100 Years of Turkish Cypriot Migration to the UK

In 1917 the British government signed a treaty agreement with the Ottoman rulers of Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots had to choose between British nationality or their Ottoman status. This prompted people to leave the island in search of a better life.

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  • Sackler Centre Reception

  • Free event

100 Years of Turkish Cypriot Migration to the UK photo

Organised by the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations UK (CTCAUK), this cultural event will celebrate the lives of those who came to settle in the UK, from 1917 to 2017. Join us for the premier of a film commissioned by CTCA UK, a photographic display across the decades, and folk dancing.

14.30 Folk Dancing
Folk Dancing by Hornsey Atatürk Turkish School

15.30 Film screening
My Heart Belongs to….100 years of Turkish Cypriot Migration to the UK
A poignant and moving film that draws on the memories of early pioneers. It explores early life in Cyprus; reasons for migration; challenges and joys of living in the UK and feelings of home.
Directed and produced by Eithne Nightingale and Mitchell Harris.
Numbers are limited for the film screening so to book your place please email: info@ctauk.org

12.00 – 17.30 Photographic Display
Photographic exhibition: Through the Decades
My Journey from Güvercinlik (Pigeon-loft)
Photographs by Semra Eren-Nijharthat explore Turkish Cypriots at leisure, at work, with family and participating in public life. Güvercinlik (pigeon-loft) is the name given to Trafalgar Square where newly arrived Turks congregated in the 1940’s in the absence of associations and cafes to socialise.

Also photographs by Ismail Veli and Faruk Eskioğlu, one of the first to photograph UK Turkish Cypriots including the first kebab shop owner.