Born in Istanbul on August 4, 1941, Zeki Ökten began his theatrical studies while attending Haydarpaşa High School. He entered the film industry in 1961 as an assistant director on the film "Acı Zeytin" (Bitter Olive), directed by Nişan Hançer.

After directing his first film, "Ölüm Pazarı" (Death Market), in 1963, Ökten returned to assistant work when it didn't achieve the success he expected. For nine years, he worked as an assistant director alongside directors such as Ömer Lütfi Akad, Halit Refiğ, Memduh Ün, and Atıf Yılmaz.

Later, he gained attention with "Kadın Yapar" (Woman Does It) in 1972 and "Bir Demet Menekşe" (A Bunch of Violets) in 1973, both with screenplays by Selim İleri.

Ökten directed "Askerin Dönüşü" (The Soldier's Return) in 1974, but his greatest success came with the screenplays for Yılmaz Güney's films "Sürü" (The Herd) and "Düşman" (The Enemy), which are now considered masterpieces.

With "Sürü" (The Herd), he won 11 international awards, including Best Film at the 1979 Locarno Film Festival and the 1980 Antwerp Film Festival.

He made films addressing social issues with comedies such as "Hanzo" (1975), starring Kemal Sunal, "Çöpçüler Kralı" (The King of Garbage Collectors) (1976), and "Fazie Hücum" (1982), starring Genco Erkal.

He won the Best Director award at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival for "Kapıcılar Kralı" (The King of Doormen) and "Faize Hücum," while "Pehlivan" (The Wrestler) (1984), starring Tarık Akan, won numerous international awards, as well as the "Outstanding Achievement Award" at the Istanbul Film Festival.

After directing "Ses" (The Voice) in 1986, Ökten took a break from filmmaking following "Düttürü Dünya" (The World of Words) in 1988. The assistant director for this film was Zeki Demirkubuz, a director who has won numerous awards for his films.

After an 11-year hiatus, he returned to cinema in 1999 with "Güle Güle" (Goodbye), featuring prominent actors such as Metin Akpınar, Zeki Alasya, Yıldız Kenter, and Eşref Koçak.

The film, watched by one million people in cinemas, won the Best Film award at the Golden Orange Film Festival.

In 2003, Ökten directed "Gülüm" (My Darling), starring Tarık Akan and Okan Bayülgen, followed by "Çinliler Geliyor" (The Chinese Are Coming) in 2006. He was married to actress Güler Ökten.

The director passed away on Saturday, December 19th, at the American Hospital after suffering a heart attack.