Turkish learners get certificates

London’s newest Turkish speakers were awarded end of term certificates in a ceremony at the Yunus Emre Institute this week.

The institute’s director, Mehmet Şen, thanked students and teachers alike and said their doors were open to everyone.

“It makes us happy that there are people from so many different nationalities wanting to learn Turkish.

“Some want to learn in order to speak Turkish with their spouse, their friend or their grandchildren. Their willingness and enthusiasm is all the more delightful.

Mr Şen said Yunus Emre’s new language courses would begin in September – and that those students with certificates would be continuing their studies from the next level.

Among the graduates was 81-year-old Trevor Cox, who was described as an example to younger students, and Mehtab Khan, who was learning Turkish in order to surprise a friend of 15 years in Istanbul.

The certificates were presented by the embassy’s religious affairs attaché Sadi Arslan, education attaché Uğur Yıkan, consul Murat Nalçacı and the Turkish Cypriot culture and education attaché Hasan Kortaylı.