Filiz Ahmet sings Balkan classic and reminds audiences of her Skopje roots

Filiz Ahmet, the Skopje-born actress who built a celebrated career in Turkey, once again captured regional attention after appearing on a popular Turkish entertainment segment where she spoke about her habits, favorite foods and travels.

Viral moment: a Balkan song and a clear link to home

During the program’s informal “Balkan test,” Ahmet named traditional pita and sugar pastries among the dishes she prefers from the region and surprised viewers when she announced her favourite song from the Balkans was Toma Zdravković’s timeless track "Umoran sam od života." She then performed an emotional rendition that quickly spread across social networks.

Born in Skopje in 1981, Ahmet comes from a family rooted in the performing arts. Her grandfather, Lutfi Sejfulah, was a prominent figure on the Macedonian stage, and her mother Fejhan worked for decades as a prompter in the theatre.

Ahmet graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Skopje in 2003. After roles in local productions including the series Zbogum Rumelija, she won the acclaimed part of Nigar-kalfa in the hit Turkish series Magnificent Century, a role that brought her national fame and a move to Istanbul.

Although her schedule in Turkey is busy and filming keeps her abroad, Ahmet has repeatedly said that Skopje remains her home and the place where she recharges with family. The recent clip, shared on Instagram by Yusuf Emini (@yusufeminii), sparked fond reactions across the Balkans and reminded many viewers of the cultural ties that continue to connect artists and audiences across the region.

Photo: press material from the event