Belgin Sarılmışer was born on July 15, 1958 in the city of Mersin, Turkey. From a young age, she was interested in music and studied piano and cello at the conservatory. However, due to family and financial difficulties, she was unable to continue her education.
In 1977, Belgin took the stage for the first time at one of the nightclubs in Ankara and captured the audience's attention with her talent. It was during this period that she adopted the stage name "Bergen" and began her professional singing career.
Later, while working in the city of Adana, she met Halis Serbest. They married in 1982. However, after the marriage, Bergen's life faced severe trials. After she decided to divorce in order to end domestic violence and threats, a serious crime was committed against her.
On October 31, 1982, a hired person threw nitric acid on Bergen's face. As a result, the singer was severely injured and lost one of her eyes.
After a long period of treatment, Bergen returned to the stage. Her album "Acıların Kadını" ("Woman of Sorrows"), released in 1986, sold over a million copies and made her one of Turkey's most famous arabesque singers. After that, her fans began to call her by that name.
However, the singer's tragic fate did not end there. On August 14, 1989, in the Pozantı district of Adana Province, Turkey, she was shot and killed by her ex-husband, Halis Serbest. Her mother was also injured during the attack.
After the murder, Halis Serbest was apprehended in Germany and sentenced to 15 years in prison. His sentence was later reduced. This decision was widely criticized by the Turkish public.
Bergen was buried in the city of Mersin. It is said that her grave is surrounded by an iron fence and secured with six locks. This is reportedly due to her ex-husband's threats: "I won't leave you in peace even in your grave." After this, the singer's mother had her daughter's grave enclosed with special protective measures.
To this day, Bergen's grave is visited by millions of her fans.
Bergen's life is remembered as a tragic fate reflecting success in art, strong will, and the severe consequences of domestic violence. Her songs and life story continue to live on in the memories of her fans, even years later.
