Referring to reliable sources, Zhizn wrote that pop and opera singer Nikolai Baskov performed at a party for the wedding of the son of the Turkish magnate who controls most of his country’s hotel business.

According to Zhizn, the offer originally came in April, and Baskov’s first reaction was to refuse, but then he could not resist the temptation as the Turkish party offered him pretty good pay – reportedly thousands of dollars.

Baskov did not advertise his Turkish contract, which is why few people, even in his narrow circle, knew. Nevertheless, using its own sources, Zhizn has managed to dig up some details of Baskov’s Turkish tour. A private airliner was chartered for Baskov and wife Svetlana, and a top-notch reception was arranged for them in Turkey. The couple stayed in a countryside house near Belek where the wedding took place.

At the wedding party, Baskov sang for a whole hour, before joining the guests and partying with them until dawn. There were no problems with the language because many at the party could speak Russian. Baskov was the life of the party,telling jokes and funny stories.

Baskov and his wife remained in Turkey for two more days during which they basked in the sun, swam in the sea and did some hang-gliding.