Talk & Book Signing: A Turkish Wanderer in London by Emre Aracı

Yunus Emre Institute London is thrilled to host a book signing and talk event dedicated to the historical and cultural journey through London with esteemed music historian, Dr Emre Aracı on 12 June 2024 at 7 PM.

This exclusive event will recount the exploration of Turkish traces in London, as detailed in Dr Aracı’s meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated book, Londra’da Türk İzleri [Turkish Traces in London].

With nearly four decades of residency in the United Kingdom, Dr Aracı has immersed himself in the vibrant mosaic of London’s royal palaces, museums, parks, churches, and markets, tirelessly seeking out the intricate connections between his homeland and the British capital.

In his meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated book, Londra’da Türk İzleri [TurkishTraces in London], published in 2022 in Istanbul by Oğlak Yayınları, he delves deep into the annals of history, literature and music, as he uncovers the rich yet little-known Turkish hues interwoven into the fabric of London over centuries, with some lost to time and others still perceptible. In this illustrated talk, based on his book, Dr Aracı offers more than a scholarly account—it is a deeply personal odyssey of discovery as he invites his audience to accompany him on a unique expedition through the bustling streets of the metropolis, spanning three and a half centuries. From London’s long-vanished historic Turkish coffee houses to Turkish baths, in the company of literary luminaries such as Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, Virginia Woolf and Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar, Aracı guides us through labyrinths of epistolary and poetic memory.

Our journey starts outside St James’s Palace as the ‘janissary band’ of King George III is drilling in the Colour Court in 1793, and The Times of London announces the arrival of the Turkish Ambassador in town, among the “memorable events” of that year.

The event will start with a conversation with Dr Aracı, who will share his insights on the intricate connections between his homeland and the British capital. This will be followed by a journey through the vibrant mosaic of London’s royal palaces, museums, parks, churches, and markets, as detailed in his book.

Participation in the event is free, but attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the Turkish version of the book at a special discount and have it signed by Dr Aracı himself. Please note that the English version of the book is currently in the printing process. Alternatively, you can bring your own copy of the book to be signed.