by Egemen Arkut
Turkish and Cypriot women’s stories who left their countries and migrated to the UK became an exhibition in Walthamstow, North London.
Curated by Semra Eren Nijher, presented a compilation of stories and pictures of immigrant Turkish and Cypriot women at Pictoren Gallery in North London. On Monday, 4th of July, the Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr. Peter Herrington, Enfield Cllr. Suna Hurman and other dignitaries did also attend the reception for the exhibition, which thrived to highlight and celebrate the tremendous contribution of London’s Turkish-speaking communities.
Cllr. Herrington, in his speech said “I am grateful to be hosting this exhibition here, where many previously migrants have settled and been living”. Enfield Council Member Hurman, on the other hand said “I have always been and always will delicate about the topics on migrants and shall continue supporting such projects”.
Talking to London Turkish Gazette, the curotor Semra Eren Nijher, said “I have always wondered if such a thing live gurbet (foreign-lands) ever existed and if so, what is gurbet and what it means to different types of people? Whilst I am still on my searching we can also see the increasing hate crimes after Brexit, especially towards immigrants which still shows us racism derives from not knowing who those immigrants are and their stories. I hope this exhibition can somewhat be an educative way of reminding and telling people these people’s stories”.
With tens of people’s attendance, the exhibition came to an end with a musical feast by Nevabuselik Choir members Asım Çeliktürk, Hatice Çeliktürk andTaner Ertuğrul.