The Turkish Woman Philanthropic Association (TWPA) is organizing a free exhibition on September 17, 2023, to honour the Turkish Cypriot men and women who volunteered in the Cyprus Regiment during World War II. The exhibition will showcase original Cyprus film footage from the Imperial War Museum, and information will be gathered from community members whose parents and grandparents were volunteers.
In her statement, TWPA President Seyyare Beyzade said: ‘We aim not only to honour the members of the Cyprus Regiment but also all Turkish Cypriot men and women who volunteered for the British Army over the years by establishing the Cyprus Turkish Red Poppy Association. We hope our new association will unite our community and that under this emblem of aid, we can walk together in our cause to remind others of our contributions and to honour the men and women who fought in the struggle for freedom and contributed to the victory.
“The Turkish Cypriot community in Cyprus played a full and honourable role in the fight for freedom. It is important to remind ourselves and other communities that our women and men contributed to the victory alongside the Allied forces and to take pride in it. Last year, Turkish Cypriots walked and laid wreaths in three London boroughs in memory of family members who served in World War II. They did this to express gratitude for their sacrifices and to take pride in their courage. They were all volunteers who had families to defend, and their efforts brought victory to the free world.
“Please come to TWPA and hear how easy it is to participate in this year’s Remembrance Day Parade and to celebrate Turkish Cypriot men and women who fought for freedom many years ago.”
The exhibition begins at 14:00 at the TWPA headquarters: 4 Willoughby Road, N8 0HR.