Across London this Remembrance Sunday, members of the British Turkish Cypriot community once again came together to honour those who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the generations whose courage helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.
The Turkish Women's Philanthropic Association (TWPA) and the Turkish Cypriot Remembrance Society laid six wreaths at remembrance services across London, continuing a tradition that is growing in importance and recognition within our community.
Wreaths were laid at the following services:
Haringey – Kayahan Beyzade Elliott and Semahat Mustafa
Barnet – Seyyare Beyzade and Taylan Beyzade Elliott
Borehamwood – Mine Ekmekcioglu
Enfield (Edmonton Green) – Hulya Degirmencioglu
Enfield (Town) – Hulya Degirmencioglu
Lambeth – Nurperi Mehmet
In Haringey, Huseyin Hoca also, once again represented the Turkish Cypriot community, continuing a commitment he has maintained for many years. His dedication is an important part of our community’s remembrance tradition.
For those taking part, remembrance is deeply personal. Each wreath represents families remembering their fathers, mothers, grandparents, great-grandparents, relatives and friends who served their country, many of whom never returned home.
One of the highlights of this year's commemorations was the parade at Elstree and Borehamwood, where Mine Ekmekcioglu represented our community. Led by the Sea Cadets and their drumming band, the procession included the Mayor, council leaders, Army Cadets, Air Cadets and children from local primary schools. It was wonderful to see so many organisations and generations coming together to pay their respects.
At Barnet, where Seyyare Beyzade attended with her son, the Salvation Army brass band's music added a special sense of occasion. As the familiar hymns filled the air, there was a solemn beauty to the proceedings. One particularly lovely sight was watching young children excitedly making their way towards the memorial with their parents and teachers, getting into position to represent their schools. Moments like these remind us why it is so important to keep remembrance alive and involve our younger generations.
Not every area was able to hold its traditional parade this year. At Barnet, Council Leader Cllr Barry Rawlings expressed his disappointment that a parade could not take place because the necessary road closures had not been agreed with the police. While we recognise the practical challenges involved, it would be a shame to see these traditions gradually disappear. Public commemorations and parades give communities an opportunity to come together and allow children to experience the importance of remembrance first-hand.
There were also lovely moments of recognition. The Mayor of Enfield personally approached Hulya Degirmencioglu to thank TWPA for the remarkable work it continues to do for the community. For an organisation whose work is largely carried out by dedicated volunteers, such appreciation means a great deal.
As the years go by, we are seeing more people approach us at these services, sharing their own family connections, expressing their support and welcoming our presence. It is particularly heartwarming to see people from different communities, cultures and backgrounds standing side by side, united in respect and remembrance.
For our community, Remembrance Sunday also carries a very personal significance. Turkish Cypriots have served Britain since the First World War, continuing through the Second World War and subsequent generations.
During the Second World War, thousands of Turkish Cypriots volunteered for the Cyprus Regiment. They contributed to Britain's military efforts across different theatres of war, and many lost their lives far from the island they called home.
This year's wreath-laying was especially meaningful for Semahat Mustafa and Hulya Degirmencioglu, both daughters of fathers who served in the Cyprus Regiment. Hulya's mother and father also continued working for the British Army long after the Second World War. Their presence at the memorials is a powerful reminder that the legacy of service lives on through families and across generations.
The contribution of Turkish Cypriots did not end with the wars. Today, many men and women from our community continue to serve in the British Armed Forces and dedicate their working lives to public service through the police, ambulance and fire services. Our younger generations are also involved in the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Cadets, Scouts and other uniformed organisations. These are all part of a continuing tradition of service, responsibility and commitment to others.
Seyyare Beyzade, Chair of TWPA and founder of the Turkish Cypriot Remembrance Society, said:
"Every year, I feel increasingly proud as I see more people recognising us, approaching us and acknowledging the contribution of Turkish Cypriots. Our fathers, mothers, grandparents and great-grandparents were part of Britain's history. They served alongside their British comrades, and their stories deserve to be remembered.
"What makes these occasions so special is that remembrance brings everyone together. We stand alongside people from different backgrounds, generations and communities, united by respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It reminds us that, whatever our heritage, we share a common responsibility to remember.
"I was particularly moved by seeing the children at the services this year. We need to encourage more of our young people and Turkish schools to take part. Our children should grow up with a sense of pride in their heritage and an understanding of the sacrifices made by previous generations. They should know that Turkish Cypriots have played their part too, and that when they wear a poppy, it represents their history as well.
"My hope is that next year we can bring even more of our community together. My ambition remains to see Turkish Cypriots formally recognised within Britain's national remembrance commemorations and, one day, to stand together at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. We have a history of service that deserves to be acknowledged."
Keeping Their Stories Alive
The Turkish Cypriot Remembrance Society was established to preserve the stories of Turkish Cypriot men and women who served in the British Armed Forces, encourage families to share their histories and ensure their contribution is recognised by future generations.
Our work goes beyond laying wreaths once a year. We want families to come forward, share photographs, documents and personal memories, and help us build a lasting record of our community's service.
We are immensely proud of everyone who represented TWPA and the Turkish Cypriot Remembrance Society this year, and grateful to all those who attended, supported and encouraged us.
As we look towards next year's commemorations, we hope to see even more families, young people and Turkish schools joining us. Remembrance belongs to all of us. It is how we honour the past, recognise our shared history and pass those values on to the next generation.
We remember. We honour. We stand together.
Lest We Forget / Unutmayacağız
