Friday, 1stFebruary, will mark twenty years since one of Turkey’s most influential singer-songwriters and TV personalities Barış Manço passed away from a heart attack aged 56. Characterised by his long hair, horseshoe moustache and flamboyant jewellery, he was adored by Turks of all ages. During his 37-year career, Manço composed over 200 songs, and recorded […]
We’ve again evidenced the rollercoaster of life these past twelve months, experiencing individual and collective highs and lows, as well as drama, wonder and tragedy. Turks in their various cultural, religious, political, and professional shades continue to make their mark in Britain as elsewhere, raising the profile of the community across society, in politics, in […]
A government department has appointed an inspector to “investigate very serious concerns raised about the condition, practices and management of the privately owned and operated Tottenham Park Cemetery.” The decision has been welcomed by Enfield Council and the Tottenham Park Cemetery Action Group (TPCAG) – the community group representing relatives, who have been campaigning for […]
Sunday 11 November marks the centenary of the Armistice which brought an end to the hostilities of the First World War in which millions perished. The anniversary will be a chance to pay tribute to the fallen, with thousands of remembrance services taking place in the UK, France and around the world. An estimated 40 million […]
A British-educated politician has been elected as the new leader of North Cyprus’ main opposition party, the centre right National Unity Party, or Ulusal Birlik Partisi (UBP). Cambridge University graduate Ersin Tatar replaces former TRNC Prime Minister Hüseyin Özgürgün. At the party’s Annual General Meeting on Sunday 28 October, a four-way leadership contest saw Ersin […]
A day of discussions at an international forum in Antalya, southern Turkey, aimed at breaking down taboo subjects affecting women has ended with pledges to take better co-ordinated action to galvanise ‘political and social action’. The event culminated with an awards ceremony attended by the First Lady of Turkey, Emine Erdoğan, where she also vowed […]
With two degrees under his belt, former male model Mem Ferda could have secured a steady, well-paid job. Instead the South Londoner plumped for the life of an actor and all the risks that this brings. And he’s never looked back! The first thing that strikes you when you meet Mem is his height. At […]
If you attended Bedük’s debut London gig at the O2 Academy Islington earlier this year, you would know this charismatic dance dynamo totally rocked the house! A diverse audience of UK fans, Turkish students, British dance heads and venue regulars turned up, most having no clue as to what to expect from this multi-genre […]
Another Conservative politician in North London has been suspended following offensive comments to a fellow Enfield councillor of Turkish heritage. On Thursday 20 September, William Coleshill, the Conservative member for Bush Hill Park, outraged with his remarks to Labour Councillor Susan Erbil during a debate on education. Cllr Erbil had put forward a motion […]
Mothers are sacred, not only according to Turkish customs, but also in the Islamic faith. Yet on Saturday 25 August, elderly mothers felt the full force of the Turkish authorities after failing to heed a ban on their weekly gathering in central Istanbul to peacefully demand news about the fate of their missing relatives. Dozens […]
