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.

Cllr Rowena Champion, Executive Member for Air Quality, Environment and Transport said: ‘Islington residents, community groups and businesses have yet again shown their commitment to creating a greener, healthier borough It's wonderful to see all of our diverse communities coming together to celebrate their hard work. 

“People approach gardening from so many different angles, and get involved for so many different reasons, but we know that gardening and connecting with nature can be so positive for people’s mental and physical wellbeing.  

“We are looking forward to working with communities to see how we can get people involved with further greening their streets.” 

Anita Gracie from Islington Gardeners, who helps judge the competition said: “Turning up to judge gardens where volunteers are working is such a pleasure, talking to them about their work and the space they are helping to improve.  

“The joy that people take from being involved in creating something beautiful is so lovely to witness. That is what this competition is all about – it's the people who make it happen.” 

The award ceremony was held in the spectacular Great Chamber at the Charterhouse, created in the 1540's and the room where Elizabeth I met her privy council in the days before her coronation. Award winners were also treated to a tour of the Charterhouse gardens, a haven of nature and biodiversity in the middle of Clerkenwell.

The full list of winners is as follows: 

Best community garden: Sunnyside Community Garden 

Best park garden: Friends of St John’s Garden 

Best estate garden: Highbury Quadrant Estate Nature Gardeners 

Best children’s planting: Robert Blair Primary School 

Best edible garden: Mildmay Community Food Project 

Best window box: Patricia Jordan 

Best container garden: Louise Souter 

Best front garden: Ann Monaghan 

Best tree pit garden: Lizzie Boyle 

Best blooming business: Cafe at 91 

Best street: Canonbury Energy Garden, Canonbury Station 

Best hidden gem: Anita Gracie  

Best balcony: Oliver Hymans 

Best newcomer: Better Lives Islington  

Best improvement: Jacqueline Bright 

Nancy Pattenden wildlife award: Olden Community Garden 

Community impact award: Children of Brecknock Road Estate 

His Excellency Koray Ertaş, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the United Kingdom

Esma Eroğlu, Vice Consul of the TRNC London Office

Paul Canoville, the first Black player to play for Chelsea FC

Footballers from the Men’s League One and Two, and the Women’s Premier League and Championship

Following the success of the premiere, Mert Ahmet said: “It was an honour to present this film in a packed room of sports journalists, Turkish Cypriots and individuals from political backgrounds. We gave a voice to the voiceless and showcased why sport should always be apolitical. The support from Turkish Cypriots and allies has been overwhelming. Now it’s time to come together and make a real impact.”

Official Release Date

Sunday, 27th July 2025

Available via the Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus campaign’s YouTube and social media platforms

About the Film

For decades, Turkish Cypriot football has been locked out of the international arena – not due to a lack of talent or passion, but because of politics. Players, coaches, and fans in the TRNC have paid the price of a geopolitical stalemate that has kept their sport hostage.

Filmed over four intensive days in North Cyprus, Offside captures both the isolation and the resilience of Turkish Cypriot football.

The documentary features interviews with key figures in TRNC sport, including:

Hasan Sertoğlu – President of the Cyprus Turkish Football Federation (KTFF), reflecting on the failed FIFA-mediated Zürich Agreement

Necmi Usal – Veteran BRT correspondent, providing historical context on domestic football under embargo

Simay Kanan – KTFF Women’s Football Coordinator, on rebuilding the women’s league

Barış Özbek – Former Galatasaray midfielder, now running a UEFA-A licensed academy in Karaoğlanoğlu, Girne

Billy Mehmet – One of the most decorated Turkish Cypriot footballers, discussing global visibility and leading the TRNC to the CONIFA World Cup Final

President Ersin Tatar – Speaking on sport and recognition at the 2025 Turkish Cypriot Cup Final

Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu – Addressing sporting isolation as part of broader political injustice

Bayar Piskobolu – President of Doğan Türk Birliği, offering a tour of DTB’s facilities

Hasan Topaloğlu – Lefke TSK Manager

Kaan Savaşkan & Christopher Fourmy – Lefke TSK players, featured after their 3–1 victory in the 2025 Kıbrıs Kupası Final, with Fourmy crowned top goalscorer

From women’s leagues and youth academies to blocked friendlies and political interference from Greek Cypriot authorities, Offside offers the most comprehensive insight yet into the long-ignored sporting story of the TRNC.

This is not a film about victimhood – it is a story of defiance, persistence, and identity.

For Turkish Cypriots, football is more than just a game – it is a form of self-expression and a declaration of nationhood in a world that too often chooses to look the other way.

Offside: The Untold Story of Sports in the TRNC

Streaming from Sunday, 27th July 2025

Available on Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus YouTube and social media platforms

Tatar-Bashkir folk songs were sung and danced during the Sabantuy celebration held in the hall of Corus Hotel near Hyde Park, London. Everyone who came to celebrate from cities and counties such as France,Spain, Ireland, Wales, Bristol, Liverpool, Newcastle, London, Oxford, were served with many national dishes including national desserts like chak-chak, gubadia, kystyby, uzbek rice. Children played sack race, egg carrying with spoon and tug of war games.

It is celebrated as the national holiday of Tatars and Bashkirs. Tatar Bashkir Turks celebrate the Sabantuy festival from the days when the snow melts and until the spring sowing is planted. Sabantuy festival is celebrated in June on a date determined by prominent people of society due to its relationship with the arrival of spring, the awakening of nature and the crop.

The day to celebrate this feast has been chosen for the next new year, depending on the condition of melting the snow and the soil's preparation for sowing, and it still continues today.

Sabantuy festival is a big festival. The preparations for this feast take place in two phases: the preparations made before the feast and the activities during the feast.

Sabantuy Festival is celebrated not only in Tataristan but also in various Turkic Republics and everywhere Tatar Bashkir Turks live abroad. Tatar Bashkir Turks celebrate this holiday every year in June in Istanbul, Eskishehir and Kutahya, where they live intensively in Turkey in order to pass on their national identities and cultural values to future generations.

Sabantoy's origins go back to ancient times. Farmers' fields are celebrated in the pre-planting season. The history of Sabantoy festival dates back to the pre-Islamic period.

UK Tatar Bashkir society story dates back to 2016 when a group of volunteers organised the first Sabantuy in London. They grew to become a Tatar-Bashkir society “Zaman” in November 2017.

Now it counts over 600 members and organises over 40 events each year.

United Kingdom Tatar Bashkurt Society: https://www.uktatars.org/news

https://www.instagram.com/uktatarbashkir?igsh=dGZ2bnJnd2lrMzc= 

Each site is selected based on a range of factors, including the suitability of converting the existing vegetation to wildflower meadows, easy access for cut and collect mowers, as well as proximity to residential houses and maintaining road safety.

TfL manages each site to promote biodiversity, reducing the number of times it mows down from around five to eight times a year down to, typically, twice a year. This allows the grasses and wildflowers more chance to grow. The extra flowers and taller grasses create a supply of nectar and other food, plus shelter for wildlife, including bees, butterflies, birds and small mammals. Wildflower verges bring additional benefits beyond London's biodiversity, including the transfer of carbon dioxide from the air into the soil and reduced carbon emissions from mowing.,

There have been promising results from TfL’s changed management of roadside verges – particularly at the more mature sites where the new mowing regime has been implemented for at least two years. As well as butterflies, other insects such as hoverflies, craneflies, grasshoppers, dragonflies, damselflies, beetles, and bees have been observed across the capital.To celebrate London Climate Action Week, Greater London Authority (GLA) employees and volunteers have been giving away 12,000 packets of wildflower seeds today (Monday 23 June) near the entrances of several stations spanning the London transport network. The aim is to encourage more people to develop their own green thumbs, planting and nurturing the seeds themselves at home.

Deputy Mayor for the Environment, Mete Coban, said: “I’m delighted that TfL has expanded London’s wildflower verges by an impressive 50 per cent since last year, boosting biodiversity and bringing much-needed green space across the capital for wildlife to thrive.

“This is a huge milestone and I’m proud to be working with our partners to engage Londoners in our efforts to rewild local areas, including giving away 12,000 packets of wildflower seeds to Londoners today for London Climate Action Week as we work to build a better, greener city for everyone.”

Lilli Matson, Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer at TfL, said: “We are delighted to see our wildflower verges continue to expand. We have a significant opportunity, working with local stakeholders, to find new ways to create space for nature, plants, wildlife and insects to thrive, given that we are responsible for the road verges, central reservations, and green space on roundabouts on 580km of the capital’s road network.

“Working together to rewild these spaces not only helps make London a greener, more nature-rich city, it also puts further momentum behind collective efforts to reverse the alarming decline in biodiversity.”

David Mooney, CEO of London Wildlife Trust, said: “It’s inspiring to see Transport for London making such strong progress in rewilding our capital’s road network. These wildflower verges are vital nature corridors for pollinating insects, birds, and mammals and they play an important role in nature recovery. At London Wildlife Trust, we applaud TfL’s commitment to creating a greener, wilder London — one verge at a time.”

Mark Schofield, Road Verges and Green Spaces Advisor at Plantlife, said: “As urban populations grow, the health and wellbeing benefits offered by road verges across London and the UK will become increasingly vital.  Nature-based carbon capture and storage in roadside soils, reduction in air, water and noise pollution, pollination for our allotments, reduction of driver stress levels and urban cooling are some of the essential benefits a greater diversity of flowering plants can provide in towns and cities. Too often, road names are all that remain of the wild spaces they replaced and the wildlife that was lost. By restoring native wildflowers, we can reconnect with our natural heritage, create a stronger sense of place, and support nature’s urgent recovery.”

Quentin Given, Coordinator of the London Friends of the Earth Network, said: "It's brilliant to see this proactive effort to improve biodiversity across the capital from Transport for London. Wildflower verges are a great way to put nature back on our streets, which is proven to have positive impacts on people's health and wellbeing, as well as bringing several benefits for the environment. Nature should be a part of everyday life for all Londoners, especially in the most nature-deprived and disadvantaged communities. We'd like as much funding and resources as possible made available going forward so that TfL can continue this really positive and vital work.”

The introduction of new wildflower verges forms a key part of TfL's commitment to enhance biodiversity across its estate. TfL is also working with City Hall to help prevent road runoff pollution from entering waterways and help reduce flood risk, not least by reducing polluting vehicles on roads and encouraging greener, more sustainable journeys by walking, cycling or using public transport. This is alongside other measures such as the introduction of new Sustainable Drainage systems (SuDS) across the capital, which reduce the amount and/or slow the flow of rainwater reaching London’s drainage networks. Many types of SuDS include green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, roofs planted with vegetation, and wetlands. TfL's Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Plan, published in March 2024, sets out how TfL will protect, connect and enhance its green infrastructure and biodiversity and how it will work with other organisations to tackle this important issue both now and as part of longer-term planning.

Thanks from Luton Turkish Education and Culture Association President İlhami Gündüz

Luton Turkish Education and Culture Association President İlhami Gündüz said: “Luton TurkFest 2025, which was held with great enthusiasm this year, made us all experience the pride of keeping and sharing Turkish culture alive once again! We would like to thank everyone who did not leave us alone on this meaningful day that was full of thousands of people in Stockwood Park. Endless thanks to the Turkish Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş, Kelkit Mayor Ünal Yılmaz, Kelkit Municipality, Kelkit District Governor Kadir Algın, Gümüşhane MP Celalettin Köse and all our guests who contributed, who honored us with their opening speeches! This magnificent day full of folk dances, janissary band shows, stage performances, children's activities and local flavors left a mark on all of our hearts. We would like to thank everyone who participated, supported and contributed once again. We hope to see you at Luton TürkFest 2026!”

Atilla Üstün Receives Lifetime Achievement and Honor Award

London Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş and British Turkish Association President Murat Şükrü Acar presented the Lifetime Achievement and Honor Award plaque to Atilla Üstün, Founder of the Luton Turkish Association and Festival.

Traditional Turkish Folk Dances

The festival offered unique flavors of Turkish cuisine and local dishes. From the Mehter team show to the Oba tent from the Ottoman period to the present day, Beys and Alps, Ottoman-era clothes, costumes, accessories, hand-woven fabrics and Ebru art were exhibited. Animation shows with our childhood heroes, Turkish classical music concerts, ney and oud performances, live performances of our folk poets, traditional Turkish folk dances, hymns from our children and theater performances took place in the festival.

From Hacivat and Karagöz to Rafadan Tayfa

The festival offered Turkish coffee, Turkish delight, cotton candy, wafers, bici bici, corn and baked potato treats, and specially prepared playgrounds for children. The festival, which hosts approximately 5,000 to 10,000 visitors each year, was colored by the participation of Turkish citizens and guests from different nations, not only from Luton but also from all over the UK. This year, the magnificent festival, full of enthusiasm and kneaded with culture, has come to an end.

Speaking at the event, Ertas noted that Turkish cuisine is a variety of wonderful dishes "for two simple reasons: one is geography, the other one is history." "The food is also a social identity matter for us as well. It's a matter of solidarity, strengthening our familial ties, and it's about sharing as well," he said.

Elif Balci Fisunoglu, vice general manager of the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), said that Türkiye welcomes millions of British guests each year, “not only for our sun and sea, but increasingly for the country's rich culture, unique experiences, and most notably for its gastronomy.”

"This year's theme for Turkish Cuisine Week is classic dishes of Turkish cuisine, which invites us to reflect on the timeless recipes that have connected generations across centuries," she said.

Fisunoglu said these are not just meals but memories, values and rituals that define Turkish life. Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveler (UK), thanked Ertas for hosting the event as well as the TGA and Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry.

"I think in many ways, Türkiye is an ideal destination for National Geographic Traveler readers," he said, emphasizing that the country offers a large variety of experiences for visitors. Foreign diplomats, journalists and British state officials were among the distinguished guests at the gastronomic event.

Held over the bank holiday weekend, this was the second year of TWPA’s inclusive camping retreat — and it saw even more children take part than last year. The invitation was also extended to those with more complex learning difficulties, and the group welcomed day visitors who couldn’t stay overnight but still wanted to be part of the experience.

Activities included scavenger hunts, archery, football, hiking, and visits to nearby farm animals — all thoughtfully designed to help the children develop communication, social, and life skills. Everyday tasks like cooking and washing up became opportunities for growth and independence.

The outdoor setting gave the children freedom — not just physically, but emotionally. “Being outdoors gave them a freedom they don’t often experience,” one parent shared. “They had more energy, more happiness — you could feel it.”

Importantly, the campsite included quiet spaces for any child who needed a break from the group, allowing them to regulate their emotions safely.

Still, most campers chose to remain together, forming friendships and enjoying the collective spirit.

“What stood out the most,” said a volunteer, “was how much they wanted to be together. In just a few days, communication improved, confidence grew, and friendships blossomed.”

But the impact extended beyond the children. The camping trip also offered a rare and welcome respite for parents and carers — many of whom spend their days in constant supervision and support. For a few precious days, they could relax, chat over tea, and watch their children thrive from a comfortable distance, knowing they were in a safe and understanding environment.

The TWPA also thanks the wonderful parent-carers who brought homemade goodies, helped prepare meals, and supported one another throughout the weekend. Their warmth and cooperation added so much to the atmosphere of the camp.

This community effort was led by Seyyare Beyzade, with vital support from Inci Shevki and Paul Elliott. TWPA committee members Semahat Mustafa, Sonay Yakoup Yacoupsoy, and Havva Beyzade visited the site daily to provide supplies and assistance.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the TWPA Trustees Fatos, Serife and Ayse Osman whose donations helped make the trip possible, and to VATAN Catering for generously providing burgers for one of the meals. Ozkul Beyzade and Diplomat Travel.  A special thanks goes to Mr. Ogur Mazlum of The Turkish Food Centre, whose generous contribution of fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, and olives ensured the children had access to healthy, nourishing meals throughout the trip.

By the end of the weekend, the children were already planning their next adventure — a sure sign of just how much the experience meant to them.

In just three days, the TWPA helped build something remarkable: a joyful, inclusive community in nature, where autistic children and their families could not only participate — but flourish.