He had called them 'artist drafts': Erdoğan did not publish a condolence message for Edip Akbayram

Edip Akbayram, one of the prominent names in Anatolian Rock and protest music, passed away in the hospital where he was receiving treatment following pneumonia. The artist, who died on the evening of March 2, was commemorated by artists and politicians from all across Turkey.

However, it drew attention that AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan did not publish a condolence message for Akbayram.

Akbayram had been taken to intensive care due to internal bleeding at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, where he had been admitted for pneumonia, and lost his life after a treatment process that lasted more than a month. While many famous names and institutions published condolence messages following the news of the artist's death, Erdoğan remained silent.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, however, published a message for Akbayram, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Edip Akbayram, a master name of Turkish music, etched in our memories with his unforgettable interpretations and powerful voice. We wish God's mercy upon our valuable artist, who will always be remembered for his works, and extend our condolences to his family, his loved ones, and our artistic community."

ERDOĞAN HAD CALLED THEM 'ARTIST DRAFTS'

In the past, Erdoğan had come to the agenda with his criticisms directed at artists. In particular, his use of the term 'drafts' for artists who supported Ekrem İmamoğlu during the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality elections had also drawn the reaction of Akbayram. In response to these criticisms, Akbayram had stated that he had seen many presidents and prime ministers throughout his artistic life, adding, 'Artist drafts are people who do not bow down and who pursue the truth. I accept this as an honor.'

Erdoğan had previously not published condolence messages for artists such as Tolga Savacı, Kayhan Yıldızoğlu, Ayten Gökçer, Genco Erkal, Ahu Tuğba, and Metin Arolat.