Primadonna’s rich collection needs a home

Items worth millions of euros that belonged to the first female opera singer in the history of the Turkish Republic, Semiha Berksoy, have been sitting on shelves for many years just waiting for the appropriate venue.

And now the museum project, including hundreds of paintings, stage costumes, jewelry and documents that not only shed light on the performer herself, but also on the history of the Republic, will be a part of the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture investments.

Speaking to the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review, artist, professor and Semiha Berksoy’s daughter, Zeliha Berksoy, said: "The pieces in the collection are worth millions of euros. If I sell them, I could live in luxury for the rest of my life. I should be the one who receives proposals for a museum, but instead I am struggling to make this happen. My mother does not deserve this. She was the pride of her country both when she was alive and after her death."

Berksoy said Nuri Çolakoğlu, president of the executive committee of the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture, was helping her to realize the project. "I have searched for a place for a long time. I have found a simple abandoned building next to the street where Galatasaray High School is located, just like my mother wanted. I have talked to the Beyoğlu Municipality but have not received a positive answer." The Daily News tried to contact municipality officials but did not receive a response.

Nazım, the world poet, is Berksoy’s immortal love
Semiha Berksoy was a young, promising artist in her 30s when she was sent abroad by the government at the time of Atatürk. After completing her education at the Berlin State Music Academy, Berksoy returned to Turkey and made a name for herself in international art circles. She was in the spotlight not only for her talent but also her love life. She met famous Turkish poet Nazım Hikmet at a theater in 1933 and their relationship began from there. "Love started between Semiha and Nazım and this love turned into a great friendship as time passed and continued for 34 years until Nazım died," Berksoy said.

Berksoy said her mother’s collection also included letters from the master poet. "It is very hard for me to preserve these documents. Some of them are being protected at a bank."

She said her mother had archived these items when she was alive. "My mother was doing her own work when she was alive. She always struggled until she died in 2004, at the age of 94."

Although Berksoy was not able to open the museum while her mother was still alive, she founded the Zeliha Berksoy Opera Foundation in 1994 with the support of her friends to answer the requests of international museums and art centers. "My mother had a very tense and excited personality," said Berksoy. "No difficulties along her path could have demoralized her. She was an extremely optimistic woman."

Waiting for permission for the building in Galatasaray
Since her mother’s death, Berksoy has been running the foundation, but said: "It is hard to accept Semiha’s death."

She said her mother continued to represent Turkey after her death just as she did when she was alive. "The museum project should not have been among the 2010 projects. This project should have been realized by the state when my mother was still alive."

Berksoy was a state artist
Semiha Berksoy became the first Turkish opera singer ever to take the stage in Europe in 1939. She played the role of Ariadne in the opera "Ariadne Auf Naxos" by famous composer Richard Strauss. She performed countless operas and received the title of state artist in 1998. She also made a name for herself in painting and theater as well.