Yunus Emre InstituteFamilies in London recently stepped into the enchanting world of Karagöz & Hacivat, the iconic duo of traditional Turkish shadow puppetry, during a lively, hands-on workshop led by master puppeteer Mengü Türk.
Part of the Yunus Kids Club workshop series at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, the two-hour session was designed for children aged 7 to 15 and their accompanying adults, offering a playful introduction to one of Türkiye’s most beloved folk art traditions. Participants explored the cultural heritage and humorous storytelling behind Karagöz & Hacivat, characters who have entertained audiences for generations.
Under Türk’s guidance, children created their own shadow puppets using acetate film, vibrant paints, and simple crafting tools. Each young participant designed, painted, and assembled their puppets from scratch, reimagining the classic characters through their own creativity.
The workshop concluded with a live demonstration on a traditional shadow play stage, where families tested their puppets under stage lights and explored the art of movement and storytelling. Laughter and discovery filled the room as children experimented with shadow play in action.
The event fostered creativity, fine motor skills, and cultural appreciation, leaving families with both handcrafted puppets and a deeper connection to Turkish artistic traditions. It was part of a broader initiative to celebrate Türkiye’s cultural legacy through engaging, interactive programming in the UK.