ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Zeki Alasya: A Turkish Actor and Film Director of Turkish Cypriot Descent

Zeki Alasya was a renowned Turkish actor and film director, born on April 18, 1943, in Istanbul to a family of Turkish Cypriot descent. His ancestry is closely tied to the great Ottoman vizier Kıbrıslı Mehmed Kamil Pasha, further solidifying his connection to Cyprus' rich history.

Alasya's career spanned over four decades, with his early years marked by stage performances in various theatres before co-founding the precursor theatre "Cabaret Ostrich" (Devekuşu Kabare Tiyatrosu) in 1967. The theatre was later closed in 1992. He gained popularity during the Yeśilçam period, collaborating with fellow actor Metin Akpınar on numerous films.

Throughout his career, Alasya directed several notable films, including "Aslan Bacanak," "Sivri Akıllılar," and "Caferin Çilesi." His work in Turkish cinema earned him recognition as a talented director. In addition to his acting and directing endeavors, Alasya was also known for his personal life, having been married three times: first to Oya Alasya with whom he had a daughter named Zeynep in 1976 before divorcing in 1987; then to Sema Yunak for thirteen years; and finally to Jülide Adak.

Tragically, Alasya's life was cut short due to liver disease. He passed away on May 8, 2015, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy as one of Turkey's most accomplished actors and film directors of Turkish Cypriot descent.