Family of the Iconic Kurdish singer Beytocan announced in social media that Beytocan has passed away at the age of 68 in Stockholm, the Swedish capital.
Beytocan had been absent from the musical scene for a number of years due to health concerns. Beytocan had been receiving cancer treatment for a long time and had undergone serious surgery a while ago. Part of his jaw had to be removed and a piece of his foot was replaced. He had difficulties speaking.
Beytocan hails from the city of Silvan (known as Farqîn in Kurdish), situated in the Diyarbakır Province in southeastern Turkey – an area often referred to as Turkish or Northern Kurdistan by Kurds.
He was one of the most famous and iconic singers in Northern Kurdistan. He has released many folklore and national songs which inspired Kurdish youth to fight for Kurdish language. One of his iconic songs is “ager ketîye dilê min” A romantic song that resonated throughout Kurdistan, becoming a sensation that was covered by numerous Kurdish and non-Kurdish singers alike. The iconic Kurdish singer Beytocan, dedicated his songs and artistic endeavors to preserving Kurdish culture, language, and literature.
After the news of his passing circulated on social media, thousands of his fans, Kurds, and fellow Kurdish musicians from all parts of Kurdistan expressed their condolences and shared their profound sadness about the loss. The outpouring of grief was visible on various social media platforms.
In 1986, he encountered a six-year prison sentence in Turkey for his performance in the Kurdish language during Newroz festivities. Following his release, he made a move to Europe and called Sweden his home till his death.
