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The 74-year-old singer Ibrahim Tatlises experienced a sudden illness at his home in Istanbul, Türkiye, on April 7.
He had recently completed a series of international concerts. Emergency medical personnel transported him to Acibadem Altunizade Hospital.
Chief Physician Dr. Engin Cakmakci delivered the initial medical assessment.
"Our patient Ibrahim Tatlises applied to the emergency service of our hospital today at 11:20 with a complaint of low blood pressure," Cakmakci stated. "Following emergency service examinations, blood tests, and a tomography, we admitted him to the intensive care unit as a precaution with an initial diagnosis of an infection."
Cakmakci confirmed the singer retains a clear consciousness. He reported that heart function and lung tissue are normal. The medical team initiated treatment for a bacterial infection. The singer's daughter, Melek Zubeyde, spoke to the TV show "Gel Konusalim" about the potential cause.
She indicated the infection might stem from his gallbladder. Doctors might perform surgery today.
The hospitalization brought together family members who are currently navigating severe legal disputes.
The singer has seven children. Several of them arrived at the hospital under controversial circumstances.
His son, Ahmet Tatlises, visited the hospital despite an active restraining order. A court previously mandated an electronic ankle bracelet for Ahmet. His father accused him of issuing threats and selling five houses in Manisa without authorization.
Ahmet also filed a guardianship lawsuit claiming his father lacks mental capacity. The prosecutor's office granted special permission for this hospital visit. Ahmet experienced a sudden spike in blood pressure and a nosebleed at the hospital.
Doctors placed him in the intensive care unit for several hours. "I would have come no matter what, even with shackles on my feet right now," Ahmet told reporters.
The daughter, Dilan Citak, also visited the hospital. She has a strained relationship with her father. Authorities currently pursue a public lawsuit against her after she threw a television remote control at her father during breakfast in Bodrum. Prosecutors classified the remote control as a weapon.
His other son, Ido Tatlises, did not arrive immediately. His wife, Yasemin Sefkatli, explained their absence via social media. Their son Ayel required a routine pediatric cardiology checkup at the time of the medical emergency. Sefkatli stated they rushed to the hospital after completing the appointment.
Tatlises had addressed his health struggles on a television program last year.
"I will not give up on life. I love living, and I love helping others live," he remarked. "I lack a formal education, but I learned from life itself. Dealing with paralysis is extremely difficult. I am not undergoing any treatment."
Millions of fans call Ibrahim Tatlises the "Emperor" of Arabesque music.
Rising from absolute poverty in southeastern Türkiye, he built a massive media and business empire. His musical journey began with the hit song "Ayaginda Kundura" in the 1970s. He released nearly 50 studio albums and special projects throughout his career.
He has sold more than 30 million records, which makes him one of the best-selling artists in Türkiye. He also hosted the "Ibo Show" on national television and consistently secured top ratings. His distinct tenor voice defined an entire era of Turkish cultural history.
This cultural dominance, however, has also masked a severely controversial personal life. Tatlises has a heavily documented history of violence against women. He openly admitted to physically assaulting former partners during interviews, and assailants shot one of his ex-partners in the leg following a public dispute.
In addition, rumors of organized crime connections constantly follow him. Assassins fired assault rifles at his vehicle in 2011, and a bullet struck his head. This specific assassination attempt caused his current physical disabilities and paralysis.
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