Whether for reasons of spirituality or as release from the everyday stresses of life, the practice of Sufi whirling continues to grow in appeal – and not just among Muslims. This devotional dance is an integral part of Sufism – an inclusive, mystical Islamic belief and practice where adherents seek the truth about divine love […]
Digital content creator and dancer Berk Çiçekgil is used to sharing elements of his life on social media, but when he uploaded a clip of himself and friends performing at his wedding last month, he quickly became a global internet sensation. Istanbul-born Çiçekgil, 22, married fellow professional dancer Pelin Yar in Turkiye. The couple, who […]
Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us; an opportunity for couples to enjoy a romantic night out, and there will be no shortage of restaurants and venues seeking to attract your custom for Tuesday 14 February and the weekend before it. If you’re in London and looking for Turkish-themed night, or if you need some love […]
A special event featuring poetry, music and dance centred on the life of the 13th century Persian poet Mevlana Celaddiin-i Rumi will be streamed globally later this week. The line-up for this special event are renowned Persian musicians Seyed Ali Jaberi and the Hamdel Ensemble, and British Turkish spiritual dancer Serap Yilmaz. The concert will be […]
American author J.A. Redmerski said, “I guess sometimes the greatest memories are made in the most unlikely of places, further proof that spontaneity is more rewarding than a meticulously planned life.” And so it was one Saturday last month when an unknown couple suddenly started dancing at Eminağa Garden Centre and Café in Girne, North […]
Turquazz is “Anatolian jazz without limits! Next month, it makes its global debut in London with fourteen events in 10 different venues over 17 days. Running from 13 to 30 March 2019, this brand new festival celebrates contemporary Anatolian culture, encompassing music, film, food, dance and spoken word. The festival kicks off with a pop-up […]
It’s not every day when you get an invitation from UEFA to help promote a new tournament, but that’s exactly what happened to South London-born Turkish Cypriot belly dancer Tevec Ibrahim. This week, Europe’s football body is launching a new UEFA Nations tournament to give a competitive edge to normally meaningless international friendlies. All 55 […]
On Sunday 7 Jan, Kem Cetinay starts a brand new adventure – on the ice rink! Yes, Kem has been recruited by ITV for the return for its hit series Dancing on Ice. Here he is talking about his skating abilities, how he’ll deal with criticism from the judges, and loving his new sequins and […]
Originally from Güzelyurt, North Cyprus, and now based in London, Ozgen has experienced a phenomenal rise in his career as a professional dancer. With a global fan base, he regularly travels around the world to give performances and classes. Currently Ozgen is in Osaka to perform his new dance theatre production Tales of a Sleeping […]
After a successful tour in Japan, internationally renowned Turkish Cypriot dancer Özgen is back in Britain to perform his hit show Aşk (Love) in Manchester. Working with Salford-based Taste of Cairo entertainment agency, and local dancers and musicians, Özgen will stage the show at Z‑arts Studio in Hulme at the end of June. Drawing on […]
