Genco Erkal has passed away

Master theater and cinema actor Genco Erkal has passed away. Genco Erkal, who had been battling leukemia for some time, died at the age of 86.

A poem by Nazım Hikmet had been shared on Erkal's account last night.

HE HAD SAID 'GOODBYE'

The post reads as follows:

Goodbye my friends, goodbye! I am taking you in my soul, within my soul, and my struggle in my mind. Goodbye my friends, goodbye... Like birds lined up on the beach in pictures, do not wave handkerchiefs at me. I do not want it... Just a silent farewell

POSTS FROM POLITICIANS AND ARTISTS

Following Erkal's passing, CHP leader Özgür Özel shared, "I have learned with great sadness that one of the greatest theater artists our country has raised, Genco Erkal, has lost his life. I wish God's mercy upon him and extend my condolences to his family, his loved ones, and our art community," while Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu said, "'Goodbye my friends' Genco Erkal was a giant plane tree. We are very sad, may God have mercy on him."

Artists Fazıl Say and Sabahat Akkiraz also shared posts following Erkal's passing.

Say shared, "Genco Erkal passed away this morning. We have lost our greatest artist. Our condolences. He shone light throughout his entire life, may he rest in light. He was the greatest hero of the struggle on his own... I learned a lot from him. Turkey was greater with him..." while Akkiraz said, "Master Genco Erkal has walked to the Truth. My heart is wounded in the deepest way. I bow with respect before his courage, his stance, and what he contributed to our theater. Rest in light, master."

FUNERAL PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

The funeral program for Genco Erkal, whose passing has deeply saddened his loved ones, has been announced.

A ceremony will be held for Erkal on Friday, August 2, at 14.00 at the Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage.

Following the ceremony, Erkal's funeral will be laid to rest at the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery after the afternoon prayer.