Nilgün Marmara: A Tragic Poetic Voice Remembered Through Life, Works, and Controversies

16.08.2023 - 13:54

The world of literature has often been graced by individuals whose lives and artistic contributions remain etched in memory. Nilgün Marmara Önal, a prominent Turkish poet, is one such figure whose presence left an indelible mark despite her tragically short life. Born on February 13, 1958, in Istanbul, Turkey, Nilgün Marmara's poetic journey was a blend of brilliance, introspection, and an untimely end. Her compelling verses and the circumstances surrounding her life continue to be the subject of contemplation, discussion, and even controversy. This exploration delves into the life, literary works, and the debates that surround Nilgün Marmara Önal, revealing the multifaceted aspects of her existence and the lasting impact of her poetic voice.

Early Life and Education

Nilgün Marmara was born on February 13, 1958, in Moda, Istanbul, as one of two daughters in a family of Balkan immigrants. Her father, Fikri Marmara, was a Marxist and an accountant, while her mother had migrated from Vidin, Bulgaria, and her father from Plevne, Bulgaria, to Istanbul.

She attended Kadıköy Maarif Koleji for her high school education. Starting her university journey at Istanbul University Faculty of Literature, she later transferred to Boğaziçi University, where she pursued a degree in English Language and Literature. Her academic journey culminated in 1985 with a thesis titled 'An Analysis of Sylvia Plath's Poetry in the Context of Suicide.' After her graduation, she briefly worked at a resort in Marmaris. Although she had various roles in different companies and even worked at the Egyptian Consulate, her professional life was not long-lasting.

Life and Tragic End

In 1982, she married industrial engineer Kağan Önal, whom she had met in a circle of friends. Due to her husband's work, they lived in Libya for 16 months. However, on October 13, 1987, at the age of 29, Nilgün Marmara tragically ended her own life by jumping from the balcony of her residence in Istanbul.

Her suicide prompted poets like Ece Ayhan to pay tribute through their works. Ece Ayhan's poem 'Aldırma! İntiharın parasız yatılı küçük zabit okullarında.' directly addressed Nilgün Marmara's tragic end. Renowned poets Cemal Süreya and Cezmi Ersöz also mourned her, portraying her complex and enigmatic nature through their verses.

Legacy and Controversies

After her passing, controversies emerged surrounding the circumstances of her death. Some claimed she didn't commit suicide but was murdered, while others pointed to her husband Kağan Önal's alleged negligence. Kağan Önal defended himself, stating that Nilgün had been avoiding treatment for her mental health issues and that she had promised to resume treatment on the day she died.

One of the most significant controversies emerged with the publication of 'Kırmızı Kahverengi Defter' (The Red Brown Notebook), which claimed to contain her diaries. The book, however, drew criticism for its portrayal of Nilgün Marmara and its presentation of her life leading up to her tragic end.

Her literary legacy continued through the publication of her works.

Notable Works

Poetry:

1988: 'Daktiloya Çekilmiş Şiirler' (Poems Typed on a Typewriter)
1990: 'Metinler' (Texts)

Diaries:

1993: 'Kırmızı Kahverengi Defter' (The Red Brown Notebook, compiled by Gülseli İnal)
2016: 'Defterler' (Notebooks)
2017: 'Kağıtlar' (Papers)

A Tragedy

Nilgün Marmara Önal's life and literary contributions remain a subject of both fascination and contemplation, shedding light on the struggles of a poet whose work and fate were intertwined in a complex and tragic narrative.