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Acclaimed Turkish singer Volkan Konak passed away after collapsing on stage during a concert in Iskele, Turkish Cyprus, late Sunday night.
The news was confirmed by the Health Ministry of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Konak, who was performing at a hotel venue in Iskele, experienced a sudden medical emergency during his show. Initial aid was administered by members of the audience before emergency services were called to the scene.
He was transported by ambulance to Gazimagusa State Hospital at 00:17 local time. Despite all medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at 00:42.
In a written statement, the TRNC Health Ministry reported, "Artist Volkan Konak was admitted to Magusa State Hospital at 00:17 after suddenly falling ill. He unfortunately passed away at 00:42 despite all interventions. A detailed statement will be issued by the hospital's chief medical officer."
One of the doctors who rushed to aid Konak during the concert, Ahmet Gorkem Yasak, shared an emotional message on social media. Yasak, now a practicing physician, recalled how Konak once supported him two decades ago when he was a university student.
Twenty years ago, you came to our student dorm and gave us your phone number, saying ‘Call me anytime you need help.’ That young man you helped became a doctor and tried to save you in your final moments.
Doctor Ahmet Gorkem Yasak wrote
The TRNC Health Ministry announced that Konak’s body would be transferred from the Gazimagusa State Hospital morgue to the forensic medicine unit at Dr. Burhan Nalbantoglu State Hospital in Lefkosa for an autopsy.
The process will be closely followed by officials from the Turkish Consulate in Famagusta. His body is expected to be flown to Türkiye following the procedure.
Following the autopsy at the Dr. Burhan Nalbantoglu State Hospital in Lefkosa, Volkan Konak’s body will be transported to Türkiye.
He will be laid to rest on Wednesday, April 2, in Macka, in the Black Sea's Trabzon province, his birthplace. The burial will take place in the family cemetery, next to his late father.
The deaths of both Volkan Konak and singer Metin Arolat—who also collapsed on stage in 2024—have raised new questions about safety at live performances:
Known as "Kuzeyin Oglu" (Son of the North), Volkan Konak was a prominent figure in Turkish folk music.
Born in Trabzon and trained at Istanbul Technical University's State Conservatory of Turkish Music, he was deeply rooted in the culture of the Black Sea region.
Konak was known for his powerful voice and poignant lyrics, outspoken political views, and connection with the public.
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He maintained a consistent presence on stage and television, always reflecting the emotional currents of the Turkish people.
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