Genco Erkal was commemorated at his grave on the first anniversary of his death.

Veteran theater artist Genco Erkal was commemorated at his grave in Zincirlikuyu Cemetery on the first anniversary of his passing. The memorial ceremony, held yesterday, was attended by the artist's daughter Ayşe Sümer , his longtime stage partners Tülay Günal and Nedim Saban, as well as his family, close friends, colleagues, and art lovers. The ceremony also featured the announcement that the mausoleum, designed jointly by the master actor's longtime friends architect Tuncay Çavdar and director Özcan Arca , will be commissioned by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM ) Heritage.

MESSAGE FROM IMAMOĞLU

Ayşe Sümer gave a short speech during the commemoration, thanked everyone who attended the ceremony and stood by her on this difficult and special day, and then read the commemorative message delivered by Ekrem İmamoğlu .

Tülay Günal, the artist's partner with whom he shared the stage in many plays for years, emphasized in her emotional speech that Genco Erkal has always been a representative of a stance, a conscience, and an understanding of freedom, justice and equality.

Musician Ercan Çağıran, who accompanied Erkal on stage during the musical performance "Şahdararım" (My Jugular Vein), reminded us that the master artist always maintained that there is hope against all hardships and oppression, and that this hope can only be preserved through unity. Çağıran, who stated that Erkal's greatest dream is a bright Turkey where everyone lives in peace, brotherhood, and equality, sang the folk song "Spring Has Come to Your Mountains, My Homeland " in memory of the artist.

A MONUMENTAL TOMB FOR THE MASTER ARTIST FROM IBB HERITAGE

At the ceremony, it was also announced that the construction of the mausoleum project, designed by Tuncay Çavdar and Özcan Arca, with whom the artist collaborated on the stage designs for his plays, was undertaken by IMM Miras. This special monument, which alludes to the veteran artist's longing to own a theatrical stage, is intended to be a tribute to both Erkal's art and philosophy of life. Construction of the mausoleum is scheduled to be completed in 2026.