The Turkish Cypriot community in North London came together for a vibrant and heartfelt celebration of Bayram and Mother’s Day on 20th March 2026, hosted by the Turkish Women’s Philanthropic Association
(TWPA) at the Grand Palace in Haringey.
The event brought together families, community members, and distinguished guests for an afternoon filled with unity, culture, and celebration.
Guests of honour included Her Excellency Aysan Mullahasan, Catherine West MP, and Cllr Peray Ahmet leader of Haringey Council. The event was also attended by Cllr Sarah Williams, alongside many respected figures from the Turkish Cypriot community.
The celebration was marked by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with guests enjoying traditional food, music, and entertainment. Live music from DJ Hasan Volkan and interactive party games kept the room filled with laughter throughout the afternoon.
Special touches included Bayram gifts for guests and roses presented to all women in honour of Mother’s Day, reflecting the organisers’ attention to detail and appreciation for the community.
Poems dedicated to mothers were also recited during the event by Zehra Gayiran and Sonay Yacup Yacupsoy, adding a touching and emotional element to the celebration.
A highlight of the afternoon was a surprise birthday celebration for Her Excellency Aysan Mullahasan, who was presented with a handmade shawl created by a TWPA member, symbolising the creativity and unity of the community.
In her speech, Aysan Mullahasan spoke about the vital role of women and the importance of community organisations such as TWPA in supporting and empowering families.
Both Catherine West MP and Cllr Peray Ahmet also addressed the audience, praising the work of TWPA and highlighting the importance of community engagement and support networks. Peray Ahmet, who previously served on the TWPA committee, spoke warmly about the organisation’s long-standing impact.
TWPA has been supporting the Turkish Cypriot community for over 55 years, providing services for families, young people, and vulnerable members of the community, and continues to play a vital role in bringing people together.
Seyyare Beyzade, Chair of TWPA, delivered a powerful and heartfelt speech, reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, the role of mothers, and the resilience of the Turkish Cypriot community. She emphasised the
importance of unity, identity, and supporting future generations to feel proud of their heritage.
She said:
“Our community has faced many challenges over the years, but we continue to stand strong, support one another, and ensure that future generations feel proud of who they are.”
Among those in attendance were prominent community figures including Tozun Zeynel, son of one of TWPA’s founders, alongside his wife, Cetin Ramadan, Dr Tahsin Bilginer, Ozkul Beyzade, Serin Kelami, Fusun
Dedazede, Nural Ezel, Sevtap Kemal, Arife Revan, and Dugu Tagman, among many others.
The event highlighted the strength, unity, and cultural pride of the Turkish Cypriot community, while reinforcing the vital role organisations like TWPA continue to play in supporting and connecting people across generations.
