Turkish artist Fikret Otyam dies

ANTALYA – Anadolu Agency

Famous Turkish painter, journalist and author Fikret Otyam died on Aug. 9 at the age of 89 in the southern province of Antalya.

Otyam, who had been receiving treatment for renal failure for some time, was taken to hospital in January.
His wife, Filiz Otyam, said the renowned artist would be buried on Aug. 10 in Antalya. 

A funeral will be held at the Hacı Bektaş Veli Cemevi where Otyam laid the foundation stone, in accordance with his wishes.

She said Otyam fought his illness until the last minute. “He had not been able to work in the last few months, but we made a plan three days ago. We would have placed his easel and dyes in his bedroom. He said he would make a painting. He had heart attacks and was in and out of intensive care many times. He was tired but he wanted to write a book on southeastern Anatolia. He was the most hardworking person I have ever seen. He was always busy.” 

The artist, who won nine awards, including one from the UNESCO-linked International Association of Art, wrote 20 books and staged five photo-graph exhibitions and many painting exhibitions during his career.