Documentary film on late Turkish singer, Gurses

ISTANBUL

"Sons of Muslum Baba", a documentary film on the late Turkish singer, Muslum Gurses, will be screened May 9-16 at Yesilcam Cinema, Istanbul.

Gurses, nicknamed "Muslum Baba", who was adored by many for his melancholic, Arabic-inspired songs, died of heart failure at the age of 59, 3 March 2013.

The media preview of the documentary film by director Vuslat Saracoglu, was held at Yesilcam Cinema Wednesday, the day Gurses would have celebrated his 61st birthday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency Saracoglu stressed Gurses’s unique fan base, which the film highlights. "Muslum Gurses' fans differ from other fans; they do not only like his songs, but also they take him as an example. His fans say they are affected by his advice; this shows us it is much more than love of music" Saracoglu said.

Considered a cult figure of Turkish folk music, Gurses had a very dedicated group of followers, most of whom were young and from urban, low-income backgrounds. At one point his fans even engaged in self-harming using razor blades.

englishnews@aa.com.tr