Ferdi Tayfur, a towering figure in Turkish music and cinema, passed away at the age of 79 on January 2, 2025, after battling health complications. The iconic artist, known for his profound contributions to arabesque music, died in Medical Park Antalya Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment.
Tayfur, born Ferdi Tayfur Turanbayburt on November 15, 1945, in the Hurriyet neighborhood of Adana, gained widespread recognition for his distinctive voice and emotional lyrics. His career spanned several decades, during which he released over 30 albums and starred in more than 30 films. He was affectionately known as “Ferdi Baba” in the Turkish media.
In the final days of his life, Tayfur had been transferred to Antalya after receiving treatment in Muğla. Following a surgery on December 16 for a sinus issue, Tayfur’s health had been closely monitored.
Earlier medical procedures included a brain surgery in Antalya, where a stent was placed in his cerebral artery. In addition to these, he had undergone dialysis treatment in recent years, and in 2020, he received a kidney transplant from his son.
Tayfur’s musical legacy is marked by his nine golden certifications and his ability to seamlessly integrate his music into Turkish cinema, making him a beloved figure in both fields. His influence in the arabesque genre and his artistic contributions to Turkish culture will remain enduring.
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus expressed his condolences via social media, offering his prayers for Tayfur’s soul. “Ferdi Tayfur, who earned a place in the hearts of our people with the title ‘Ferdi Baba,’ and was a master of arabesque music, will be deeply missed,” Kurtulmus wrote.
