Renowned Turkish journalist Guneri Civaoglu dies at 85

Guneri Civaoglu, a leading Turkish journalist and long-time chief columnist for Milliyet newspaper, died at 85.

Civaoglu had undergone surgery after an accident at a restaurant in Istanbul earlier this summer.

A Burhan Felek Press Service Award recipient and holder of a Permanent Press Card, Civaoglu lost his balance at Cipriani restaurant in Istanbul, hitting his head.

The injury caused edema in two areas of his brain, along with a minor bleed. He was rushed to the hospital and placed in intensive care, but despite medical efforts, he did not recover.

Milliyet Editor-in-Chief Ozay Sendir confirmed the news on X (formerly known as Twitter), writing: “We have lost our dear brother Guneri.”

Press community mourns pioneer

The Turkish Journalists Association (TGC) expressed its condolences in a statement: “The loss of our colleague Guneri Civaoglu deeply saddens us.

He served the media with distinction for many years. Our thoughts are with his family and the press community.”

Funeral details have yet to be announced.

Who was Guneri Civaoglu?

Born in Ankara on July 30, 1939, Civaoglu was a versatile figure, excelling as a journalist, lawyer, news anchor and television host.

He began his journalism career while studying law at Ankara University as a reporter for Akis magazine and Yeni Istanbul newspaper. He played a key role in the early years of Türkiye’s public broadcasting, preparing morning news for Türkiye Radio and Television Corporation (TRT). Civaoglu later pursued economics studies at the University of Strasbourg.

His media career flourished in editorial positions, including stints as editor-in-chief of Tercuman and Gunes newspapers. From 1986 to 1996, he was a columnist for Sabah and an executive at Show TV. He had served as Milliyet’s chief columnist since 1996.

In addition to his print work, Civaoglu hosted various television programs, including Durum on Kanal D, and was the longtime host of Seffaf Oda, a popular interview show featuring prominent guests.

Civaoglu’s death marks the end of an era for Turkish journalism, with his influence spanning print, radio and television.