahin, Emel Sayın, as well as Abacı's daughter Aslı Saba Abacı and numerous other artists and loved ones.

"MS. MUAZZEZ ABACI WAS A VERY VALUABLE ARTIST"

Speaking to members of the press at the ceremony, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said, "We have lost a very precious artist at an unexpected moment and in an unexpected way. We are deeply saddened by this. Ms. Muazzez Abacı was a very valuable artist and also a state artist. She had captured hearts with her voice and held a place in the hearts of the public. She was a people's artist. May she rest in peace; I extend my condolences to her family and our entire artistic community."

"I HAD THE HONOR OF INTRODUCING HER TO OUR PEOPLE"

Among the artists attending the ceremony, Orhan Gencebay stated, "We invited her to our community, she came, and we worked together at my company; we did our first works together. That was my privilege, and Ms. Muazzez became an artist whom our people loved very much. The works we did in 1974 were exceptionally well-received. She became a star with the interest of our people. She was an artist whose talent and competence were at the highest level. As a person, she was also a wonderful human being. I loved her very much, and she loved me very much. I had the honor of introducing her to our people. I am emotional right now; may God have mercy on her. She was a person I loved very much who served Turkish music, someone who was not easily satisfied with herself and was constantly listening. I wish great patience to all her loved ones and her family."

"I TURNED TO TURKISH ART MUSIC BECAUSE OF HER VOICE, MY INTEREST GREW"

Meanwhile, artist Selami Şahin, who attended the ceremony, said, "Everything is empty, it is impossible not to be sad; her place cannot be filled. We were very good as personalities and as friends. I am saddened; being sad is like burning the dead, you should do good deeds in their name. May God give patience to her family, may she rest in peace; I cannot find words to say. Her place cannot be filled. We have lost so many artists over the years. Ms. Muazzez was 1 year younger than me."

It was learned that Abacı's funeral prayer will be held at the Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara on Monday, November 17, following the noon prayer, and she will subsequently be laid to rest at the Cebeci Asri Cemetery.