Hürriyet’s ‘brother İlhan’ passes away at 66

ISTANBUL

İlhan Söyler, one of daily Hürriyet’s most experienced sports journalists, lost his fight against cancer on Sept. 22 at an Istanbul hospital, at the age of 66.

Before becoming a journalist in middle age, Söyler enjoyed a career as a footballer in the top Turkish leagues, playing for Fenerbahçe, Gençlerbirliği, PTT, Karagümrük, Adana Demirspor and Vefa.

Galatasaray, the club that Söyler had largely been reporting on during his final years, sent its condolences in an official statement, describing him as a “doyen of sports journalism.”

Söyler’s former club Fenerbahçe also said it was deeply sorry for the loss of its former player and veteran journalist.

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), also extended his condolences.

“May Söyler, who is known as a brother at Hürriyet for his sportsmanship, great writing, but above all, his humane character, rest in peace. I wish condolences and patience to his family and the Hürriyet family,” Kılıçdaroğlu said.

Söyler will be laid to rest at noon on Sept. 23 after a ceremony at the Hürriyet headquarters and Istanbul’s Merkezefendi Mosque.