The programme featured a wide musical selection ranging from Aşık Veysel Şatıroğlu and W. A. Mozart to legendary rock bands and classical music pieces. Parents accompanying their children on different instruments added a special meaning to the festival.

The opening performance of the festival — which aims to provide young musicians with a platform to develop their talents and connect with the wider community — was given by “ÜÇ BEBE, Bİ DEDE” (“Three Kids and One Grandpa”), consisting of 7–8-year-olds Sarp Ercosman, Denis Kazbek and Asil Ali Temur together with their instructor Sedat Sarıcı.

Following a series of solo piano performances, five-year-old Ata Öz and his mother Güzel Öz performed the folk song “Delilo” with the entire audience joining in.

The trio “ANA, BABA, BEBE” (“Mother, Father, Baby”), made up of Deniz, Sena and Anıl Gençay, performed “Last Resort” by Papa Roach.

DREAM BAND — featuring Rüya Clara Lustgarten, Kuzey Yıldız and Zerdu Karakollik — included “Al Yazmalım,” composed by Cahit Berkay of Moğollar, in their repertoire. Young guitarist Kuzey Yıldız received a standing ovation for his interpretation of “İnsan İnsan,” composed by Fazıl Say, dedicated to the memory of 11 students and a teacher who lost their lives in last month’s deadly school attack in Kahramanmaraş.

“ZERDU & BROTHERS,” consisting of Arjen, Ezel and Zerdu, brought excitement to the festival with slap bass improvisations during their performance of the pop classic “Impossible.”

The group HOKKABAZ energised the audience with rock arrangements of “Mağusa Limanı,” “Garip,” “İzmir Marşı,” and “Gündüz Gece,” encouraging enthusiastic audience participation.

In the festival’s Piano Series, the performers included Kayra Kaan Uskuri, Kuzey Girgin, Cayden Parks-Smith, Firaz Kısa, Anna Kısa, Ali Haydar Demir, Masal Hurman, Denis Kazbek, Mayıs Eroğlu, Masal Sarıkaya, Veysel Demir, Arya Atik, Asil Temur, Rüya Lustgarten, Ronya Has, Arjen Karakollik, Şimal Uzun, Ayşe Çiçek, İsyan İçöz, Berzan Yapıcı, Beren Yapıcı, Yılmaz Gerçek, Miran Kuyumcu, Mahir Kuyumcu and Beren Ercosman.

Among the promising young musicians of the future was Beren Yapıcı, who performed “Vignette,” a Grade 8-level examination piece, on the piano.

The festival’s Classical Guitar Series featured performances by Sarp Ercosman, Ezel Karakollik, Beste Beyter and Berzan Yapıcı.

Over the festival’s 20-year history, many young participants have earned places at institutions such as Academy of Contemporary Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, BTEC Diploma in Music Technology and Centre for Young Musicians. Young artists who continue to rise with their original compositions and songs have already released second and third albums and continue performing concerts across Türkiye and European capitals.

Music educator Suzan Beyazıt expressed her hope that the festival would continue to grow and become a lasting part of the wider community. She emphasised that the stage is not limited to her own students but is open to all children who wish to participate. She added that such platforms can help bring society closer to the arts while creating a cultural space in which the community can make its presence felt in the country they live in.

As a continuation of her widely acclaimed “Sweet Waters of Europe” project, this new programme presents a comprehensive artistic journey in which historical and cultural connections are reinterpreted through music. Inspired by the rich, multi-layered heritage of the Silk Road, the recital brings to the stage the musical traces of a vast geography stretching from Russia to Türkiye, and from the Caucasus to Central Asia.

The programme features works by prominent 19th-century Romantic composers such as Mikhail Glinka, Alexander Borodin, and Sergei Lyapunov, alongside compositions by leading contemporary figures including Kamran İnce, Aziza Mustafazadeh, and Cypriot composer Sayram Akdil. This repertoire highlights how the musical colours of the East have been reflected within the Western classical tradition and how they continue to evolve today.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the recital is its emphasis on the musical heritage of Azerbaijan and Central Asia. In addition to works by composers such as Vasif Adigözalov and Rovshen Nepesov, Rüya Taner’s own piano arrangements of traditional Turkish melodies further reinforce the programme’s focus on cultural continuity and transformation. Within the framework of this special project, the world premiere of “Rüya”, a work composed and dedicated to Rüya Taner by the distinguished composer Rovshen Nepesov, will also be presented for the first time.

Through this project, the artist brings together the musical memory of diverse regions, underlining the power of music as a medium for intercultural dialogue and shared human expression. The concert is presented as part of the “Sweet Waters of Asia” project, under the auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in London and in cooperation with the TRNC London Representative Office; with the support of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Development and Economic Cooperation Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Lefkoşa; under the main sponsorship of Bromcom; and with the contributions of the Yunus Emre Institute, Tower Garments London, and the Turkish Women’s Philanthropic Association.

Concert Details

St James’s Piccadilly, London

13 June 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Tickets: £8 (full), £6 (student)

Online Tickets: https://ruyataner.eventbrite.co.uk/

This programme focuses on the arts that shape and adorn the sacred, including stained glass (vitray), woodcarving, architectural ornament, and related decorative traditions, explored through hands-on workshops, engaging talks, and live demonstrations. Participants will encounter the material language of the sacred, from carved wood surfaces and patterned glass to ornamental motifs rooted in spiritual architecture and craftsmanship. Return to London Craft Week for our ninth consecutive year. Bringing the timeless elegance and living traditions of Türkiye’s arts to the heart of London, this year’s theme—Ornamenting the Sacred: Pattern, Light, Form—invites you to explore the profound connection between craftsmanship and meaning.

Exclusive series of workshops designed to bring these living traditions to life. From plaster carving and Ottoman calligraphy to tile painting, stained glass, and wood marquetry—each session offers a deep dive into the mastery behind these time-honoured crafts.

Explore our full programme and reserve your place to learn from the best:

• Plaster Carving with Mariam Ashraf

• The Letter Waw | Ottoman Architectural Calligraphy with Gulnaz Mahboob

• Ottoman Tile Painting on Paper | Rumi & Şemse from Yeni Cami with Nagihan Seymour

• İznik Ceramic Brooch | Floral or Geometric Design with Nagihan Seymour

• Stained Glass Taster Workshop | Traditional Geometric Patterns with Demet Tokbay

• Weekend Wood Marquetry with Adam Williamson

•

Age requirement: 16+. Please check individual workshop details before booking.

For any questions or queries: https://yeelondon.org.uk/lcw2026/

This special recital offers audiences a cross-cultural journey through a rich and diverse repertoire, featuring works by Özkan Manav, Ahmed Adnan Saygun, Béla Bartók, Manuel de Falla, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Robert Schumann, and Claude Debussy. Spanning Türkiye, Hungary, Spain, England, France, and Germany, the programme highlights how composers have drawn on folk music to create distinctive and deeply expressive musical languages.

Throughout the evening, audiences will be guided by brief spoken introductions, offering insight into the origins of the works and the composers’ engagement with traditional music. Particular focus will be given to the pioneering fieldwork of Ahmed Adnan Saygun and Béla Bartók in Anatolia, illuminating shared cultural threads and musical heritage.

The concert will last approximately 90 minutes, in two parts, plus a 20-minute interval.

Taking place on 23 April, the performance also marks Türkiye’s National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, a celebration of culture, heritage, and future generations.

Performers

Pınar Çelik Warsi (piano)
Born in Istanbul, Pınar Çelik Warsi studied at Istanbul University State Conservatory before continuing her training at the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in London. An award-winning pianist, she has performed internationally as both a soloist and chamber musician, appearing in major venues across Europe and collaborating with leading orchestras.

Ben Tarlton (cello)
London-based cellist Ben Tarlton has performed at renowned venues including Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, and the Barbican. A graduate of the Yehudi Menuhin School and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he enjoys a varied career as a performer, teacher, and festival director. He will join the Mithras Trio in 2026 and performs on a William Forster cello.

Event Details

Date: 23 April 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Venue: World Heart Beat, 3 Ponton Road, London SW11 7BD

Tickets & Information:
https://worldheartbeat.org/whats-on/event/from-anatolia-to-europe-folk-echoes-for-cello-and-piano/

About Yunus Emre Institute

Yunus Emre Institute in London is dedicated to promoting Turkish culture, arts, and language in the UK. Through concerts, exhibitions, talks, and educational programmes, the Institute fosters cultural exchange and dialogue between Türkiye and the UK.

About World Heart Beat

World Heart Beat is a music academy in London offering lessons, performance opportunities, and industry training, helping young people from all backgrounds develop their talent and creativity.

Born in Istanbul, in an apartment building where five different faiths lived side by side, Umut Adan grew up surrounded by cultural plurality and sonic fellowship. After moving to Italy as a student, he embraced diverse musical styles. A key moment in his career development came when he was invited by Jack White to open his Istanbul concert — a performance that drew the interest of legendary producer Liam Watson (The White Stripes, Elephant), who then brought him to London for recordings. This led to the release of his previous album 'Bahar' (Riverboat Records) which was praised by DownBeat (★★★★) and hailed by Magnet Magazine as best-in-genre.

The new album 'Başka Bahar/ Another Spring' features Umut with his band Zebânis, consisting of Andrea Marazzi, Michele Bussone, and Filippo Gillono, members of Turin’s Pietra Tonale collective. It was written and recorded over several years between Istanbul, Turin, and Brussels, tracking nomadically on a single laptop with portable instruments and leaving in the incidental noises of process. The album fuses protest folk with Anatolian psych, electronics, and field recordings — a transnational sonic collage that feels psychedelic in scope, poetic in tone, hypnotic in flow, and ultimately danceable, whilst making a cohesive, anti-nostalgic statement. Umut Adan describes it like this: “'Başka Bahar' is a collective eruption — rejecting nostalgia, undoing tradition, and transfiguring the political voice into an electronic tempest.”

The album features the two singles:

“Bogotà” (lyrics video HERE) is a hypnotic protest anthem that transforms folk memory into a modern, global groove. Fuzz-drenched guitars, trance-like basslines, and insistent percussion combine into what the band calls danceable dissent: music that makes you move while refusing to bow. “Bogotà” is a song of rebellion against all hierarchies in the world and a cry against the subjugation of human by human.

“Sale Marino” (lyrics video HERE) is the album’s most psych-folk moment, a spell of sound born from the vibrant crossroads of Istanbul, where timeless Anatolian textures meet modern urban melancholy. Written on a ferry drifting between Europe and Asia, “Sale Marino” transforms the rhythm of travel into a contemplative groove. Built through meticulous sonic layering, the song opens and closes on a magnetic riff; between these frames, melodic, prosodic verses flow over a supple, jazz-tinged bassline, while reverb-soaked guitars chase the refractions heard in Istanbul when multiple muezzins call from overlapping neighborhoods — a real-world psychedelia of stone and air. Within the song lives a city that both loves and wounds: salt, fog, fleeting love, and quiet resistance. Beneath its calm surface, “Sale Marino” faces injustice head-on — turning the city’s unrest into motion and its melancholy into something unmistakably human.

To celebrate the album release Umut Adan has shared a new music video for “Khayyām”, the album's closing track and also its only song in English. Musically, a cümbüş-and-guitar riff frames the piece, loping acoustic beat carries it forward, the melody steps up and the noise recedes without vanishing. The result is a luminous hypnosis: the world remains complicated, yet the song insists on staying together, outdoors, in green fields with wine. The closing invocation, “oh, Khayyām,” calls on the Persian poet of the present, of doubt and wine over dogma, an ethical and emotional reminder. What remains is a wry smile and forward pull: beyond bombs, postures and exoticized veneers, choosing love is our smallest political act.

Following the success of her previous releases, including “Not Aldım”, which received strong radio airplay across Turkey, Zeyysıla has established herself as a distinctive voice in contemporary pop. Her music has also attracted attention from international DJs, with tracks such as “Deeprise” being remixed and introduced to wider audiences beyond Turkey.

Written and composed by Zeyysıla herself, “I’m Good Like This” blends modern pop production with an infectious rhythm and a confident, emotionally driven narrative. The track reflects a message of self-assurance and personal strength, delivered through a globally resonant sound.

The song is arranged by Tarık İster, a renowned producer known for his work with major Turkish pop icons including Tarkan and Serdar Ortaç. The production is led by Cengiz Erdem, released under the Avrupa Müzik label.

With this release, Zeyysıla signals a clear artistic direction towards expanding her English-language repertoire, aiming to grow her audience internationally, particularly in the UK and across Europe.

The official music video, directed by İlker Uzunalan, complements the track with a visually engaging and dynamic aesthetic.

“I’m Good Like This” is now available worldwide across all major digital platforms, including Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, YouTube, YouTube Music, Facebook and Instagram, released simultaneously on a global scale under Avrupa Müzik.

Often described as the “rockstar of the English Baroque,” Vanbrugh was not only an architect but also a playwright, soldier, diplomat and designer. His bold ideas helped shape Castle Howard, one of the UK’s most iconic stately homes.

Historic documents on display

For the first time, visitors can see original letters written by Vanbrugh, alongside 18th-century editions of his plays and early engravings of Castle Howard. The exhibition also features a large-scale model of the estate and a newly commissioned film showcasing the architecture and landscape.

Designed by architect Roz Barr, the exhibition highlights Vanbrugh’s innovative use of scale, light and shadow, as well as his collaboration with Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle, who commissioned the house.

Year-long celebrations

The exhibition forms part of a wider programme marking the Vanbrugh300 anniversary. Throughout 2026, Castle Howard will host talks, workshops, installations and performances.

In June, artist Es Devlin will unveil a new installation at the Temple of the Four Winds, while from May, families can enjoy an interactive experience inspired by Vanbrugh’s architectural vision.

Castle Howard, located in North Yorkshire, is one of Britain’s most famous historic houses and has featured in productions such as Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton.

The exhibition runs until 31 October 2026 and is included with a standard house ticket.

Rather than presenting the music as a folkloric display, the series foregrounded the historical and spiritual dimensions of the repertoire. Rooted in the intertwined traditions of Ottoman classical music and Anatolian Sufism, the programme highlighted how poetry, melody and spiritual practice have historically informed one another within Turkish musical culture.

Poetry, devotion and the makam tradition

At the centre of the programme was a repertoire drawn from the Turkish Sufi (tasavvuf) music tradition, much of it setting the verses of the thirteenth-century Anatolian mystic Yunus Emre, whose poetry remains foundational to Turkish spiritual culture.

Musically, the concert moved through several classical makam modes, the modal system that shapes melody and emotional character in Turkish music. The repertoire included widely known ilahis (devotional hymns) such as Hak Yarattı Âlemi (“God Created the Universe”), Ben Dost ile Dost Olmuşam (“I Have Become a Friend with the Divine Friend”), and Ya Rabbi Aşkın Ver Bana (“O Lord, Grant Me Your Love”), alongside other works exploring themes of divine love, humility and spiritual longing.

These compositions combined poetic texts with melodic structures typical of Ottoman-era devotional music, unfolding gradually through makams such as Acemaşiran, Isfahan and Nihavend. The pacing allowed each piece to develop with clarity, emphasising nuance and inward expression rather than dramatic display.

The performers

The programme was performed by vocalist Professor Dr Serda Türkel Oter, a leading interpreter of Classical Turkish and devotional music known for her refined and expressive vocal style. She was joined by vocalist Eray Cinpir, whose performances draw on the traditional Turkish Sufi repertoire and who has represented Turkish music in concerts across more than twenty countries. Instrumental accompaniment was provided by Associate Professor Tolga Oter on oud, whose playing combines technical precision with deep stylistic understanding of the tradition, together with Serdar Yılmaz on qanun, whose performances bring together the intricate modal language of Turkish music with a sensitive and balanced instrumental approach.

A contemplative listening experience

For many audience members the concerts offered a rare opportunity to encounter Turkish devotional music within the UK’s contemporary cultural landscape. The performances unfolded with deliberate restraint: applause was minimal, transitions between pieces were gentle, and the atmosphere reflected the contemplative character associated with Ramadan evenings.

In London, the resonant architecture of St Mary’s Church allowed the instruments and voices to carry naturally through the space. In Birmingham, the same repertoire was presented at Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, bringing the music into one of the country’s most respected concert venues and introducing it to a wider Midlands audience.

Together the two concerts formed part of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London’s broader cultural programme aimed at fostering dialogue between Turkish artistic traditions and British audiences.

Through a repertoire shaped by poetry, spirituality and the refined modal language of Turkish music, The Sound of Contemplation offered listeners an encounter with a tradition where music functions not only as performance, but as a medium for reflection and inward listening.

Community House has been redesigned to be modern, fully accessible and welcoming. The aim is to improve people’s health and wellbeing, reduce loneliness and provide early help so residents can get support before problems become more serious.

The Resource Centre supports around 400 registered residents. It offers activities such as art, crafts, IT, photography, gardening, music and wellbeing sessions. Community Link services provide personalised support to help adults build confidence, learn new skills and live more independently.

Service users helped design the look and feel of the building. They worked with local architects, an artist and a sign maker to choose colours and shape the style of the space. They also named the new café, Snack and Chat. At the reopening event, guests heard from the artist who worked with residents to create murals inside the building that reflect its history.

Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Cllr Alev Cazimoglu, said: “The reopening of Community House represents an important step in our Shaping Edmonton Programme. This investment strengthens the support we provide to residents while creating a welcoming, inclusive space in the heart of the community. By bringing services together under one roof, we are improving access, supporting independence and helping to prevent the need for more intensive services later on.”

Cabinet Member for Environment & Placemaking, Cllr Sabri Ozaydin, added: “Shaping Edmonton is about more than regeneration – it is about creating places that work for local people. Revitalising Community House improves accessibility, supports community wellbeing and contributes to the wider renewal of Fore Street as part of our Shaping Edmonton vision. This investment helps build a more vibrant, inclusive and sustainable town centre for Upper Edmonton.”

Improving access and equality has been central to the refurbishment, with better access throughout the building. The new community café is expected to attract more visitors and support ongoing improvements across Edmonton as part of the wider Shaping Edmonton programme.

The launch was held during the opening of the 8th Turkish Community Art Exhibition (TCAE), organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London in collaboration with the Turkish Consulate General in London. The private opening ceremony, held at the Institute’s gallery, brought together artists, cultural professionals, and members of the Turkish community. As part of the Turkish Art Platform programme, the evening also featured a short recital by London-based musician Ozan Baysal, who performed selected pieces from his newly released album Tel ve Ten. The intimate performance added a musical dimension to the launch, highlighting the interdisciplinary scope of the Platform and its commitment to supporting diverse forms of Turkish artistic production in the UK.

Launched in 2019, the Turkish Community Art Exhibition has grown into a well-established annual platform, presenting more than 600 original artworks by over 300 artists to date. The exhibition consistently highlights the artistic diversity, creative production, and cultural presence of the Turkish community in the United Kingdom, bringing together artists from different backgrounds, generations, and stages of practice.

The 8th edition continues this tradition by showcasing works by amateur, emerging, and professional Turkish artists across a broad range of disciplines, including painting, photography, mixed media, and digital art. Reflecting both individual artistic voices and the collective creative energy of the community, this year’s open call attracted 128 artworks from 66 artists. Following a careful evaluation process focused on originality, creativity, technique, and artistic expression, 71 works by 55 artists were selected for exhibition.

All works on display were selected by a distinguished jury comprising the Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in London, Ambassador Assoc. Prof. Dr Hasan Ulusoy; the Director of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, Dr Mehmet Karakuş; and respected Turkish artists based in the United Kingdom: Sümer Erek, Ali Haydar Yeşilyurt, and Dilara Karaağaç. In addition to the physical exhibition in London, all selected works are also presented to international audiences through an online exhibition catalogue, extending the exhibition’s reach beyond its physical setting.

The selected artists for this year’s exhibition include Abdullah Yusuf, Adam Turk, Alisher İlkhamov, Aslı Shehi, Aylya Ahmedova, Ayşe Akay, Banu Bal, Banu Rezzan Phillips, Barış Uçar, Begüm Malkoçlar, Berrin Kapusuz, Betül Aydın, Bülent Coşkun, Burçak Kafadar, Candan Olcay, Ceyda Konuralp, Demet Tokbay, Elmas Büyükmumcu, Emel Sevinç, Emre Gökyiğit, Esma Ceylan, Fatma Karaer, Ferhat Koyun, Funda Ayhan, Gültekin Uzuner, Gülüstan Arslan, Hatice Önder Kalaycı, Hilal Argun, Ilkay King, Kübra Topal, Memed Türkmen, Meral Şahin, Mine Bayar, Muhsin Adalı, Naile Perolli, Nermin Güney Tarakçı, Nevena Akyol, Nilgün Baklacı, Nurcan Erkoçak Yasin, Nurdan Kocasoy, Onur Orkut, Orkun Türkbeyler, Özlem Thompson, Recep Yıldırım, Refie Nuredin Rufi, Salime Aslan, Sevim Çakır, Shakib Rahman, Sümeyra Ocak Ahmed, Tanjila Jahan, Tanya Harrison, Terry Katalan, Tuğçe Thompson, Zahra Bachoo, and Zeynep Doğan.

The 8th Turkish Community Art Exhibition is open to the public from 11 February to 10 March 2026, daily between 10:00 and 18:00, at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, located in the heart of Fitzrovia, London.

Within this framework, community representatives paid a visit to Mehmet Karakuş, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in London. During the meeting, cultural cooperation between the two countries, joint events, and the community’s ongoing activities were discussed.

UK Tatar and Bashkir community representatives Nuriya Kabirova, Amira Gatina, Nail Khabibullin, Svetlana Zaremba-Pike, Dilara Sadykova and Elmira Azikhanova expressed their gratitude for the support provided by the London Yunus Emre Institute and voiced their hope for continued collaboration on future cultural projects.

https://www.uktatars.org

UK Tatar Bashkir Society Instagram Page

Zakharova, a principal dancer at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre and a former lawmaker for President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party, will appear on March 20–21 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica as part of the Les Étoiles festival. Her Florence performances were suspended after criticism from Ukrainian groups and diplomats, who cited her past support for Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.

The cancellation drew condemnation from the Russian Embassy in Italy, which accused Italian institutions of discrimination against Russian artists. Zakharova’s Rome performances are expected to proceed despite continued public debate.

His music is marked by poetic lyricism and emotional intensity, while his outspoken commitment to social justice and LGBTQ+ visibility has positioned him as a significant cultural voice beyond the music itself. This combination of artistic innovation and social engagement has made Matiz one of the most productive and respected musicians of his generation in Turkey.
The Royal Festival Hall concert represents a milestone moment in his international career, offering London audiences the chance to experience his expansive sound on one of the city’s most prestigious stages. Expect a performance that moves fluidly between tradition and modernity, intimacy and spectacle.
Tickets are on sale now via the Southbank Centre
 https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/mabel-matiz/

Mabel Matiz
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London SE1 8XX. 
Friday 13 February 2026
 7.00pm

The paintings feature solitary figures shown from behind. These figures do not represent specific identities; instead, they function as open points of entry, allowing viewers to project their own memories and emotions onto the works. As a result, the viewer becomes an active yet silent participant. The boundary between subject and observer softens, and the act of viewing turns inward, transforming memory into a shared experience between artwork and audience.

Curated around the idea of memory as a flexible and evolving material, the exhibition also includes a participatory installation titled The Memory Wall. Visitors are invited to respond to the artworks with a single word, extending the exhibition beyond the painted surface and creating a collective record of emotional responses.

The opening reception, held on Monday, 19 January 2026, brought together members of London’s arts and cultural community. The evening featured opening remarks by Hasan Ulusoy, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in London; Mehmet Karakuş, Director of Yunus Emre Institute in London; and curator Yaman Pakdil. The event welcomed artists, curators, and cultural figures, alongside representatives from international arts and diaspora communities.

All artworks in Traces of Memory are available for sale, and visitors are welcome to attend the exhibition during gallery hours. Selected dates will also offer opportunities to meet the artist and curator at the gallery.
Traces of Memory invites audiences to consider how memory is formed, carried, and quietly sustained—and how some of the most lasting impressions are those that resist direct representation.

TRACES OF MEMORY Artist: Prof. Dr Lütfü Kaplanoğlu
Curator: Yaman Pakdil (GOYA Art)
Venue: Yunus Emre Institute Gallery, 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA
Dates: 19 January – 6 February 2026
Admission: Free entry
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–18:00


Later this year, TfL will publish a free leaflet '40 poems for 40 years' of Poems on the Underground' which will be available at London Underground stations

Transport for London (TfL) has today (Tuesday 6 January) announced a series of special events and publications to celebrate the 40th anniversary of 'Poems on the Underground', which has brought world-class poetry to millions of London Underground customers since 1986, transforming daily journeys into moments of reflection and connection for four decades.

TfL will host a special commemorative event on Friday 30 January at Bank Tube station to officially mark the milestone. London poets whose work has featured in the scheme over the years will be invited to attend the event, alongside poetry readings from staff poets and other poetry lovers.

A special revised edition of '100 Poems on the Underground' is now also available for purchase at several retailers, including the London Transport Museum shop and online. The new edition adds poems by Sappho and Jean Binta Breeze to the poems displayed during the first five years of Poems on the Underground.

A new set of winter ‘Poems on the Underground’ will launch on 9 February, including poems by contemporary British poets – “Syzygy” by Rachel Boast, “A Short Piece of Choral Music” by Jonathan Davidson, and “Narcissus” by Blake Morrison. It also features a haiku by Kobayahsi Issa with original calligraphy by Yukki Yaura, and verses by the Romanian poet Mircea Dinescu and the American Jane Hirshfield.

In addition to the new collection, TfL will be featuring some of the first 100 poems at five selected stations, continuing the expansion of the project beyond train carriages. Poems will be featured at Aldgate East, Heathrow, Seven Sisters, St. John’s Wood, and Westminster.

Hussain began by laying out the book’s central proposition: that Europe’s long and layered encounters with Muslim communities form a living part of the continent’s historical architecture. Rather than treating these encounters as episodic or peripheral, he encouraged the audience to consider them as formative, shaping the philosophical, scientific and artistic vocabularies that travelled across the Mediterranean and into mainland Europe.

Expanding on his extensive fieldwork, Hussain took listeners through the ports, archives and cultural landscapes of Sicily, Malta, Iberia, Cyprus and the Balkans. He described scholarly institutions where translations circulated across linguistic boundaries, maritime cities that sustained multiple intellectual traditions at once, and moments of shared artistic production that reveal a Europe more interconnected than familiar narratives suggest.

His reflections highlighted figures such as Ibn Rushd, whose philosophical interventions shaped medieval and early modern European thought, and Abbas Ibn Firnas, whose scientific explorations formed part of a wider intellectual curiosity present across the region. Hussain’s approach underscored the idea that Europe’s heritage is not a series of isolated civilisations but a continuous set of exchanges, borrowings and collaborations.

The discussion resonated with the audience, many of whom engaged in a lively and thoughtful Q&A that ranged across historiography, language, migration, collective memory and the responsibilities of cultural institutions in presenting a more capacious understanding of the past. The book signing that followed further extended the evening’s atmosphere of curiosity and reflection.

By situating Muslim Europe within both scholarly and public discourse, Hussain offers a renewed framework for thinking about Europe’s story, one attentive to continuity, movement and the shared cultural terrain that shaped the continent over centuries. The event marked a significant contribution to the Institute’s commitment to fostering considered dialogue around history and cultural heritage.

Ersahin is widely recognised as one of the essential figures of New York’s underground music scene. Through his influential club and record label, Nublu, he has carried the city’s distinctive energy to audiences around the world. His musical journey has included jamming with Red Hot Chili Peppers in São Paulo, performing with Bugge Wesseltoft at Blue Note Tokyo, and creating intimate, improvised sets with Roma musicians in some of Europe’s most prestigious concert halls.

Since its formation in 2008, Istanbul Sessions has performed across a vast international landscape, from New York to Istanbul, from Paris to São Paulo, from London to Skopje. Their sound is often described as cinematic. It pushes the boundaries of jazz while carrying the energy of a rock band and expressing a genuine East to West musical connection. The project blends top level musicianship with a bold and eclectic artistic vision.

Ilhan Ersahin shared his excitement ahead of the London concert:
"I am really looking forward to coming to London and rocking for you. We are bringing real New York City energy, with the vibes of my clubs Nublu and Studio 151, mixed with my Istanbul band Istanbul Sessions. Although we live in different cities, we meet up a few times a year and always have a great time playing together. The energy in Istanbul is similar to NYC because it is not quite European. Improvising in London is always a pleasure. We are coming excited and ready to jazz it out for you all. Thank you."

For this performance, Ersahin will be joined by Alp Ersonmez on bass, Turgut Alp Bekoglu on drums and Izzet Kızıl on percussion. This line up is known for delivering electrifying performances built on improvisation, rhythmic drive and deep musical chemistry.

The evening will open with a set by Zag Erlat, the Istanbul born and London based producer, DJ and record collector behind the widely followed YouTube channel My Analog Journal (MAJ). Since launching the platform in 2017, Erlat has attracted a significant global audience with vinyl only mixes that explore genres, cultures and eras. MAJ began with a focus on Turkish psychedelic rock from the 1970s and has since grown into a rich and diverse musical archive.

This special night brings together two unique musical worlds: the powerful, boundary pushing sound of Istanbul Sessions and the analogue driven, globally inspired selections of My Analog Journal.

Tickets are available at: https://dice.fm/event/dkx2rq-ilhan-ersahins-istanbul-sessions-23rd-nov-earth-london-tickets

65-Year-Old Artist Pens 100,000 Climate Messages in Guinness World Records Bid

A graphic designer and painter, who turned his council flat into an art museum, is bidding to win a listing in the Guinness World Records.

Veysel Baba, who calls his Hackney home Sistine Chapel London Art House, spent seven months, seven hours a day writing messages about climate change and global warming on 100 posters.

The labour of love, which he hopes will raise awareness of the threat to the planet, put a strain on his eyes and left him with sore fingers, wrist and shoulder.

He has now completed more than 100,000 slogans penned in tiny, neat writing, and sent off his graphic work to be validated by the team at Guinness World Records.

The 65-year-old, who lives on Mintern Street, is hoping for a positive response in the coming months that his efforts qualify. as a record.

He said: "This work is perhaps the first of its kind in the world and contains more than 100,000 messages. It is a beautiful combination of pen, paper and art.
"Working six or seven hours a day I lost my health and found myself experiencing a spiritual upheaval. My doctor said 'you have got to stop or you will lose your sight'.
"But the strength that sustained me was hidden within the messages that I wanted to share with humanity.

"By dedicating the last seven months to this project, I've created a truly meaningful work that draws attention to both global warming and climate change."
Veysel says his second goal with the eye-catching posters was to spotlight the destructive power of social media and digital addiction.
"People, especially children are increasingly drifting away from drawing and using paper and pen - and from dreaming and creating things," he says.
'I hope when they see my graphic work and all the effort that has gone into it, it will remind them of the beauty of paper and pencil and inspire them to think they can do it too, as well as thinking about climate change."

Veysel left his native Turkey as a young man and spent time in Milan learning how to draw on silk. While there, he developed a love of Italian art including Michelangelo - who painted the Sistine Chapel.

But for the last 35 years he has lived on the Cranston Estate, first with his parents and now alone
After his parents died, he began turning his home into a living art installation withi every surface covered with his acrylic paintings, his collection of dolls and other ephemera, and reproductions of major artworks.

From the radiator cover to the kitchen cupboards and the loo walls and ceilings it is an eye-popping riot of imagery. The small balcony has been given over to his collection of paints, and the living room doubles as a studio.

In 2019 the two-bed flat was designated a museum and now travellers come from all over Europe to ring on his bell and trek. upstairs for a free look around
The BBC and national newspapers have run stories about the flat and its 10,000 paintings - which Veysel previously tried to get listed by the Guinness World Records.
His application was turned down, and now he is trying again.
"We artists are a bit stubborn and love the unattainable," he says.

Veysel has sent one of his posters to the Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley and as a passionate nature lover hopes that gaining a Guinness World Record will get his green message across.
"I want to say look, it's happening, act now!" he said.
For Veysel, his artwork also doubles as therapy to help with his mental health.
"I can't live without drawing and painting," he says.
"If I don't paint, I get stressed and have panic attacks, my hands shake - making art makes me calm."

Find out more about
 

Web: www.sistinechapellondon.com

Museum Address: Veysel Baba Art House (Establishment and museum) at 8 Kinder House, Mintern Street, London, England N1 5EJ

Tel: ‭020 7683 0481‬

A Celebration of Expression and Heritage

The festival was designed by TWPA Chair Seyyare Beyzade to inspire the diaspora of British Turkish Cypriots—and indeed everyone—to dare to imagine, create from the heart, and express emotions ranging from joy and love to sorrow and pain. The event also complemented TWPA’s year-long Art and Creative Writing competitions, showcasing entries from talented community members.
“The Festival of Creativity was about expression — about having the courage to be yourself and share what’s inside, while honouring our heritage,” said Dr.Beyzade. “It was incredible to see generations come together, creating, performing, and celebrating everything that makes us unique.”

Interactive Community Activities
The festival featured a rich variety of interactive experiences designed for all ages:
    •    Community Wall: Attendees added their own words, drawings, and reflections to a shared wall, creating a living artwork that captured the collective spirit of the community.
    •    Community Canvas: Individuals contributed to a large collaborative painting, experimenting with color and technique to create a shared expression of creativity.
    •    Koza Jewellery Stand & Exhibition: Artisan Ayşe İbrahim showcased unique Koza artwork and jewellery-making demonstrations.
    •    Live Music and Participation: İbrahim Mani performed on the saz, with Mutlu, Mine, and Eral Beyzade on the davul, encouraging attendees to sing and jam along. Several davuls and tambourines were available for everyone to join in.
    •    Exhibition Honouring Turkish Cypriot Artists & Writers: From the Ottoman era to contemporary Turkish Cypriots worldwide, this exhibition highlighted how art and literature shape cultural identity and inspire new generations.
    •    Creative Writing & Art Displays: Entries from the competitions were displayed for everyone to enjoy prior to the prize-giving ceremony.

Additionally, children from Hornsey Atatürk Turkish School and Ali Rıza Degirmencioğlu Turkish Schoolperformed traditional folk dances, delighting the audience. Attendees could also enjoy traditional Turkish Cypriot food, and Sonay Yacup Yacupsoy read an original story written specially for the event, along with selected readings from the creative writing competition.

Judging and Awards
Entries for the art and writing competitions were judged anonymously by panels of professionals from the creative industries, ensuring fairness and impartiality. Judges included Deniz Özalp, Semra Eren-Nijhar, Ali Uysal, Suzan Darbaz, Sonay Yakup Yakupsoy, Arzu Shevket, and Fusun Dedazade. Winners were announced during an afternoon prize-giving ceremony, with organisers praising the high standard of entries and congratulating all participants for their creativity and effort.

Community Spirit and Looking Ahead
The festival also recognised the invaluable support of TWPA Trustee volunteers, including Havva Beyzade, Semahat Mustafa, Ayşe Osman (compere), Fatoş Djahit, Nesrin Nevzat, Peri Mehmet, Sonay Yacup Yacupsoy, Serife Ayvaz, and Ayşe Mitoglu. A TWPA spokesperson said, “It was a true celebration of creativity and community spirit. We’re already looking forward to next year’s festival.”

Collection Name and Mythological Connection

The collection is named “Moira,” which means Goddess of Fate. Inspired by the Moira mosaic located among the ruins in the Haleplibahçe district of central Şanlıurfa — now exhibited at the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum — the “Moira by Urfa” collection draws on the mosaic’s design and symbolism. The collection has already generated significant excitement in the fashion world.

Şanlıurfa stands out not only for its historical heritage but also for its innovative vision in fashion. The "Moira by Urfa" project, launched with significant support from Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar and spearheaded by Saadet Türkmen, combines the city's centuries-old weaving traditions with a modern approach to fashion.

Merve Ofluoglu, Head of the Municipality Culture Department,  Saadet Turkmen, Fashion and textile expert and producer,  Halil Sert, Deputy President of the International Diplomats Association (DMW) with Mayor Gülpınar.

The 40-piece special collection, designed by renowned Turkish fashion designer Erol Albayrak, drew inspiration from traditional çulha and ehram fabrics. Combining traditional motifs with contemporary lines, the collection was presented in a spectacular fashion show held in the atmospheric Şanlıurfa Museum.

Hosted by Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar, the event brought together leading figures from the worlds of art, fashion, and business. Mayor Gülpınar described the project’s goal as “supporting women’s craftsmanship, promoting local production, and carrying Şanlıurfa’s cultural heritage into the future through sustainable fashion.”

Following the show, Albayrak said:
“This collection centers on women’s labor, local production, and sustainable design, while representing a cultural vision that carries Şanlıurfa’s historical identity into the future.”

Choreographed by Akif Örük, the striking runway featured 25 models, including Özge Ulusoy, Ece Begüm Yücetan, and Gözde Gürkan, known for her role in the TV series “İnci Taneleri.”

Choreographed by Akif Örük with Saadet Turkmen

Blending history, culture, and fashion, “Moira by Urfa” offered an unforgettable fashion celebration — weaving the city’s rich past into the fabric of tomorrow’s design.

Top Model Özge Ulusoy Becomes a Bride in Şanlıurfa

European Media Group President Vatan Öz with Actress Gözde Gürkan, who plays the character of "Aleyna" in Pearl Grains, which has recently sparked curiosity

The fashion show attended by European Media Group President Vatan Öz, who travelled from the United Kingdom by special invitation, created a major stir. Öz’s attendance drew strong interest from the European press, placing Şanlıurfa firmly in the spotlight.

Featured Fabrics and Motifs Unique to Şanlıurfa in the Collection:

EHRAM AND ÇULHA

Ehram and Çulha fabrics, traditional weaving styles on the brink of disappearance, have been transformed into contemporary textiles for the collection. This revival not only preserves these historic crafts but also supports local development in Şanlıurfa.

ÇULHA FABRIC: Cotton fabrics woven on traditional looms, adorned with a variety of patterns and motifs.

KILIMS: Karakeçili kilims stand out for their geometric designs and the cultural stories they convey.