Sunay Akin, who is a famous Turkish writer, poet and actor came to London under the organization of Turkish Forum UK, Britain Turkish Women Union and Gallipoli Commemoration Platform. The event accommodated many participants as Sunay Akın had narrated and told stories about Gallipoli victory, by including memories from Gallipoli’s past and future events.
The night opened with the speeches made by Britain Turkish Women Union President Mavis Fuchs, Turkish Diplomat Abdurrahman Bilgi and Turkish Forum UK president Zeren Safa. The recent bombing attacks happened in Istanbul was also on the agenda of the talks and commemorations.
Throughout the night, Sunay Akin’s theatrical style was well absorbed by the audience with frequent applauses and cheers whilst Akin’s speech. By referring to the wars in history as “Chess gaming”, Akin highlighted the importance of what Ottoman Empire was back then and how it is perceived right now.
The night continued with an organized dinner event after Akın’s speech, in which many audience members had the chance of asking questions to Sunay Akın in person.
Who is Sunay Akın?
Sunay Akın was born in September 12, 1962. He is a Turkish poet, writer, TV host, journalist, and a philanthropist. He is the founder of Istanbul Toy Museum.
Akın was born in Trabzon, Turkey. Akın is best known for his poetry; his primary influences include Orhan Veli Kanık and Cemal Süreya. His poems are generally lyric, short, and soft in tone. He also often makes use of satirical forms and puns.
Akın has a collection of over 7,000 toys, some of which date back nearly 200 years. 4,000 of them are on display in the İstanbul Toy Museum which opened in 2005.
He used to co-host a TV show called “Yaşamdan Dakikalar” (“Minutes from Life”) on the TV channel tv8, together with 3 other well-known Turkish writers and He had hosted many TV and Radio shows. He lectures at Marmara University, and Müjdat Gezen Art School, as well as at his own institution, the İstanbul Toy Museum.