Fahrettin Cüreklibatur, better known by his stage name Cüneyt Arkin, was a Turkish actor, director, and producer who is best known for his roles in films like Dünyayı Kurtaran Adam, Malkoçoglu, and Kara Murat. Having appeared in around 250 movies and TV series, he is often regarded as one of the most significant Turkish actors in cinema history. Throughout his four-decade career, his work ranged from well-respected dramas to cult classics, with some films credited to him as George Arkin when shown abroad.
Personal and Family Life
Cüneyt Arkin was born in a village in Eskisehir Province, Turkey, into a family with Crimean Tatar and Nogai heritage. After completing his medical degree, he married his classmate Güler Mocan in 1965, and they welcomed a daughter, Filiz. The couple divorced shortly after due to Arkin’s busy film career. He married Betül Isil in 1970; although they divorced the following year, they later remarried and had two sons, Murat and Kaan. Both his wife and sons appeared in several of his films.
Death and Legacy
Cüneyt Arkin passed away on June 28, 2022, in Istanbul, Turkey, from a cardiac arrest. He left behind a legacy as a monumental figure in Turkish cinema, celebrated for his energetic performances and versatility across genres. His contributions to film have made him an enduring cultural icon and have inspired many actors in Turkey.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Dünyayı Kurtaran Adam | 1982-11-04 | Murat |
| Cici Gelin | 1967-01-01 | Orhan |
| Babacan | 1975-01-01 | |
| Maden | 1978-03-03 | İlyas |
| Kılıç Aslan | 1975-01-01 | Lion Man |
| Ölüm Savaşçısı | 1984-01-01 | Murat |
| Haremde Dört Kadın | 1965-01-01 | Dr. Cemal |
| Kara Murat: Şeyh Gaffar’a Karşı | 1976-02-22 | Kara Murat |
| Battal Gazi Destanı | 1966-01-19 | Malkoçoğlu Ali Bey |
| Gök Bayrak | 1968-04-01 |