Ahmet Karahasan
Britain’s Turkish community will be celebrated in London next week at the inaugural Turkish Heritage Day.
The event in Enfield, the borough that is home to more Turkish speakers than any other in Britain, is billed as recognising the “incredible contribution and growth” of a community that stretches back to the 17th century.
Local politicians and diplomats will be among those attending on 8 December, which is being organised jointly by the Suncut social enterprise and the Enfield Turkish Cypriot Association (ETCA).
Enfield councillor Ahmet Karahasan, who helps run the ETCA, said: “We have more in common than first it meets the eye. Only through Turkish Heritage Day can we stand back and honour the past and look to the future.
“ETCA is proud to be leading this historical event with Semra Eren-Nijhar of Suncut.”
The event will feature an exhibition of photographs from the archives of Turks living in London since the 1940s, as well as live classical and modern music accompanying poetry and literature recitals.
“Turkish Heritage Day is an opportunity to commemorate, celebrate and inspire future generations about Turkish British Heritage and the important role that they have played and continue to play in creating dynamic and resilient UK communities,” a press release said.
Among those attending the day will be several London mayors, including Enfield mayor Ali Bakır; Turkey’s ambassador in Londonm, Abdurrahman Bilgic and consul-general Emirhan Yorulmazlar; Turkish Cypriot representative Oya Tuncalı; and Edmonton MP Andy Love.