Nihat Ziyalan, Turkish actor and poet, dies at 90

Turkish actor, poet, and writer Nihat Ziyalan has passed away in Sydney, Australia, at the age of 90. He died on Sunday, October 11.

Ziyalan was a notable figure in the Yeşilçam era of Turkish cinema, frequently recognized for his portrayals of intense characters and villainous roles. His filmography includes titles such as ‘Sezercik Aslan Parçası’, ‘Umutsuzlar’, ‘Gariban’, and ‘Azap’. He began his artistic career in theater with the Adana Municipal Theater and the Ankara Art Theater before transitioning to film in 1966, following an invitation from his childhood friend, director Yılmaz Güney.

Beyond his acting career, Ziyalan was an accomplished literary figure. He published his first poetry book, ‘Asık Yüzlünün Biri’, in 1963. In 2009, he was honored with the ‘Çukurova Award’ for his cultural contributions to the promotion of the Çukurova region.