Eren Kaşıkçı, MasterChef Turkey 2021 Champion, Dies; Somer Sivrioğlu Pays Tribute

Eren Kaşıkçı, the 2021 winner of MasterChef Turkey, was found dead at his home in the Kilyos district of Istanbul. Known as “Kızıl Sakal,” Kaşıkçı’s death shocked fans and colleagues. Fellow MasterChef judge Somer Sivrioğlu wrote a heartfelt tribute, recalling Kaşıkçı’s humility, work ethic and love for nature. Sivrioğlu described how Kaşıkçı had planned a trip to Gökçeada to reconnect with the island’s soil, water, olives and wind, but the journey never materialised. He praised Kaşıkçı’s character over his culinary accolades, saying, “YAKTIĞI ATEŞ YÜREĞİMDE” and likening his spirit to “the fire of Ateşbaz‑ı Veli that will keep burning in the hearts of those who knew him.” The tribute highlighted Kaşıkçı’s modesty, dedication and the lasting impact he left on the Turkish culinary community.