Singer Tülay Özer laid to rest; Zerrin Özer faints at funeral

The passing of beloved Turkish singer Tülay Özer at the age of 79 marks the end of an era for many who grew up with her music. Cumhuriyet, reflecting the deep connection our audience has with its cultural icons, reports on her funeral with a sense of shared grief and remembrance.

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My mother had been a dialysis patient for a long time, almost ten years. Her body was tired. There was wear and tear. For 50 days, we had a hospital process for another reason. We thought she was recovering, her condition was improving, but alas, it was divine will. There was a sudden brain hemorrhage. As a result, her body could not withstand it and she passed away.

While the international press might focus on the celebrity aspect, for us, this is a story about a cherished artist and the community that mourned her. The details of her long battle with kidney failure and the subsequent dialysis treatment highlight her personal struggle, a reality many face. The funeral ceremony at Zincirlikuyu Mosque was a poignant gathering, bringing together not just family and close friends, but also a generation of fans and colleagues who were touched by her artistry.

The unfortunate incident of her sister, Zerrin Özer, feeling unwell and being unable to attend the prayer, adds a layer of human drama to the solemn occasion. It speaks to the emotional toll such events take, even on those accustomed to public life. This personal element, the raw emotion of family members dealing with loss, is what resonates most deeply with our readers.

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When the pandemic process started, my mother was living alone in Marmaris, I told her to come with me. We had been living together for the last 5-6 years. When two people live together at home, I had frankly forgotten about love. When it's reminded that she had so many loved ones, one gets emotional. I thank all her loved ones.

We also highlight the heartfelt words of Tülay Özer's son, Kamuran Hakan Rizeli, who shared intimate details about her final days and his own rediscovery of love through the outpouring of support. His reflection on how the community's affection reminded him of the depth of love surrounding his mother is a powerful testament to her legacy. This story, for Cumhuriyet, is a reflection of our cultural values – honoring artists, cherishing family bonds, and finding solace in community during times of sorrow.

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She was a beautiful person. Her heart and soul were very beautiful. It's impossible not to be sad, but may God grant her paradise, the fire burns where it falls.