This morning many British Turkish Muslims welcomed the holy month of Ramazan by starting their month-long fast. Ramazan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and for 30 days Muslims around the world will not consume any food or drink from sunrise to sunset. Fasting ends on the evening of Saturday 24 June. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Later this month, the UK’s first Turkish-owned mosque will be busy turning Britons’ perceptions of mosques on its head. Shacklewell Lane Ramadan Mosque in Dalston, East London, has teamed up with PranaMotion to deliver an interactive multi-faith festival of music, dance, eclectic prayer and storytelling to celebrate diversity and unity. The Golden Egg Love Fest […]
On Thursday evening, the Cyprus Islamic Association of Britain will be hosting its annual prayer night to usher in the three sacred months of Islam, which concludes with Ramazan. Known as Regaip Kandili Gecesi, which this year occurs on 30th March, this holy night of prayer involves Muslims lighting candles and the minarets of mosques […]
On this day, March 21st, each year Turks, Kurds, Iranians, and many other people across central Asia celebrate their traditional New Year. This centuries-old festival centres around the northern hemisphere’s Spring Equinox, marking the start of a new calendar year when spring breathes new life into nature, and the region enjoys far more sunlight. […]
For some, the oud is the “king of instruments”. Made of wood, this short-neck, pear-shaped stringed instrument is similar to a lute. Its origins date back to the earliest Arab civilisations with the instrument’s name derived from the Arabic for ‘the wood’ [al-oud]. Its popularity quickly spread and today, the oud forms a core part […]
Later this month, the Yunus Emre Institute London commences a new short course in Ottoman Turkish. The intermediate level classes are for those with a basic understanding of the language. The course will run weekly for 14 weeks, with two hours of instruction every Wednesday evening. Students should register by no later than Tuesday 21st […]
Shacklewell Lane Mosque – the UK’s first Turkish owned mosque that seeks to cater for modern Muslims – is hosting the Yoga Connects’ Winter Solstice on Monday evening. This privately-run event, rooted in Shamanic tribal beliefs, is open to people of all levels, from beginners to advanced yogis, helping to bring as many people together […]
Turkish mystic Latif Bolat is a modern-day troubadour, travelling the world sharing his love and knowledge of Sufi culture: its music, poetry, stories and spirituality. On Friday 16 Dec. this award-winning artist, author and lecturer will be at the Yunus Emre Institute in London to present an enlightening evening of words and music from ancient […]
