Friends and family say farewell to famous singer

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

Berkant’s funeral ceremony brings together many figures from the world of art. AA photo

Berkant Akgün, a Turkish pop singer known to most as Berkant, was laid to rest today in a ceremony held at Istanbul’s Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall.

The singer died of complications from lung cancer, aged 74, on Oct. 1. Berkant’s wife, Engin Akgürgen, and two sons, Övgü and Öykü Akgürgen, were present at the ceremony, as were his friends, artists Selçuk Ural, Ali Kocatepe, Erol Büyükburç, Selami Şahin and Sezen Cumhur Önal.

An official from the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, Abdurrahman Çelik, was also present at the ceremony to present his condolences on behalf of Culture Minister Ertuğrul Günay.

Part of a documentary made by Kocatepe for Berkant was screened at the beginning of the ceremony, followed by short speeches in his memory. Ural, who was with Berkant during his last days, said, “He was the most gentle man in the world.”