Rasim Öztekin (14 January 1959, Istanbul – 8 March 2021, Istanbul) was a Turkish actor of theatre, cinema, and television. He was known for his commitment to the traditional Turkish theatre tradition, his engagement with the tuluat tradition, and his distinctive acting style. In 2016, he succeeded Ferhan Şensoy in assuming the “kavuk,” thereby continuing a symbolic tradition in Turkish theatre.

Life and Education

Rasim Öztekin was born on 14 January 1959 in Istanbul. He graduated from Galatasaray High School and completed his university education at the İstanbul University School of Journalism. During his student years, he developed an interest in theatre and performed with amateur groups.

He began his professional theatre career in the 1980s. His involvement with Ferhan Şensoy’s Ortaoyuncular Theatre marked a pivotal turning point in his artistic career. He carefully blended traditional and contemporary techniques within the tuluat-influenced theatrical approach.

Rasim Öztekin (AA)

Theatre Career

Rasim Öztekin primarily performed under the banner of Ortaoyuncular. He took on major roles in many plays written and directed by Ferhan Şensoy. He brought traditional elements of Turkish theatre—such as kavuk, pişekâr, tuluat, and improvised humour—to the stage through modern interpretations.

Some of the plays he performed in:

• İstanbul’u Satıyorum
• Güle Güle Godot
• Boşgezen ve Kalfası
• Ferhangi Şeyler (as guest actor)
• Parasız Yaşamak Pahalı

Cinema and Television Career

Rasim Öztekin gained significant presence in cinema and television productions from the 1990s onward. He was primarily known for roles in comedy, but also achieved success in dramatic roles through his character acting.

Some notable works:

Cinema:

• G.O.R.A.
• Pardon
• Şans Kapıyı Kırınca
• Mandıra Filozofu
• Düğün Dernek

Television:

• Bir Demet Tiyatro
• Seksenler
• Geniş Aile
• Kavak Yelleri
• Leyla ile Mecnun (as guest actor)

His Role in the Kavuk Tradition

In 2016, Rasim Öztekin received the “kavuk” from Ferhan Şensoy. This symbolic transition is regarded as part of the lineage of mastery within the tuluat tradition of traditional Turkish theatre. After continuing the kavuk tradition, Öztekin passed it on to Şevket Çoruh in 2020 due to health reasons.

Health Condition and Death

Rasim Öztekin occasionally withdrew from performances due to health issues including heart failure and arrhythmia. He died on 8 March 2021 in Istanbul as a result of a heart attack. He was buried at Zincirlikuyu Cemetery.