On Sunday, June 18, the 3rd Luton Turkish Culture Festival was held. With the cooperation of the Luton Turkish Education and Culture Centre and Luton council, a traditional Turkish festival was held in Stockwood Park, the largest park in the town. The festival, which was held for the third time this year, started with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the Turkish national anthem.
Within the scope of the event, which aims to introduce Turkish and Ottoman culture, mehter bands and artists from Turkey and local folk dance teams took the stage. Ottoman tents and playgrounds for children were set up at the festival, where dishes from Turkish cuisine were presented.
Luton Mayor Muhammed Yakup Hanif, Turkey’s Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş, Turkey’s Consul General in London Bekir Utku Atahan, Turkey’s Religious Services Counsellor Ensari Yenitürk and London Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) Director Mehmet Karakuş along with members of the community, guest and local residents attended the festival.
Luton Turkish Education and Culture Centre President Atilla Üstün stated in his speech at the festival that they organized this event in order to ensure cohesion between communities.
Üstün said, “The Turkish wind blew again in Luton. We want to keep our own culture alive in England with the new generation and introduce Turkish culture to our foreign guests.” Adding the festival will be a step towards serving the cultural convergence of England and Turkey.
