Bradford Literature Festival 2025

Celebrating Turkish Culture Through Art, Thought, and Tradition

Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London is proud to participate in Bradford Literature Festival 2025, one of the UK’s most celebrated cultural events, with a vibrant programme that brings the richness of Turkish arts, literature, and heritage to the heart of West Yorkshire.

Spanning two weekends, our contribution includes a series of thought-provoking talks, hands-on workshops, and captivating performances that reflect the depth and diversity of Anatolian cultural traditions. From classical crafts such as Ebru (paper marbling), tezhip (illumination), and bookbinding to intellectual discussions on Ottoman aesthetics and the symbolism of İznik tiles, the programme offers something for everyone—whether you’re a curious beginner, an art enthusiast, or a seasoned scholar.

Highlights of our 2025 programme include:

• Bound in Beauty: A deep dive into Ottoman book arts and aesthetics through a curated talk and visual presentation.

• Interactive Workshops: Join our artists for engaging sessions in traditional Turkish bookbinding and marbling, offering a rare opportunity to experience these art forms firsthand.

• Whirling Dervishes Performance: The Konya Metropolitan Municipality Semazen Ensemble brings the spiritual poetry of Rumi to life with a mesmerising sema performance.

• Rumi Lecture: Scholar Dr. Bilal Kuşpınar explores the enduring legacy of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi through a philosophical and historical lens.

• Shadow Puppet Magic: A family-friendly interactive show introducing children to the beloved characters of Karagöz & Hacivat, the iconic duo of Turkish shadow theatre.

• Iznik Tiles Talk: A visual and scholarly presentation of the meanings, techniques, and cross-cultural resonance of this iconic ceramic tradition.

In addition to public-facing events, we’re also delighted to collaborate with local organisations, artists, and educators, furthering our mission to promote mutual understanding through shared cultural experiences.

Through this broad spectrum of activities, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London invites festival visitors to experience the beauty, refinement, and living heritage of Turkish culture—celebrated not as a relic of the past, but as a dynamic tradition that continues to inspire.

We look forward to welcoming you at Bradford Literature Festival 2025—a meeting point of ideas, creativity, and community.