Emirhan Yorulmazlar (second from right) met Merton Council leader Stephen Alambritis (centre) and local MP Siobhain McDonagh (far right)
Emirhan Yorulmazlar says the Turkish consulate will increase its reach to cover people living south of the river Turkey’s consul general in London has pledged to make more frequent visits south of the river after a trip to Wimbledon. Emirhan Yorulmazlar met MPs and local politicians during his visit to Merton, which began by calling in to Turkish-run businesses in the Morden area. He then met the leader of Merton Council, Stephen Alambritis, who spoke of his fascination with Istanbul and the close interest he takes in the local Turkish-speaking communities. Mr Yorulmazlar also met the local MP Siobhain McDonagh. He said there was a need for a Turkish cultural centre in the south of London – even before the establishment of a Turkish mosque – to ensure “our language, customs and traditions continue”. The Consul General was later shown around the Wimbledon Tennis Museum, where he watched a film on the history of tennis in the area, and visited the inside of the world famous Centre Court. “There is a perception when we speak of London and our community to think of North London, but there is a significant population in the south as well,” Mr Yorulmazlar told reporters. “Our consulate will become more active in the south to ensure the needs of our citizens are heard.” There was also much praise for Atilla Abacıoğlu, the head teacher at Wimbledon Turkish School. Mr Alambritis described him as “a valued individual not just for the Turkish community but for Muslims across South London” and said his contribution to Merton Council and the Labour Party were most important. rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr consulgeneral-2.jpg Emirhan Yorulmazlar (second from right) met Merton Council leader Stephen Alambritis (centre) and local MP Siobhain McDonagh (far right)