Building on a decade of cultural diplomacy and intellectual exchange, the Yunus Emre Institute London is delighted to announce the 2026 season of its premier event series, “Arts and Culture Lecture Series” This long-standing monthly program continues its mission to weave together the rich tapestries of Turkish and British heritage through high-calibre dialogue and artistic showcase.
The year began with two compelling talks: Professor Süleyman Kızıltoprak’s exploration of Kütahya ceramics, offering insights into one of Türkiye’s most distinctive artistic traditions, and Dr Yakoob Ahmed’s thought-provoking lecture Why History Matters, which reflected on the relevance of historical thinking in today’s world. These opening events set the tone for a season that brings together diverse perspectives across disciplines.
Since its inception in 2017, the series has grown from modest gatherings into a vital cultural landmark in London. The "Thursday Tradition" remains at the heart of the Institute’s programming, with events consistently reaching full capacity. The 2026 season promises to uphold this legacy, offering a curated platform for historians, literary figures, artists and musicians to share their expertise with a diverse, international audience.
The "Arts & Culture Lecture" series is distinguished by its multidisciplinary approach. While the Institute continues its specialized book signing sessions, this flagship series provides a broader lens on the Turkish-British connection.
This year’s schedule features a mix of pre-planned academic sessions and appearances by visiting masters of cinema and art. Our 2026 roster includes confirmed and invited speakers such as:
- 9 April 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Mustafa Kureyşi – Topic: Ottoman Luminaries of Cyprus
- 16 April 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Jason Goodwin – Topic: Istanbul: Myth and Imagination
- 30 April 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Peter Sanders – Topic: Heaven, Earth and the Ten Thousand Things: The Lives of the Muslims of China
- 7 May 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Amanda Burrell – Topic: Restoring the Balance
- 14 May 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Tiffany Watt – Topic: The History of Emotions
- 22 May 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Özlem Warren – Topic: Istanbul Recipes
- 28 May 2026, 18:30-21:00 - Hüsamettin Şimşir – Topic: From Steppe Warriors to Women Ghazis: Participation of Women in Military Operations in Nomadic Societies
The Institute remains dedicated to hosting experts who can engage fluently with our English-speaking audience, ensuring that the dialogue between our two communities is both accessible and profound.
