Alpay Nazikioğlu, one of the masters of Turkish pop and romantic folk music, has passed away at the age of 91. The artist, who left a lasting mark on the memories of wide audiences with works such as “Eylülde Gel”, “Fabrika Kızı”, “Kara Tren”, “Gitme”, and “Ayrılık Rüzgarı”, will be laid to rest in Ankara tomorrow.
The artist's passing was announced by singer Bora Gencer on his social media account with the post, “I wish God's mercy upon my dear brother Alpay, and patience to his loved ones and family.” It was learned that Alpay passed away at the hospital where he was receiving treatment in Antalya.
FUNERAL CEREMONY IN ANKARA
The announcement regarding Alpay Nazikioğlu's funeral program came from his daughter, Zeynep Nazikioğlu. Stating that they are deeply saddened by her father's passing, Nazikioğlu announced that the funeral will be held in Ankara on Friday, October 16.
We are in deep sorrow over the loss of our father, Alpay Nazikioğlu, our one and only. He lived and shared a wonderful life. His funeral will be held following the noon prayer at the Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque in Bilkent, Ankara, on Friday, October 16, and he will be laid to rest in the family plot at the Cebeci Asri Cemetery.
Known for his romantic melodies, Turkish arrangements, and unique interpretation throughout a career spanning over half a century, Alpay leaves behind dozens of albums and songs remembered by different generations alike.
A CAREER STRETCHING FROM FOOTBALL TO MUSIC
Ahmet Alpay Nazikioğlu was born in Ankara on July 17, 1935. Completing his primary and secondary education in Ankara, the artist graduated from Ankara Atatürk High School. Interested in sports during his youth, Alpay played football for Ankara Demirspor and Gençlerbirliği, and rose to the level of the Youth National Football Team.
Completing his higher education at the Ankara University Faculty of Law, Alpay turned to music after his legal training. Taking his first steps into a professional music career in the early 1960s, the artist accelerated his work by forming his own orchestra in 1964.
In the early period of his career, Alpay performed Turkish arrangements of French chansons and Italian Neapolitan songs, and also interpreted works in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Experimenting with romantic folk, rock, and Anatolian pop, the artist also took part in joint projects with Üç Hürel.
Establishing close friendships with important musicians of the era such as Fecri Ebcioğlu, Alpay released over 25 albums, including “Kirpiklerini Ok Ok Eyle”, “Cennet Yolu”, “7 Dilde Alpay”, “Güven Parkı”, and “Aşk”, following “Girl in My Town”.
Carrying stories of love, separation, and humanity into his works, Alpay was remembered as one of the artists who acted as a bridge in the development of Turkish pop music. Songs such as “Eylülde Gel”, “Fabrika Kızı”, and “Kara Tren” were among the most well-known pieces of the artist's musical legacy.
News Source: 12punto
