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Hasan Zati Sungur: A Legendary Turkish Stage Magician

Hasan Zti Sungur, born on March 10, 1898, in Bursa, Turkey, was a renowned internationally recognized Turkish stage magician. His early years were marked by his fascination with magic, which he began to develop during his elementary school days.

Sungur's interest in sleight of hand and illusions led him to create white cardboard cuffs and collars that amazed his classmates and family members. He attended elementary and middle school in Bursa before enrolling in the Naval Corporal School (Astsubay Çarkçı Okulu) in Istanbul, a decision that was against his father's wishes.

In 1916, Sungur was sent to Germany for officer training as part of the Turkish submarine fleet. However, with the outbreak of World War I, he missed the last ship to leave Turkey and remained behind. This experience had a profound impact on his life, leading him to pursue magic as an art form rather than just a means of entertainment.

Upon returning from Germany, Sungur began performing at various venues in Berlin, including the prestigious Wintergarten theater. His magical performances brought great success, showcasing his unique blend of illusions and sleight of hand.

Sungur's repertoire included iconic tricks such as "The Sawn Virgin" and "The Flying Virgin," which solidified his reputation as a master magician. He was particularly concerned with establishing magic as an art form in the young Turkish republic, where it was often associated with negative connotations like fraud and Russian influence.

Throughout his career, Sungur's trademark included the use of cylinders and monocles on stage. His performances were not only mesmerizing but also showcased his technical expertise and creativity.

In addition to his magical prowess, Sungur was known for his generosity off-stage. He would often give umbrellas to those who left his shows, which they would set up and depart with. However, in a humorous twist, he would occasionally throw the umbrellas on the ground, causing them to break.

Sungur's personal life was marked by marriage and family. In 1938, he tied the knot with his stage partner, Sati von Richmond, Count Sati von Richard. The couple had a long and successful partnership both on and off-stage.

Zati Sungur passed away on July 6, 1984, in Istanbul, leaving behind a legacy as one of Turkey's most beloved and respected magicians