Folk poet Ali Ekber Çiçek commemorated at his graveside on the 18th anniversary of his passing

A commemoration event was held at the graveside of Turkish Folk Music and TRT artist Ali Ekber Çiçek in the Edremit district of Balıkesir on the 18th anniversary of his passing.

Speaking at the program held in the rural Tahtakuşlar neighborhood at the foothills of the Kaz Mountains, Edremit Mayor Mehmet Ertaş stated that they commemorate Çiçek every year with an increasingly larger crowd, even 18 years after his death.

The folk poet's daughter, Turkish Folk Music artist Ebru Çiçek, also thanked those who attended the event.

Expressing that they always feel the absence of her father, Çiçek said, "18 years feels like 18 days. We cannot force anyone to come here today; thank you all for coming. I know so well that you came from the heart, thank you for not leaving us alone."

Participants, who left carnations at the artist's grave and offered prayers, sang his folk songs along with Çiçek's close friend Adil Asker Yıldız and Turkish Folk Music artist Ender Balkır.