Neriman Koksal’s real name was Hatice Kökçü.
Neriman was born on March 17, 1928 in the town named Rima, just on the outskirts of the European side of Istanbul. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to the neighborhood of Ferikoy of Istanbul.
She never knew her father Ahmet Kokcu as when she was only two years old, her father passed away. Her mother remarried and had five children, therefore Neriman was the eldest child.
Neriman’s family were originally from Albania and moved to Turkey after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
Her father’s side of the family did not want her to work in the film industry, therefore Neriman changed her name. This worked well when she starred in secondary roles as no one within her family recognized her, when watching in the films.
However, once she became famous, after her signature role of Fosforlu Cevriye, translated to English as, Phosphorus coloured girl named Cevriye, which was released in the year 1959. It was impossible to hide her true name, Every one knew her now.
Neriman stared in over 400 projects in Turkish cinema and Turkish TV, which was over a time of close to 50 years.
Neriman was an extremely sought after actress, especially during her peak years between 1958 to 1970. She stared along side other legendary Turkish actors of Orhan Gunsiray, Ayhan Isik, and Izzet Gunay, just to name only three.
Neriman passed away at the age of 72, on October 22, 1999, due to having and battling breast cancer for over a year.
Neriman is buried at the Zincirlikuyu mezarligi, which is very close to where she lived for her entire life, again in Istanbul, on the European side of the city.
The story goes as follows, when she was walking at Beyoglu neighbourhood of Istanbul, she was spotted by two Turkish sinema producers, who followed her home. She was offered a role, right at the door step of her home. She took the offer, and as they say, the test is history.
We the fans are glad she took the offer.
From Green Pine Film, we wish her family, friends, and fans patience. May she Rest In Peace, Allah rahmet eylesin.