For some, the oud is the “king of instruments”. Made of wood, this short-neck, pear-shaped stringed instrument is similar to a lute. Its origins date back to the earliest Arab civilisations with the instrument’s name derived from the Arabic for ‘the wood’ [al-oud]. Its popularity quickly spread and today, the oud forms a core part […]
Shacklewell Lane Mosque – the UK’s first Turkish owned mosque that seeks to cater for modern Muslims – is hosting the Yoga Connects’ Winter Solstice on Monday evening. This privately-run event, rooted in Shamanic tribal beliefs, is open to people of all levels, from beginners to advanced yogis, helping to bring as many people together […]
Turkish mystic Latif Bolat is a modern-day troubadour, travelling the world sharing his love and knowledge of Sufi culture: its music, poetry, stories and spirituality. On Friday 16 Dec. this award-winning artist, author and lecturer will be at the Yunus Emre Institute in London to present an enlightening evening of words and music from ancient […]
This Thursday, the Cyprus Islamic Association will be hosting a special prayer night and an inspirational talk by Hoca Husayn Hashim El Bakayi – a well-known religious personality in the British Turkish Cypriot community. Held on Regaip Kandili Gecesi, which this year occurs on 7th April, this holy night of prayer, where candles and minarets […]
An Alevi Folk band from Holland will be making their first appearance in Britain next month following an invitation from the youth wing of the Glasgow Alevi Cultural Centre and Cemevi. Vengi Dersim, a trio based in Rotterdam, will perform at a concert at the Pearce Institute in Govan on Sunday 17 April. The event […]
Today marks the end of the annual 30-day fast, which is celebrated with a 3-day public holiday in Turkey, North Cyprus and across the rest of the Muslim world. Those here in London can join in the festivities too. Traditionally known as Şeker Bayramı (Sweet Eid), the festival is a time to thank God for […]
Described in Turkish as ‘12 ayın sultanı’ (the queen of 12 months), Ramazan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. During this 30-day period, Muslims fast between the hours of sunrise and sunset as they consciously reconnect with God (Allah) and their faith. Any good deeds and all prayers during this time count […]
Over the past 24 hours, people from Turkey, Iran and many other countries in central and southAsia have been celebrating Nevruz. Meaning ‘new day’ in Farsi where the word originates from, this ancient annual festival falls on or around 21 March – the day of the northward Equinox. Dating back thousands of years and rooted […]
