BRITAIN’S Alevi Federation new main building opening took place with an intense participation.
The British Alevi Federation (BAF), which has served as the roof of Alevi institutions operating in the United Kingdom, has opened the new service buildings and area it received from Enfield Council in North London. Participants in the opening ceremony were: AABK Honorary President Turgut Öker, Austrian Honorary Chairman M. Ali Cankaya, British Parliament Speaker and Labour’s Enfield North MP Joan Ryan, Enfield’s Conservative Counciller Edward Smith, Ali Dereli Dede, Mehmet Yüksel Dede, representatives of Alevi institutions in the UK, representatives from local associations and a large number of Councillors. The opening ceremony started with speeches from Ali Çeli Dede, Mehmet Yüksel Dede and Ayten Dereli Ana’s readings of Gülbankları. BAF President Israfil Erbil spoke on opening and salutation. Stating in his speech, when he saw the majority of those who attended the opening of the BAF headquarters, Erbil said that even the allocated 40 acres of land was inadequate and needed hundreds of acres of land.
Erbil “This place is the common venue for Alev’s and our friends. It is a place where future generations can build a healthy future and science, arts and sports activities can be realised.” Following the invitation of Erbil, some invited guests also appreciated BAF’s work and wished the new headquarters building to be a good one. The Honorary President of the AABK Turgut Öker said, “The Alevi are now leading with a more scientific and programmed organization. This initiative is proof of this. British Alevis and Alevis friends should use this institution together and future generations should grow up here, “he said. Austrian Honorary President M. Ali Çankaya said, “I invite all European Alevi institutions to become a member of the festival this summer. I would like to thank the BAF executive board for bringing this area to Aleppo.” Joan Ryan and other politicians expressed their support to the BAF in their new location.
