Master actor laid to rest: Izzet Günay falls ill at Haldun Dormen's funeral
The master of Turkish theater, Haldun Dormen, who passed away, has been laid to rest. Izzet Günay, who fell ill during the funeral prayer, was treated in an ambulance.
İHA
Master actor, director, and playwright Haldun Dormen passed away on January 21, 2026, at the age of 97 in an Istanbul hospital where he was receiving treatment for an infection. In accordance with his will, a farewell ceremony was held for the legendary figure of Turkish theater at the Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage. Following the farewell ceremony in Harbiye, Haldun Dormen's body was taken to Teşvikiye Mosque. The funeral prayer for Dormen was held following the noon prayer.
Before the funeral prayer, Haldun Dormen's son Ömer Dormen and daughter-in-law Ayşe Arman accepted condolences. The funeral was attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, General Director of State Theaters Tamer Karadağlı, and numerous figures from the art community including Gürkan Uygun, Erdal Özyağcılar, Erol Evgin, and Demet Akbağ, as well as his relatives and loved ones.
Following the funeral prayer, Dormen's coffin was loaded into the hearse and taken to Edirnekapı Cemetery for burial.
ACTOR IZZET GÜNAY FELL ILL
Meanwhile, actor Izzet Günay, who was present at the funeral prayer, fell ill. It was learned that Günay, who received treatment in an ambulance, is in good condition.
"HE HAD SERVICES TO ART"
Stating that Dormen had services to art, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül said, "Condolences to the art community and our nation. He had services to art. Today, his loved ones and friends are all here. May God give patience to his family."
"WE HAVE LOST A VERY VALUABLE ASSET"
Actor Fırat Tanış said they had lost a valuable asset, stating, "Condolences to us all. We have lost a very valuable asset. We knew him well. We knew him well for his magnificent life energy, his determination to live, his diligence, and his sharing of life. 97 years, what a beautiful life. A life to be envied."
"HIS NAME WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN"
Actress Demet Akbağ expressed that Dormen's name would never be forgotten, saying, "Turkish theater has lost a very important man of theater and an important master. It is a huge loss for all of us. The students he trained and the world he created for theater, as I saw once again at the ceremony, was a great master who will never be forgotten. With what he produced and his legacy, the youth in Turkish theater will continue with the light he left behind. Our condolences."