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Muazzez Abaci, a celebrated Turkish classical music singer and state artist, died on her 78th birthday Wednesday after suffering heart complications in the United States, her manager announced.
Abaci had been hospitalized in early November following a heart attack she experienced while visiting her daughter in the United States on Nov. 5. The singer initially received a stent and was moved to a regular hospital room, but later developed kidney complications that required intensive care treatment.
Her manager, Taner Budak, confirmed the death through social media on Nov. 12.
Born Hicran Muazzez Abaci on Nov. 12, 1947, in Ankara, she became one of Türkiye's most prominent voices in classical and polyphonic Turkish music. She first joined Ankara Radio in 1966 and released her debut record "Bir Sen Kaldin Icimde" (Only You Remain Within Me) in 1973 through Kervan Records.
Abaci was recognized as a State Artist by Türkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1998, joining an elite group of performers who received the honorary title based on the ministry's recommendation.
The singer became particularly known for songs that became synonymous with her career, including "Sakayik" (Peony) and "Vurgun" (Smitten). Her 1990 album "Vurgun," featuring lyrics by Cemal Safi and music by Selcuk Tekay, brought her widespread recognition.
After Ankara Radio, Abaci became a sought-after soloist at Istanbul nightclubs, recording numerous 45-rpm singles and LPs with various music companies. Though her stage and recording work experienced interruptions due to personal matters, she remained an influential figure in bringing classical Turkish music to wider audiences.
By the early 2000s, Abaci had largely withdrawn from the music scene amid a general decline in Turkish art music. She appeared as a judge on the television program "Hayalin Icin Soyle" (Sing for Your Dream) in 2007 and continued participating in select private events. In 2011, she appeared in a Snickers commercial alongside Gonul Yazar, her only advertising project.
Abaci is survived by her daughter Saba, a doctor, from her first marriage to police officer Abdurrahman Abaci.
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