Edip Akbayram was a Turkish musician and singer. He produced works in the genres of Anatolian pop and contemporary folk music, known for blending traditional folk music with modern elements. Throughout his artistic career, he created works addressing social issues and received numerous awards. On March 2, 2025, he passed away at the age of 75 due to multiple organ failure.

_{Edip Akbayram - Anadolu Agency}

Life and Education

Edip Akbayram was born on December 29, 1950, in Gaziantep. He contracted polio at nine months old, which led to a challenging childhood. He graduated from Şahinbey Atatürk High School. During his high school years, he developed an interest in music and formed an orchestra with his friends. He composed melodies based on the verses of folk poets such as Karacaoğlan and Pir Sultan Abdal, gaining early stage experience.

After completing high school, he moved to Istanbul and was admitted to Istanbul University’s Faculty of Dentistry. However, he decided to focus on his music career and left his studies unfinished.

Music Career

Edip Akbayram began his professional music career in 1968 with the band he founded, Siyah Örümcekler (Black Spiders). He performed the song Kendim Ettim Kendim Buldum, which was later featured on his first record, during his high school years. Starting his musical journey in Gaziantep, he continued in Adana, where he gained stage experience.

In 1971, he participated in the Altın Mikrofon (Golden Microphone) contest and won first place with Kükredi Çimenler, a song he composed inspired by a poem by Aşık Veysel. In 1974, he formed Dostlar Orkestrası, combining folk music with modern forms to reach a broader audience. His songs such as Kara Kuzu, Deniz Üstü Köpürür, Garip, Aldırma Gönül, and Eşkıya Dünyaya Hükümdar Olmaz gained significant popularity.

_{Edip Akbayram - Çeşmi Siyahım (Live Performance), Anıl Kıyak - YouTube}

Post-1980 Period

Following the 1980 military coup, his music was banned. From 1981 to 1988, his compositions were not played on Turkish Radio and Television (TRT). During this period, he continued performing but struggled to gain media coverage.

In the 1990s, he attracted attention again with the release of his album Türküler Yanmaz. This album, released in 1993, was dedicated to the victims of the Sivas Massacre. The album featured compositions based on poems by Can Yücel, Ahmed Arif, Oktay Rifat, and Vedat Türkali.

Awards and Achievements

Throughout his career, he received around 250 awards, including the prestigious Altın Plak (Golden Record). He performed concerts across various regions of Türkiye, reaching a wide audience.

Illness and Death

At the beginning of 2025, he was diagnosed with pneumonia and hospitalized but was later discharged. On January 9, 2025, he suffered an internal hemorrhage after falling at home and was re-hospitalized. He was placed in intensive care at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, where he underwent two surgeries. On March 2, 2025, he passed away at the age of 75 due to multiple organ failure.

Legacy

With his contributions to Anatolian pop and contemporary folk music, Edip Akbayram is regarded as one of the most significant figures in Turkish music history. Alongside artists like Cem Karaca and Selda Bağcan, he is considered one of the pioneers of Anatolian rock music.

Discography

• Mayıs (2012)
• Söyleyemediklerim (2008)
• Dün ve Bugün 3 (2005)
• Dün ve Bugün 2 (2004)
• 33'üncü (2002)
• Selam Olsun (2001)
• İlk Günkü Gibi (1999)
• Dün ve Bugün (1998)
• Yıllar (1997)
• Güzel Günler Göreceğiz (1996)
• Türküler Yanmaz (1994)
• Bir Şarkın Olsun Dudaklarında (1993)
• Unutamadıklarım (1992)
• Hava Nasıl Oralarda? (1991)
• Senden Haber Yok (1991)
• Şahdamar (1990)
• Özgürlük (1988)
• Yeni Gelen Güne Türkü (1986)
• Dostlar 1985 (1985)
• Dostlar 1984 (1984)
• Nice Yıllara Gülüm (1982)
• Nedir Ne Değildir? (1977)
• Edip Akbayram (1974)