Voices of South Azerbaijan: Tabriz Sculptor Ruhi Tuna Passes Away

Tabriz Sculptor Ruhi Tuna Passes Away

VOA Azerbaijan - November 1, 2021

Ruhi Tuna Working on the Statue of Dr. Javad Heyat, a prominent surgeon, writer, and linguist, renowned for his contributions to modern medicine and preserving Turkish culture and language in Azerbaijan and Iran.

Tabriz-born sculptor, painter, and political activist Ruhi Tuna passed away on October 30 in Toronto, Canada.

According to information obtained by VOA from his close associates, the artist had been suffering from cancer.

Ruhi Tuna began his creative journey in sculpture at a young age. While in Tabriz, he carved statues of prominent Azerbaijani historical figures such as Sattar Khan and Bagher Khan.

Later, due to pressures stemming from his political activities, he left the country and continued his artistic endeavors in Turkey during the 2000s. Many of the statues he created during that time on commission from Turkish municipalities were placed in city squares.

Title of the Work: After the Execution

During his years in Turkey and Canada, Ruhi Tuna created sculptures on themes such as migration, culture, women, and children. He also sculpted numerous prominent scholars and historical figures from the Turkic world.

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