Thousands pay last respects to Müslüm 'Baba'

ISTANBUL

Müslüm Gürses was laid to rest after a ceremony at the Teşvikiye Mosque. Photo by Emrah Gürel

Müslüm Gürses, the famous Turkish singer who passed away March 2, was laid to rest in Istanbul today, following ceremonies at the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall and Teşvikiye Mosque, where politicians, musicians, friends and thousands of fans paid their respects.

The late musician, commonly known as Müslüm "Baba," was under intensive care for the last four months of his life, following a heart surgery.

“I am very sorry because I have lost the best person on earth,” his spouse, Muhterem Nur, said, addressing the crowd that gathered at the concert hall.

Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Culture and Tourism Minister Ömer Çelik, Istanbul Governor Hüseyin Avni Mutlu, and a number of pop musicians were also in attendance.

The final prayer ceremony at the mosque was to be held at noon but was postponed for hours due to the large crowd that had gathered at the site.

Somali people living in Turkey joined the ceremony and expressed their condolences in a press statement.

Minor chaos also broke out at the Zincirlikuyu Graveyard, as thousands of people rushed in for a last look at his funeral and to pray for him.

Anti-arabesque Turkish pianist Say sends wreaths for Müslüm Gürses

Turkish pianist Fazıl Say, who was harshly criticized for his remarks on arabesque music last year, today sent wreaths to the funeral ceremony of cult arabesque singer Müslüm Gürses, daily Hürriyet has reported.
 
"Come back to life Müslüm 'Baba,'" Say had previously written on his Facebook account, to show his support while Gürses was being treated in intensive care.
 
World–renowned pianist Say had been strongly criticized after saying  that enjoying the popular music genre arabesque was tantamount to "treason."
 
"Not liking that disgusting thing called arabesque is patriotism, while liking it is treason. Thoughts vary here, but we're talking about something without quality. We're talking about bad harmony, bad melody, and music that hasn’t been able to progress anywhere,” Say said during a TV show last year.