The Turkish-speaking community has seen a remarkable 2024, marked by resilience, celebration, and unity. This year, vibrant cultural festivals, community gatherings, and milestone events showcased the richness of Turkish heritage and the strength of its people. From traditional music and dance festivals that drew crowds from around the world to local initiatives supporting education, business, and charity, the Turkish-speaking diaspora has made significant contributions to society while staying deeply connected to its roots.
Among the standout moments was the celebration of Turkish-speaking professionals excelled in arts, science, and sports, earning accolades that filled the community with pride.
As we turn the page to 2025, there is much to look forward to, including renewed opportunities to connect, grow, and celebrate our shared values. Let us carry forward the spirit of togetherness and achievement that defined 2024 into the coming year.
To all our readers at Londra Gazete, may 2025 bring happiness, health, and prosperity. Mutlu Yıllar!
A Look Back at 2024
January
Day-Mer Youth training camp organized for members
Day-Mer Youth brought together 22 young members through its Youth Training Camp held from January 2nd to 5th.
The Youth Training Camp organized by Day-Mer Youth aimed to allow young individuals to start the new year by learning, discussing, and sharing. Additionally, it created a platform for young people to express their suggestions and articulate themselves.
BAF celebrated its 10th-anniversary celebrations
The British Alevi Federation (BAF) 10th-anniversary celebrations took place over a number special event organised to celebrate the milestone. On the evening of January 14, 2024, the final night of the BAF 10th-anniversary celebration featured performances by Sasa, Suna Alan, Mustafa Kılçık, and the Enfield AKM Women’s Choir, adding colour to the celebration with their musical presentation.
February
Brentford FC sign Turkish youngster Yunus Emre Konak
Brentford have completed the signing of highly-rated midfielder Yunus Emre Konak from Turkish Super Lig side Sivasspor. Konak, who has just turned 18, has signed a contract until the summer of 2029, with an option to extend by a further year.
Konak, born in Batman, came through the youth system of his local club, before moving to Sivasspor in 2018. Turning professional this season, he has started 17 games and played 1,329 minutes in the Turkish top flight – more than any other teenager – as well as registering one assist.
Last year, Konak was named as one of “the 60 best young talents of world football born in 2006” by The Guardian.
Ekin-Su marks Türkiye-Syria earthquake anniversary with school visit
TV star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has spoken of the ongoing need for humanitarian support for people affected by the Türkiye-Syria earthquake during a visit to a Turkish school in London.
The Love Island winner, who visited Türkiye with the Red Cross in the aftermath of the deadly 2023 quake, told pupils at Docklands Academy London, Londra Atatürk School about her experience in the country, as well as the ongoing efforts to support those affected by the disaster.
Canan Ejder Celik, principal of Docklands Academy London, Londra Ataturk School, said “Ekin-Su is a prominent figure of Turkish heritage in the UK, and we were delighted to welcome her to the Londra Ataturk School to mark the anniversary of the tragic earthquake which affected Türkiye and Syria. She eloquently highlighted the values we try to promote as a school, urging continuous support for the people affected by the disaster.”
March
Issues of Turkish and Kurdish women evaluation at Day-Mer Women’s Conference
Day-Mer, one of the leading civil society organizations in the UK, addressed the issues of ‘Situation in the World and Britain, Needs and Problems of Turkish and Kurdish Women, Evaluation of Day-Mer Women’s Work, and Future Period Works’ at the Women’s Conference held on Saturday, March 2nd.
The meeting discussed the problems that women face globally, especially in Britain. The challenges, needs, and solutions of Turkish and Kurdish women were the main agenda items of the conference. Additionally, the evaluation of Day-Mer’s women’s work and the future works were also significant topics at the conference.
Cypriot Artists Celebrate UNESCO’s World Poetry Day
Poet’s Poetry Group and the Cypriot Artists Platform celebrated World Poetry Day on March 21.
The Poet’s Poetry Group and the Cypriot Artists Platform celebrated this special day with a large turnout at the Cypriot Community Centre enriched by the participation of Bergüzar Erdoğan with her beautiful voice, musician Hamit Sağ, and violin virtuoso Andrew Hubbard Badger. In this event, attended by beautiful and sincere friends, 17 poets and poetry enthusiasts shared their poems.
April
TRNC PM Ünal Üstel met with the businesspeople in London
The Prime Minister Turkish Republic of Northern Ünal Üstel met with the Turkish Cypriots at a event organized in London.
Prime Minister Üstel made a speech about the developments in the TRNC at a special event organised by Alton & Co’s Altan Kemal, Londra Gazete’s Yılmaz Özyiğit and Euromed Maritime’s Hasan Gazi, which was held on Friday 12 April.
Businesspeople joined the event where improving and strengthen relations with north Cyprus and the Turkish speaking community in the London. Turkey’s Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş, spoke of the deep history Turkish Cypriots hold in the UK Turkish community “In this country, you were the first to raise the flag,” said Ertaş.
Businessman Refik Niyazi Salp has passed away
The tourism community was shaken by the sudden death of Refik Niyazi Salp, a successful tour operator who served the tourism sector in Northern Cyprus for many years. Salp sadly passed away in North Cyprus on Friday 12 April 2024 at the age of 67.
A prominent figure who served as the Istanbul Airlines representative in London for many years and later operated in the tourism sector with New President Holidays, which booked holidays and flights to and from London, North Cyprus and Turkey.
On April 26th he was laid to rest at Greenlawns Memorial Park, South London.
Young student’s Art Exhibition held at Tottenham Hotspur
On Tuesday 16 April children, families and community members celebrated together at the Children Group Art Exhibition organised by London Alevi Cultural Centre and Cemevi (IAKMC) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The young students have been taking part in art classes run by Teacher Nida Yanikoglu Cergelat the Tugay Hurman Art Workshop centre at the IAKMC headquarters in Wood Green, London. Over 50 pieces were on put on show for attendee to view, created by young students ages 6 to 16 years old proudly display their art work, ranging in colours, style and concepts.
May
19 May Youth and Sports Day Celebrated in London
A youth festival was held in London as part of the celebrations for 19 May Youth and Sports Day, commemorating Atatürk. The event at New River Stadium was organized by the Turkish Embassy’s Educational Affairs Office in London, the Turkish Cypriot Representation’s Education and Culture Office in London, the UK Turkish Language, Culture and Education Consortium, and the UK Turkish Community Football Federation.
The celebration was attended by Turkey’s Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş, and his wife Sevcan Ertaş, Turkish Cypriot Representative in London, Çimen Keskin, Turkey’s Educational Counselor Mevlüt Ceylan, Consortium President Nuriye Mertcan, Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations in the UK President Kenan Nafi, TTFF President İrfan Davulcular, and European Turkish Brands Association President Vehbi Keleş. The festival began with a parade of schools and young footballers, followed by poetry readings, speeches on the day’s significance, various performances, and sports events including tug-of-war and sack races.
Arena victim’s mum ends 200-mile walk over new law
The mother of a Manchester Arena bombing victim is set to conclude her 200-mile (321km) trek to Downing Street to insist a law tightening security at public venues is introduced.
Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was killed in the 2017 attack, set off from the arena at 11:00 BST on 7 May.
She said she had waited 18 months since Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told her in a phone call that he was supportive of Martyn’s Law, which has yet to get beyond draft stage.
The Home Office said it was in the final stages of drafting the legislation adding, “we are grateful to Figen Murray for her tireless support of this issue.”
Martyn was one of 22 people killed after suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a homemade device at the Ariana Grande concert on 22 May 2017. Plans for a law aimed at improving counter-terrorism measures at venues and in public spaces were included in the Conservative manifesto in 2019, and the 2022 Queen’s Speech.
TWPA organised Autism camp trip
Over the Last May bank holiday weekend, the TWPA (Turkish Women’s Philanthropic Association of England) organized an extraordinary camping trip for their teens and young adults autism music therapy group, accompanied by their mothers and siblings.
Throughout the weekend, the children learned valuable skills and participated in various activities. They set up their own tents, practiced archery, embarked on a scavenger hunt and expedition, and even cooked their own meals. Watching them navigate these tasks with increasing confidence was truly inspiring.
June
Tracey Emin receives damehood and Cemal Ezel a OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Tracey Emin has been made a Dame in the King’s Birthday Honours. The artist is a recipient of the Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire honour.
More than 1,000 people from across the UK received honours list.
Including fellow Turkish Cypriot Cemal Ezel was awarded a OBE the founder of Change Please. started in 2015 aiming to end homelessness through the power of employment. Ezel has been awarded for services to Social Enterprise and to Homeless People.
Sevil Peach awarded honorary degree
Famous interior architect and designer originally from Turkey, has been awarded an honorary degree from a London university.
Sevil Peach was awarded the accolade from Middlesex University at a special ceremony on Monday 24 June which she described as a “privilege and unexpected honour”. In 1994, Sevil founded her studio Sevil Peach Architecture & Design with Gary Turnbull.
Their new workplace concept for furniture Design Company Vitra, completed in 2000, led to a long-running consultancy with Vitra on the creation of new office concepts and products, plus the design of showrooms and furniture fair stands. Other major projects include Microsoft’s HQ in the Netherlands, Novartis’s offices in Basel, Shanghai and Boston, Kvadrat HQ in Denmark, Swiss Re’s new head office in Zurich with Diener+Diener.
7th Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival celebrated with enthusiasm in London
The 7th Turkish Cypriot Cultural Festival held in London organized by the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations in England, a coalition of 20 associations in London and surrounding areas, and took place at Donkey Lane in Enfield.
The festival saw participation including the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ersin Tatar, UK MP Iain Duncan Smith, TRNC Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Environment, and Culture Fikri Ataoğlu, Turkey’s Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş, TRNC London Representative Çimen Keskin, President of the Cyprus Turkish Contractors Union Cafer Gürcafer, President of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce Turgay Deniz, local council members, representatives of the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish communities, as well as former members of the UK Parliament and other officials.
Thousands of community members gather together o enjoy the day long celebrations, with traditional Turkish Cypriot foods, drinks, handcrafts, performances and entertainment to enjoy.
July
DAY-MER’s 35th Culture and Arts Festival Concludes with Park Celebration
The 35th Culture and Arts Festival organized by DAY MER in the UK concluded with a lively park celebration, continuing its tradition of vibrant community engagement.
The celebration in Clissold Park attracted nearly 5,000 visitors, even with the wet British summer weather didn’t deter celebrators enjoying themselves. Local and guest artists, along with stalls selling books, authentic food, drinks, and souvenirs, added colour to the festival. The DAY MER Culture and Arts Festival is considered the community’s longest-running event.
Performers included Miraz, Don Kipper, and Kontrast. The event featured speeches from various notable figures such as Sevda Karaca, Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley, Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn, Hackney Labour MP Diane Abbott, DAY MER President Aslı Gül, and DAY MER Youth members Elina Canpolat, along with representatives from the Anti-War Coalition and unions.
15-year-old Omer Olcer raises almost £10k for Islamic Relief UK’s Gaza appeal
A fifteen-year-old schoolboy from Hampton has raised a staggering £9,737.77 for the crisis in Gaza through designing and creating jumpers and shirts, that he has sold to those in his local community and across the country.
Omer Olcer, whose parents are of Turkish origin, sold the tops to friends, family and local community, spreading word of mouth through the mosque. He also spread the word on Instagram allowing him to sell his clothing to a wider audience.
The money raised went to Islamic Relief’s Gaza Appeal which will go towards helping families on the ground with essential items. Since October 2023, Islamic Relief have provided over £19.5 million worth of aid and delivered over 20.9 million hot meals in Gaza.
August
Ada Bicakci named by police is Bexleyheath bus crash
A nine-year-old girl who was killed after being hit by a bus in south-east London has been named by police.
Ada Bicakci, a Turkish-British national, was struck on Watling Street, in Bexleyheath, shortly after 9am on 3 August and died in hospital two days later. Ada was with her five-year-old brother, who was also involved in the collision, and a family member at the time.
The bus driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and drug-driving and has been bailed until early November, the Metropolitan Police said.
Police said keen gymnast and swimmer Ada lived in Bexleyheath and attended a local primary school as well as a Turkish school. Following her death, Ada’s organs were donated to help six other children and she will have a multi-faith funeral, Scotland Yard said.
Man charged after quadruple shooting in Dalston
A man has appeared in court charged with four counts of attempted murder after a quadruple shooting in Hackney which left a nine-year-old girl seriously injured.
Three adults were also injured after the shooting near Kingsland High Street, Dalston at about 9.20pm on 29 May. Javon Reily, 32, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 10th August and has been remanded into custody.
The girl was having dinner with her family in a restaurant when shots came from outside. Three men, aged 26, 37 and 42, sitting outside the restaurant were also injured by gunshot, believed to have come from a lone motorcyclist. They have since been released from hospital.
September
Sonay Kartal wins first WTA singles title in Tunisia
In a clash between first-time WTA singles finalists, Sonay Kartal defeated Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova 6-3, 7-5 to capture the WTA 250 title in Monastir, Tunisia.
World No.96 and British No.4 Kartal needed just under two hours to prevail, holding off a late second-set charge by Sramkova. It’s unbelievable,” Kartal said, after her victory. “I’ve had such a good week this week, played some of my best tennis this week, had some of my best wins. I feel like each match I’ve kind of grown and got better.”
The 22-year-old from Brighton became the first qualifier to win a WTA singles title this season. Kartal is also the second player from Great Britain to win a title in 2024. Her fellow Brit Katie Boulter took home the singles trophies at both San Diego and Nottingham this year. In July Kartal played at Wimbledon for the first time as a junior, her proud parents were naturally present in the stands to watch her.
Mehmet Yaşın was celebrated in London
Gathering together members of the community attended the event to celebrate Mehmet Yaşın in London which was organised by the Cypriot Artists Platform, the Union of Cypriot in the UK (EKA) and the Turkish Cypriot Democracy Association on Friday 13 September.
Yasin thanked everyone for joining him for this event to celebrate 40 years which marks his first poetry book release, as well as all those involved in organised the evening to celebrated his work.
Those who attended were able to have their books sign as well as spend time speak with the Yasin, who went on to give readings of 10 short poems he picked from his poetry work in English, Turkish and Greek.
The new Turkish Consul General for London, Korkut Tufan appointed
Korkut Tufan published a message after his appointment to London as the Turkish Consul General. Tufan stated his duty as of September 15, 2024, and shared the honour and excitement he feels in his new position. In his message, he said, “I am very happy to be working in London, in the United Kingdom, one of the most deep-rooted countries in the world. I am also excited to serve the Turkish community, which has a respected place here.”
The Consul General stated that, as in his previous consulate and ambassadorial duties, he would give importance to being involved with the society, finding solutions to needs and making the state feel warm. He expressed that he would be happy to be together with the citizens in London and the UK with the same understanding.
October
Day-Mer members march for Palestine
Members of Day-Mer and the community took part in March calling for a ceasefire in Palestine and liberation of the Palestinian people.
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered to march in central London on Saturday 5 October to mark the passing of a year since the 7 October attacks in Israel which saw an attack kill 1200 Israelis at a music festival by Hamas fighters, marking a year of a bloody conflict in the region which has seen 41,000 Palestinian killed many believed to be children and women, and now thousands of deaths in neighbouring Lebanon.
Half of low-paid Londoners use a food bank – survey
More than half of Londoners who do not earn a “real living wage” have had to resort to using a food bank in the last year, according to new research.
The Living Wage Foundation (LWF) commissioned the survey for its annual report looking at what life is like for the 574,000 Londoners who are paid less than £13.15 an hour – which they say is the capital’s real living wage.
According to polling by Survation, 23% of the capital’s lowest-paid workers go to a food bank once a week or more, with a further 28% said they had visited at least once in the last year.
The survey found that 36% of those earning less than the “real living wage” had “skipped meals regularly for financial reasons” in the last year and 45% say that they are worse off than they were a year ago.
Turkey’s 101th Republic Day celebrated in London
Hundreds of members of the Turkish-speaking community celebrated the 101th anniversary of Turkey’s Republic at a Dinner and Dance organized by the Ataturk Society UK (ASUK) in London.
On Friday, the 25th of October, community members joined together to celebrate the milestone of Turkey’s government marking its 101th anniversary of the creation of its republic from the Ottoman Empire.
. Special guest Turkish actor and politician mayor of the Etimesgut district of Ankara Erdal Beşikçioğlu attending with his Vice Mutlu Kerimoglu attended the event as well as Turkish Cypriot MP Barking Nesil Caliskan and Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy Mete Coban. Families, friends, community organization members, ASUK members, and members from the Azerbaijani community all celebrated together.
November
Young music talent wins full scholarship to London’s Royal Academy of music
Nazlı Can Bedük aged 21, who grew up in state care in Ankara and discovered her musical talent at a young age, recently earned a full scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London after seeing its brochure in a second-hand bookstore. “My goal is to contribute to Turkish folk and classical music, promoting it worldwide after completing my studies there,” she shared.
Despite the high exam fees, her mentors arranged private lessons for her in vocal, theory, and musicology training. After three months of rigorous preparation, Bedük passed the academy’s online exams. She successfully completed each stage, from theory to voice, general skills, and a traditional oral exam, ultimately securing one of the coveted scholarship spots with full funding.
For now, she is enrolled remotely, joining preparatory classes from Ankara until June 2025, when she will move to London for her in-person studies starting in September.
The 41st Anniversary of the TRNC celebrated in London
The 41st anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was celebrated with events organized in different parts of the world.
The reception held in London was organized by the TRNC London Representative Office and hosted a wide participation consisting of the Turkish Cypriot community living in England as well as diplomatic representatives, members of parliament and academics. At the event, TRNC London Representative Çimen Keskin gave a speech emphasizing that the TRNC was the most valuable work of the struggle for independence and freedom.
Following her speech was the cutting of the cake specially prepared for the 41st anniversary of the TRNC. The cake was cut with applause by TRNC London Representative Çimen Keskin, Turkish Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş, British MP Andrew Rosindell and Prof. Ten Feizi. This moment received great interest from the guests in the hall and reflected the spirit of unity and solidarity of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Turkish Cypriot Medics Association established in London
Under the leadership of Enis Kara, the ‘Turkish Cypriot Medics Association’ was established in London.
The Turkish Cypriot Medics Association, a platform for Turkish Cypriots working or studying in veterinary medicine, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy and other health fields, was established in London. The association aims to bring together professionals and students working in these fields, to establish a network, share resources and provide support.
Enis Kara, the founder of the platform and a 4th year student in Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, made the following statement about the establishment: “This platform was established to bring together Turkish Cypriots working in the health sector and to provide resource sharing and solidarity. Our aim is to provide support to both current professionals and students aiming for a career in these fields.”
December
Bozca-Der Celebrates 15th Anniversary with a Traditional Solidarity Night
Bozca-Der is gearing up for its annual Traditional Solidarity Night, marking a special occasion this year to celebrate the association’s 15th anniversary.
The event will feature performances by artists such as Betül Barkın Yıldız, Ali Kayır, Cenk Eren Yıldız, and the group Sinamilli-Nasır. Adding to the excitement, surprise guest performers and a traditional drum-and-zurna show will bring a vibrant touch to the celebration.
Bozca-Der Chairman Turabi Keskin reflected on the association’s 15-year journey, expressing optimism for the future:”In our 15th year, we are proud to build a bridge from the past to the future. We thank everyone who has contributed to our association over the years. Our doors are always open. Together, we must preserve our culture and leave a bright legacy for future generations.”
Wife fighting for husband paralysed after football hit his head during game
Kerem Akalın, 47, who lives in Chadwell Heath, Romford, East London, suffered a major health crisis due to a brain aneurysm that was thought to have been triggered by a football hitting his head while playing football with his colleague. According to his wife Yasemin Akalın, Kerem was a healthy and life-loving individual before the incident in May 2023.
Yasemin was forced to leave her job in customer service and administration to look after the family’s two children on her own. Yasemin said she was looking for an option in Istanbul for her husband’s treatment and believed it was the best solution for Kerem. She has raised more than £20,000 so far in a GoFundMe campaign to cover Kerem’s treatment costs.
