The UK’s first Turkish-language online newspaper, Açık Gazete, marked its 20th anniversary with a reception. Editor Faruk Eskioğlu described Açık Gazete as a “blue-collar” newspaper and reflected on the resilience required to sustain it over two decades.
The celebration took place on December 7 at the North London Community Centre, drawing a large crowd. The evening, hosted by Ayşegül Bıçkıcı, began with a speech by Eskioğlu, followed by a video presentation. Pianist Rasim Yağız İlhan added a classical music recital to the event.
Bıçkıcı noted that Turkish-language newspapers in London have a history of 157 years, with the first online publication launched 20 years ago. She emphasized the importance of supporting community-serving media outlets.
Eskioğlu credited the success of the evening to a collective spirit, thanking those who contributed. Despite stormy weather and widespread flu cases, he expressed gratitude to attendees and those who sent messages. He also paid tribute to several colleagues and friends who had passed away, including Muhammet Çankıran, Metin Şenergüç, Afşar Timuçin, Ender Erturan, the recently departed journalist Faruk Zabcı, and Professor Dr. Tütengil, who left behind a valuable book.
The evening concluded with the performance of Hackney Güzeli, a song written by Eskioğlu, arranged by Muharrem Karaer, and composed by Seyit Sezigüzel, described as a “folk tune from the London area.”
