'Ferdi Baba': King of Turkish Arabesque music Ferdi Tayfur dies at 79

Celebrated musician and actor was known for his timeless contributions to Turkish culture

Iconic Turkish Arabesque singer, musician, actor and director Ferdi Tayfur died on Thursday at a hospital in Türkiye's Mediterranean province of Antalya, a spokesperson confirmed. He was 79. Tayfur fell ill on Dec. 15 at his residence in Marmaris, and was initially taken to a private hospital in the district via ambulance. He was later transferred to a facility in the Aegean province of Mugla, and later to a private hospital in Antalya via military aircraft at the request of his doctors and family. Hundreds of Tayfur fans rushed in to the hospital premises after learning his demise, singing his songs in tears. Tayfur, also hailed as 'Ferdi Baba' by his fans, was a singer, actor, songwriter, as well as screenwriter. He was born in the southern Turkish province of Adana in 1945, and led a successful career in Arabesque music. In a decades-long career, he released numerous hit albums and starred in many popular films, becoming an iconic figure in Turkish culture. Tayfur's music often explored themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience.