A concert not to be missed performed by two master musicians specialising in the finest traditions of Ottoman classical music. Highly acclaimed Cypriot violinist Michalis Kouloumis shares the stage with distinguished Turkish oud player Baha Yetkin. Together they present a selection of early modern music that was popular in the Ottoman court. The aesthetics […]
The city of Istanbul inherits its name from the Greek “Eis tēn polin” meaning ‘into the city’. Born in Istanbul, Barlas Tan Özemek’s music revolves around this evolving metropolis. Strumming on his guitar, this modern-day Aşık or troubadour tells tales about his native Turkey, its people and culture in these volatile times. Barlas’ powerful lyrics […]
No one of Turkish heritage was included in this year’s guide to the UK’s wealthiest. The collective worth of the one thousand named individuals, which included a record 130 women, is £658 bn. Compiled by the Sunday Times, the annual list of the super-rich ranks Britons – both those born here or now resident […]
For centuries Armenians and Turks lived side-by-side. But horrific events in the Ottoman Empire particularly during the First World War had a catastrophic impact that turned kindred spirits into bitter enemies. Today, a friendship between Armenian duduk player Vardan Hovanissian and his musical soulmate, Turkish saz player Emre Gültekin seeks to overcome a multitude […]
A vital component of democracy is giving the electorate their say on the performance of existing politicians, and a chance to vote in new faces and new ideas. Last month, British Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap general election. The nationwide vote will take place on Thursday 8 June 2017, with the outcome […]
Selin Kiazim is a rising star on the London food scene and this week she goes head-to-head against two other talented young chefs for the 12th series of BBC 2’s Great British Menu. The young Turkish Cypriot chef will be vying for a place in the finals where winning dishes will feature on this […]
If you missed this exhibition last year, when it was on at the South Bank, make sure you visit this time round. The occasion is the Prophet Muhammed’s 1446th birthday, celebrated through the incredible works of prominent Turkish calligraphers past and present. It’s perfect viewing for those interested in calligraphy, Islamic art, design and […]
For history lovers, and in particular those interesting in naval exploration, the latest in Yunus Emre Institute’s Arts and Culture lecture series is a fascinating look at two of the early modern world’s leading navigators. In his Book of Navigation (Kitāb-ı Baḥriye), Piri Reis, the famous sixteenth-century Ottoman cartographer and naval captain, introduced Christopher […]
This Sunday, the Turkish Religious Foundation of the United Kingdom (ITDV) will be hosting a mevlit – a special event of Islamic prayer and hymns – to commemorate the holy birth of the Prophet Muhammed. Turkey’s Head of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) Professor Mehmet Görmez will lead this celebratory spiritual event, which is taking place […]
Turkish Cypriot businesses will be putting their best foot forward at a special two-day event in central London with the aim of drawing more visitors to the TRNC. Taking place at the Business Design Centre in Islington, central London, on the 5th and 6th of May, the Festival of North Cyprus will showcase the […]
