Yunus Emre Enstitüsü - London

Workshop: Shadow Puppet Magic | Karagöz & Hacivat Puppet-Making for Kids
2025-06-07 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Join us for a magical journey into the world of Karagöz & Hacivat with our Shadow Puppet Making Workshop! This engaging, hands-on experience is perfect for children (ages 7–12) and their accompanying adults, offering a fun and educational introduction to the rich tradition of Turkish shadow puppetry. Under the guidance of expert performer Mengü Türk, participants will design, paint, and assemble their very own Karagöz & Hacivat puppets before bringing them to life on a real shadow play stage.
This 2-hour workshop blends storytelling, arts & crafts, and performance, encouraging creativity, fine motor skills, and cultural appreciation. All materials are included, and no prior experience is necessary—just bring your imagination!
📅 Date: Saturday, 7th June 2025🕚 Time: 11:00 – 13:00📍 Location: 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street & Goodge Street)💰 Fee: £20 (includes one child & one accompanying adult)
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!

Eid in the Square 2025
2025-06-08 08:00 - 21:00 | Trafalgar Square, Trafalgar Sq, London, WC2N 5DS, United Kingdom
Join us at Trafalgar Square on Sunday, 8 June 2025 for Eid in the Square 2025—a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and creativity at the heart of London.
As part of this much-loved annual festival, Yunus Emre Institute – London will once again take part with a lively cultural stall showcasing the richness of Turkish arts and heritage. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore traditional crafts such as Ebru (paper marbling), Tezhip (illumination), calligraphy, and Iznik ceramics, while engaging with artists and learning about the stories behind these time-honoured practices.
Our stall invites guests of all ages to experience the warmth of Turkish hospitality and the diversity of Anatolian cultural expressions. Whether you’re trying your hand at a traditional art form or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, our space offers a moment of creativity, connection, and discovery.
This is more than just a cultural exhibition—it’s a day of learning, sharing, and celebrating the spirit of togetherness. Come along with family and friends and enjoy a joyful Eid filled with colour, tradition, and community.

Experience Turkish Music: Bağlama Meşk Group Workshop (In-Person)
2025-06-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
An exclusive workshop will be held face-to-face with Ahmet Ozan Baysal at the Institute.

Workshop: Bağlama Meşk Session For All Levels
Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 pm (UK time)
Duration: 1 hour
Fee: £25
*** To avoid the Eventbrite fee, please make your payment via bank transfer using the details provided below, and email your payment receipt to londra@yee.org.tr
Bank Name: Metro Bank Tottenham Court Road
Account Name: Yunus Emre Institute
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account Number: 21902772
Reference: Your Full Name
Class Size: Min. 5 – Max.15 Students
Instructor: Ahmet Ozan Baysal
Location: 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street and Goodge Street)
Workshop Overview:
Open to guests, this special in-person group session at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London is part of our ongoing Bağlama Course.
Bağlama Meşk Session follows the traditional format of “meşk” gatherings—an immersive style of musical learning through listening, repetition, and collective performance.
Sessions last 60 minutes and offer a unique opportunity to engage with Turkish musical heritage in a vibrant, communal setting.
Entry Requirements:

Participants must be 16 years or older.
Bringing your own Bağlama (Saz) is highly recommended.
If you play a different instrument and would like to join the Meşk session as part of the ensemble, you are also welcome to participate.

Disclaimer :

The course will be delivered in English; however, some Turkish musical terminology may be used during the sessions.
Please note that photography and filming may take place throughout the event. These materials may be used by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London for promotional and archival purposes.
By registering, attendees consent to the use of their image and likeness in such materials.

Cancellation Policy:

Full refunds (except Eventbrite fee) will be issued for cancellations made at least 3 days before the scheduled session.
Cancellations made less than 3 days in advance are non-refundable.
If the session is cancelled by the organiser, all participants will receive a full refund.

If you have any questions or queries, please direct them to us on londra@yee.org.tr

Concert: Melodica & Guitar – A Fusion of Cultures
2025-06-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
A concert featuring Turkish composer and melodica performer Efe Yüksel and Singaporean composer and guitarist Goi Ywei Chern

🎶 Concert: Melodica & Guitar – A Fusion of Cultures
📅 Date: 13 June 2025
🕖 Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Venue: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA
Yunus Emre Institute is pleased to present Melodica & Guitar: A Fusion of Cultures, a concert featuring Turkish composer and melodica performer Efe Yüksel and Singaporean composer and guitarist Goi Ywei Chern.
Currently both pursuing doctoral studies in composition at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Yüksel and Chern bring together their distinct cultural backgrounds and artistic voices in this nearly one-hour programme. The concert explores cultural hybridity and musical storytelling through a rare instrumental pairing: melodica and classical guitar.
The evening will feature original duo compositions written specifically for this performance, as well as imaginative arrangements of folk melodies from Türkiye, Singapore, and China. Each performer will also present a contemporary solo work, culminating in a collaborative interpretation of the ancient Seikilos Epitaph — believed to be the oldest surviving complete musical composition.
By blending traditional material with contemporary sensibilities, Yüksel and Chern offer an immersive, cross-cultural musical experience that reflects the global nature of today’s creative practice.
🎵 The Programme Includes:

Overcooked Menu Music (arr. Yüksel)

Qart Hadasht (Chern)

Two Turkish Folk Songs (arr. Yüksel: Havada Bulut Yok, İzmir Marşı)

Two New Duo Compositions (Yüksel & Chern)

Two Singaporean/Chinese Folk Songs (arr. Chern)

Seikilos Epitaph (arr. Yüksel & Chern)

🎟 Admission: Early registration is strongly advised due to limited capacity.
About the Performers
Efe Yüksel
Efe Yüksel is an İzmir-born, London-based composer, electronic musician, and performer. He is currently undertaking doctoral studies in composition at the Guildhall School of Music, following undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the same institution under the guidance of Julian Anderson and Aaron Einbond. His research investigates ways of thinking about musical structure through the organisation of inharmonic sonorities.
Yüksel’s work often explores the physical capabilities of instruments, integrating them with live signal processing. Alongside composing, he is active as a melodica performer, regularly commissioning and premiering new works for the instrument. His studies are supported by The Guildhall Trust, Talent Unlimited, and the Eczacıbaşı Foundation.
Goi Ywei Chern
Goi Ywei Chern is a Singaporean composer and guitarist currently based in London. He is pursuing a DMus (Composition) degree at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, supervised by Professors Richard Baker, Matt Kaner, and Julian Anderson.
He has received awards including First Prize in the 11th International Antonin Dvorak Composition Competition (2023) and the Leong Yoon Pin Composition Competition (2016). His music has been performed in Singapore, London, Leeds, Bangkok, and Ayrshire. Goi holds a Diploma in Music Performance from NAFA and a First-Class Honours degree from the NAFA–Royal College of Music (RCM) programme. He later completed a Master’s in Composition at the Royal College of Music with Distinction.
As a guitarist, Goi studied under Manuel Cabrera II and Hunter Mah, and his composition mentors include Dr. Zechariah Goh, Professor Kenneth Hesketh, and Professor Alison Kay. He also performs in the chamber duo Duo Flore with flautist Jess McNulty.
For more information on the event, please email us at londra@yee.org.tr
IMPORTANT NOTES
Please be advised that filming and/or photography will be taking place at the event for the purposes of archiving, marketing, and all other publications. By entering this event, you consent to the Yunus Emre Institute taking photographs and videos and using them.

Luton Turkish Festival 2025
2025-06-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Luton, Luton, United Kingdom
Join us for a vibrant day of celebration at the Luton Turkish Festival on Saturday, 15 June 2025, where you’ll have the chance to experience the colours, sounds, and stories of Turkish culture—brought to life through a rich programme of activities and performances.
Proudly supported by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, the festival will feature a range of traditional arts and cultural experiences. Don’t miss the free live performance of Karagöz & Hacivat, the beloved duo of Turkish shadow theatre, led by acclaimed master performer Mengü Türk. This centuries-old art form blends humour, storytelling, and social commentary in a visually engaging spectacle that delights audiences of all ages.
Visit our cultural stall to engage with Turkey’s artistic heritage up close. From calligraphy and paper marbling to Turkish language resources and cultural displays, our space offers something for everyone—whether you’re discovering Turkish culture for the first time or reconnecting with familiar traditions.
Bring your family and friends and enjoy a day filled with creativity, cultural exchange, and community spirit.

Young Scholar: A Profile of Turkish Language Learners
2025-06-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
A Talk by Hadra Kübra Erkınay Tamtamış, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London

Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London is delighted to invite you to the latest instalment of its Young Scholar Seminar Series featuring a talk by Hadra Kübra Erkınay Tamtamış, titled: “A Profile of Turkish Language Learners at the Yunus Emre Institute in London and at the University of Cambridge“. The talk will take place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 7 pm UK time.
Date: Thursday 26th June 2025
Time: 7 pm
Venue: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA
A Profile of Turkish Language Learners
This study aims to explore the demographic, educational, and motivational characteristics of individuals learning Turkish as a foreign language at the Yunus Emre Institute in London and at the University of Cambridge. By examining learners’ backgrounds, learning goals, and language acquisition experiences, the research seeks to highlight common trends, distinctive learner profiles, and the role of institutional context in shaping language learning journeys. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of Turkish language education in the UK and offer insights for curriculum development and intercultural engagement.
Dr Erkınay Tamtamış graduated from the Department of Turkish Language Education at Abant Izzet Baysal University in 2008 and began a master’s degree in the field of Turkish Language Teaching at the same university. In 2009, she was appointed as a research assistant at Mardin Artuklu University. She received her Ph.D. in Turkish Language from Ankara University in 2017. In 2021, she was assigned by the BAOKK (Interministerial Committee for Culture) to serve as a Turkish Language Lecturer at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London and the University of Cambridge Language Centre, where she currently continues her work. Erkınay has authored numerous studies, published articles, and book chapters in the fields of Turkish language, Turkish language education, and linguistics.
Admission is FREE but registration*** is ESSENTIAL.

Turkish Bookshelf: The History of a Madhouse by Ayfer Tunc
2025-06-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Join us for Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London’s very own book club Turkish Bookshelf!

Join us for Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London’s very own book club Turkish Bookshelf! During our monthly gatherings we will explore Turkish books that have been translated to English on a journey through Türkiye’s rich literary landscape. This month we will embark on a journey around the world as we read The Highly Unreliable Account of the History of a Madhouse by Ayfer Tunç, a literary palimpsest of Türkiye that defies spatial and temporal boundaries.
To order a book you can do so using the following links:
📚 https://istrosbooks.com/product/history-of-a-madhouse/
📚https://www.amazon.co.uk/Highly-Unreliable-Account-History-Madhouse/dp/1912545071
Our evening will commence at 6:30pm and continue until 8:30pm, and will take place on the first Friday of every month.
Although it is preferred that you have read the book, our discussions will be accessible to everyone. With the help of our skilled moderator, we aim to provide a comfortable space for you all to unwind and relax at the end of the week.
We look forward to welcoming you to Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London for an evening of meaningful discussion.
For more information, please contact londra@yee.org.tr
LOCATION
Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London – W1T 5HA

For more information on the event, please visit Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London’s Website: https://yeelondon.org.uk/ or email us at londra@yee.org.tr

IMPORTANT NOTES
Please note that this event is first come first served and may be overbooked. To avoid disappointment, please arrive early and secure your seat. If you have registered but are unable to attend, please cancel your ticket to allow others to join. Thank you for your cooperation.
Please be advised that filming and/or photography will be taking place at the event for the purposes of archiving, marketing, and all other publications. By entering this event, you consent to the Yunus Emre Institute taking photographs and videos and using them.

Rhythms of the Divine: Whirling Dervishes and Sufi Music
2025-07-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BS, United Kingdom
Rhythms of the Divine: Whirling Dervishes and Sufi Music
A rare and deeply spiritual performance of the Sema Mukâbelesi, the whirling dervish ceremony, by the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Turkish Sufi Music and Sema Ensemble!
Presented by Yunus Emre Institute
📍 Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music
📅 Tuesday, 8 July 2025
🕖 Starts at 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM. Late entry not permitted after 7:15 PM.)
Join us for a rare and unforgettable evening of spiritual artistry as the internationally acclaimed Konya Metropolitan Municipality Turkish Sufi Music and Sema Ensemble presents a ceremonial performance of the Sema Ceremony—the sacred ritual of the Whirling Dervishes.
🌙 A Sacred Tradition, Brought to Life
Rooted in the mystical philosophy of Mevlânâ Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī, the Sema is not a performance but a living act of devotion and remembrance. Dervishes turn with solemn grace to the deep, meditative sounds of ney, kudüm, and voice, symbolising the soul’s journey toward unity and love.
🎶 Evening Programme
The night will open with a short concert of Turkish Sufi music, inviting the audience into the mystical soundscape of Anatolia through taksims, ilahis, and devotional works drawn from centuries of tradition. Performed in the meşk style—an oral transmission method central to Ottoman-Turkish classical music—this musical introduction sets a contemplative tone and gradually deepens the spiritual atmosphere.
Seamlessly following this prelude, the Sema Ceremony will unfold—a sacred ritual in which dervishes whirl in meditative unity with the music. Every gesture, rhythm, and silence is imbued with meaning in this profound Mevlevi rite, performed with reverence, discipline, and spiritual intensity.
🎼 About the Ensemble
The Konya Metropolitan Municipality Turkish Sufi Music and Sema Ensemble performs traditional Turkish Sufi music with a special focus on the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony, staying true to its original form and spirit.
Alongside its ceremonial performances, the ensemble also presents concert programs featuring classical vocal and instrumental works from the rich repertoire of Turkish music.
The ensemble comprises 30 members: 15 whirling dervishes (semazens), 8 instrumentalists, 6 vocalists, and one postnişin who leads the ceremony. The group is led by its general artistic director, Dr. Musa Kazım Tığlıoğlu.
This event is part of the Rhythms of the Divine series and offers a rare opportunity for London audiences to witness the Sema Mukâbelesi in its most authentic and elevated form. In an age where many sacred traditions are simplified or aestheticised for spectacle, this performance restores the Mevlevi ceremony to its original dignity—as a refined, disciplined, and deeply poetic act of remembrance.
We warmly invite you to join us for a night of contemplation, harmony, and transcendence.
Don’t miss out on this unique spiritual experience — get your tickets now! Kindly scroll down to select your ticket option
Additional Information:

Please arrive by 6:15 PM to ensure timely seating. Late entry will not be permitted after 7:15 PM to avoid disruption.
The event lasts approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
The Royal College of Music is easily accessible by public transport; please check local routes and parking options.
Dress code is smart casual. Please wear comfortable shoes as seating is unreserved.
Photography and video recording during the performance are strictly prohibited to respect the sacred nature of the ceremony.
Professional photography and videography will be carried out exclusively by authorized personnel appointed by the organizer. Please be advised that recording and photography will take place during the event for archival, marketing, and promotional purposes. By attending this event, you consent to the Yunus Emre Institute capturing and using images and footage for these purposes.
For any inquiries, contact us at londra@yee.org.tr

15 July Democracy and National Unity Day | Art Exhibition
2025-07-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
15 Temmuz Millî Birlik ve Demokrasi Günü Resim Sergisi, çocukların gözünden millî irade, birlik, özgürlük ve demokrasi gibi temel kavramlara duyulan inancı resimlerle dile getiriyor. Geleceğimizin teminatı olan genç sanatçılar, 15 Temmuz’un anlam ve önemini kendi hayal güçleri, renk paletleri ve iç dünyalarıyla özgün bir biçimde yorumluyor.
Her bir eser, çocukların özgün bakış açılarını ve güçlü anlatım becerilerini ortaya koyarken, aynı zamanda toplum olarak geçmişten aldığımız dersleri hatırlatıyor. Bu sergi, sadece bir sanat etkinliği değil; aynı zamanda çocukların duygu, düşünce ve değerlerini ifade ettikleri bir platform ve ortak hafızamıza katkıda bulunan anlamlı bir buluşmadır.
Sanatın birleştirici ve iyileştirici gücüyle, çocuklarımızla birlikte hem geçmişi anıyor hem de umudu, dayanışmayı ve demokrasiyi yeniden inşa ediyoruz.

Çocuk Resim Sergisi Açılışı :
📅 Tarih: 15 Temmuz 2025, Salı🕚 Saat: 18:00📍 Yer: 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA (En yakın metro istasyonları: Warren Street & Goodge Street)
*******************************************
The 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day Children’s Art Exhibition brings to life powerful concepts such as national will, unity, freedom, and democracy through the eyes of children. Our young artists, the guarantee of our future, interpret the significance of 15 July with their vivid imagination, rich colours, and unique perspectives.
Each artwork reflects the children’s creativity and ability to express profound ideas through art, while also reminding us of the lessons learned from our collective past. This exhibition is not only an artistic event but also a meaningful platform where children convey their feelings, thoughts, and values—contributing to our shared memory and understanding of democracy.
Through the unifying and healing power of art, we commemorate the past and rebuild hope, solidarity, and democratic values together with our children.
Children’s Art Exhibition Opening:
📅 Date: Tuesday, 15th July 2025🕚 Time: 18:00📍 Location: 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street & Goodge Street)

2025 TYS Başvuruları Başladı | Applications are now open for the Turkish Proficiency Exam (TYS)
2025-07-28 08:00 - 2025-08-22 17:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
21 Eylül 2025 TYS Başvuruları Başladı!
Türkçenin ALTE (The Association of Language Testers in Europe) Onayını (Qmark) Alan Uluslararası Geçerliğe Sahip İlk Dil Sınavı
Scroll down for English.
Yunus Emre Enstitüsünün dünyanın farklı coğrafyalarında bulunan yurt dışı temsilciliklerinde; Türkiye’de ise Ankara’da 21 Eylül 2025 tarihinde eş zamanlı olarak gerçekleştirilecek olan Türkçe Yeterlik Sınavı’nın (TYS) başvuruları 22 Ağustos 2025 tarihine kadar devam edecek.
TÜRKÇENİN ULUSLARARASI GEÇERLİĞE SAHİP İLK DİL SINAVI
Bireylerin Türkçe okuma, dinleme, yazma ve konuşma becerilerine yönelik yetkinliklerinin, geçerliği ve güvenirliği kanıtlanmış ölçme araçları ile ölçülmesi ve değerlendirilmesinde Türkçe Yeterlik Sınavı’nın başarısı ALTE onayı ile tescillendi. Yunus Emre Enstitüsünün geliştirdiği Türkçe Yeterlik Sınavı, ALTE (The Association of Language Testers in Europe) onayını (Q-mark) alarak Türkçenin ilk uluslararası geçerliği onaylanmış dil sınavıdır.
Sınavda başarılı olan adaylara puanlarına göre B2 ve C1 düzeylerinde Türkçe Yeterlik Belgesi verilmektedir. ALTE Kalite Nişanına (Q-mark) sahip olan Türkçe Yeterlik Belgesi, Türkçenin ilk uluslararası geçerliğe sahip dil yeterlik belgesi özelliği taşıyor.
Türkçe dil seviyenizi belgelendirmek için TYS başvurularını kaçırmayın!
Sınav Tarihi: 21 Eylül 2025 (Pazar)
Başvuru Tarihleri: 28 Temmuz-22 Ağustos 2025
Başvuru işlemleri https://sinav.yee.org.tr üzerinden yapılacaktır.
TYS başvuru ücretleri için tıklayınız.
Sınav Merkezleri için tıklayınız.
Applications Now Open for the Turkish Proficiency Exam (TYS) – 21 September 2025!The First Turkish Language Exam with International Recognition Approved by ALTE (The Association of Language Testers in Europe)
The Turkish Proficiency Exam (TYS), developed by Yunus Emre Institute, will be held simultaneously at Yunus Emre Institute’s international branches around the world and in Ankara, Türkiye on 21 September 2025. Applications are open until 22 August 2025.

🌍 THE FIRST INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED TURKISH LANGUAGE EXAM
The TYS is designed to assess Turkish language proficiency in reading, listening, writing, and speaking, using valid and reliable measurement tools. The success of the exam in assessing language competence has been certified by ALTE, earning the Q-mark — a European quality assurance standard.
With this recognition, the Turkish Proficiency Exam (TYS) has become the first internationally recognised Turkish language exam.

Candidates who pass the exam receive the Turkish Proficiency Certificate at B2 or C1 level, based on their scores. This certificate, awarded by Yunus Emre Institute and bearing the ALTE Q-mark, is the first internationally validated Turkish language certificate.

🎓 Don’t miss your chance to certify your Turkish language level with the TYS!
🗓️ Exam Date: Sunday, 21 September 2025📌 Application Period: 28 July – 22 August 2025📝 Click here to apply💵 Click here for exam fees📍 Click here for exam centres

Young Scholar: Death Awareness and Meaning in Life
2025-08-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Explore grief, faith, and death awareness across generations and life stages with two talks in this special Young Scholar session.

Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London is pleased to announce the 38th session of its Young Scholar Seminar Series, titled “Death Awareness and Meaning in Life: Generational and Developmental Insights.” The event will feature two speakers from Sivas Cumhuriyet University: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Yılmaz, Head of the Department of Psychology of Religion, and Berra Ergül Sezen, a PhD student and research assistant in the same field, currently undertaking an internship at the Yunus Emre Institute – London.
In her presentation, “From Childhood to Old Age: Shifting Experiences of Death, Faith, and Meaning,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Yılmaz will explore how individuals across different stages of life encounter and interpret death. Drawing on existential psychology, developmental theory, and the psychology of religion, her talk will examine how death awareness and spiritual meaning evolve from early childhood through adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Her research highlights the central role of faith, secure attachment, and intergenerational wisdom in navigating mortality and building a sense of existential hope.
Berra Ergül Sezen’s talk, titled “The Echo of Death: The Intergenerational Transmission of Grief,” will focus on how grief reverberates across generations within the family system. Through the lens of Bowen’s Family Systems Theory, she will investigate how emotional cutoffs, patterns of differentiation, and inherited sorrow shape the individual and collective experience of loss. Her analysis brings attention to the psychological impact of death not only as a personal experience but as a legacy that affects the emotional fabric of families over time.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Yılmaz completed her undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Theology, Selçuk University, and received her postgraduate degrees in the fields of Sociology of Religion and Psychology of Religion. She currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Theology, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, where she teaches at both undergraduate and graduate levels and chairs the Department of Psychology of Religion. In 2019, she conducted post-doctoral research at Boston University’s School of Theology and the Center for Mind and Culture (CMAC), supported by a TÜBİTAK fellowship. Her interdisciplinary work focuses on existential psychology, religious development, death anxiety, and spiritual care. She also serves as the Director of the Psychological Counseling and Research Center at Cumhuriyet University and holds positions on international academic boards, including the International Association for the Psychology of Religion (IAPR) and the Global Platform for the Protection of Children and Families (DünyaÇAKOP). Dr. Yılmaz has published extensively in both Turkish and English, including books, articles, and conference proceedings, and has given academic lectures in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Morocco, Pakistan, and the United States. Her work integrates psychology, theology, and spirituality, particularly focusing on meaning-making and psychological well-being.
Berra Ergül Sezen is currently a PhD student and a research assistant in the Psychology of Religion at Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Turkey. She completed her BA in Theology at Bursa Uludag University and later obtained her MA in Psychology of Religion from the same institution. Her main research interests lie in personality and religious development, family therapy and the integration of religion into psychology. She is currently undertaking an internship at the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London.

This talk forms part of the Young Scholar Seminar Series organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London.
For more information on the event, please visit Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London’s Website: https://yeelondon.org.uk/ or email us at londra@yee.org.tr
IMPORTANT NOTES
Please note that this event is first come first served and may be overbooked. To avoid disappointment, please arrive early and secure your seat. If you have registered but are unable to attend, please cancel your ticket to allow others to join. Thank you for your cooperation.
Please be advised that filming and/or photography will be taking place at the event for the purposes of archiving, marketing, and all other publications. By entering this event, you consent to the Yunus Emre Institute taking photographs and videos and using them.

8th Turkish Community Art Exhibition | Call for Participation
2025-09-08 18:00 - 2026-01-10 18:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
In a vibrant celebration of unity and cultural expression, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London and the Turkish Consulate General in London are proud to announce the call for participation for the 8th Turkish Community Art Exhibition. This cherished annual event, which has become a cornerstone of the cultural calendar for the Turkish diaspora in the United Kingdom, invites artists of all skill levels—from established professionals to emerging amateurs—to showcase their creativity. By bridging diverse artistic mediums ranging from traditional paintings to innovative digital art, the exhibition serves as a vital platform for fostering solidarity and highlighting the rich tapestry of talent within the UK-based Turkish community.
The selection process is led by an esteemed jury, including the Consul General of the Turkish Republic in London and the Director of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, ensuring a thoughtfully curated showcase of the community’s collective imagination. Artists interested in participating must submit their work by the deadline of 10 January 2026, with applications accepted both online and in person. Following the selection announcement on 20 January, the exhibition will officially open with a private inauguration on 10 February 2026, remaining open to the public until 10 March. Beyond the physical gallery space, the project will also feature a global online catalogue, ensuring that the stories and artworks of these talented individuals reach art enthusiasts worldwide.
Click here for more information & to apply!

Crafting Authentic Turkish Coffee – A Hands-On Cultural Workshop
2025-09-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Learn the art of Turkish coffee with Ayşe Kapusuz: brew in a cezve, explore rituals, and enjoy coffee with Turkish delights.

Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025
Time: 1-3 pm
Duration: 2 hours
Fee: £45 (includes all materials)
Class Size: Min. 5 – Max. 12 Students
Instructor: Ayşe Kapusuz
Location: 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street and Goodge Street)
Perfect for coffee lovers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the history of coffee and Ottoman traditions
Workshop Overview
This workshop is a delightful journey into the history, culture, and flavours of authentic Turkish coffee. Under the expert guidance of Ayşe Kapusuz, participants will explore the heritage of this centuries-old tradition while preparing and tasting different varieties of Turkish coffee, including Traditional, Coquettish, and Tatar styles.
The session begins with a cultural and historical overview of Turkish coffee, enriched with visual presentations. Participants will then learn the unique brewing techniques that distinguish Turkish coffee, using the traditional cezve pot. Alongside the coffee, carefully selected Turkish delights will be offered, complementing each cup and highlighting the rich culinary connections within Ottoman tradition.
The highlight of the workshop is hands-on brewing, where you will learn the proper techniques for preparing Turkish coffee, discover the meanings attached to coffee rituals, and experience the joy of sharing this drink within a communal setting. By the end of the class, you will not only have tasted a variety of authentic brews but will also carry with you the knowledge and appreciation of Turkish coffee culture.
This workshop blends:
Demonstrations: Brewing techniques explained step by step by Ayşe Kapusuz.
Hands-on practice: Prepare your own Turkish coffee using the traditional cezve, with expert support.
Cultural storytelling: Discover the rituals, history, and symbolism behind Turkish coffee.
Tastings: Pair each brew with carefully selected Turkish delights for a full sensory experience.
🍬 Enjoy authentic Turkish coffee paired with exquisite delights, generously provided by Hafız Mustafa in London — with our warm thanks for their support.
Workshop Policies and Guidelines
Language: Classes are primarily taught in English, though some terminology may be in Turkish. Instructors will clarify when needed.
Age requirement: Some courses/workshops may have age restrictions (e.g. 16+). Please check individual event details before booking.
Safety & comfort: Please avoid loose clothing (large cuffs, ties, etc.) during practical sessions.
Health & allergies: If you have any relevant health concerns or food allergies (for workshops with tastings), please inform the instructor in advance.
Accessibility: Please let us know if you require any accessibility support so we can assist you.
Personal belongings: Participants are responsible for their own items. The Institute cannot accept liability for loss or damage.
Punctuality: To ensure full benefit from the class, please arrive on time.
Minimum numbers: Courses/workshops require a minimum number of participants. If this is not met, the Institute may cancel one day before the start date, with full refunds issued.
Withdrawals & refunds: Cancellations are accepted up until the start date with no charge. After the class/workshop has begun, fees are non-refundable.
Certificates: Certificates of participation may be provided for selected courses.
Photography: Sessions may be photographed or filmed for archival and promotional purposes. Please inform the instructor if you prefer not to appear.
Communication: Any changes (e.g. time or date adjustments) will be communicated to participants by email.
Feedback: Suggestions and concerns are always welcome – speak to your instructor or email us at londra@yee.org.tr.
By enrolling in the workshop, students acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the aforementioned terms and conditions.

Young Scholar: From the Caucasus to Europe: Modernism and Cultural Encounters in Post-Soviet Georgian Literature
2025-09-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
On Thursday, 25 September 2025, at 7:00 PM, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London will host the 39th session of its Young Scholar Seminar Series, featuring a talk by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gül Mükerrem Öztürk, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Georgian Language and Literature, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University (Rize, Türkiye), and Academic Visitor in Russian and East European Studies at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, University of Oxford.

In this presentation, Dr. Öztürk will explore how modernism and cultural encounters were reshaped in Georgian literature after independence, situating this transformation within the broader context of post-Soviet cultural change. Modernist aesthetics, long overshadowed during the Soviet period, reemerged in the post-1991 literary landscape alongside pressing questions of identity, nation, and cultural interaction.
By focusing on authors such as Guram Dochanashvili, Otar Chkheidze, and Aka Morchiladze, the talk will examine how literature mediated between tradition and modernity, and how it engaged with questions of memory, trauma, and cultural hybridity. Special attention will also be given to Georgian-language sources preserved at the University of Oxford, demonstrating how archival materials provide valuable insights into the continuities and ruptures of Georgian modernism.
The event will take place at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA, and will be held in English. Admission is free, but registration is essential.

Associate Professor Dr Gül Mükerrem Öztürk is currently an Academic Visitor at the University of Oxford, Russian and East European Studies. She is the Head of the Department of Georgian Language and Literature at Rize Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University in Turkey. Her TÜBİTAK-funded project, Modernism and Cultural Interactions in Post-Soviet Georgian Literature, explores the evolution of Georgian modernism, its role in shaping national identity, and its impact on cultural exchanges. She has published extensively on Georgian–Turkish literary relations, Soviet and post-Soviet translation practices, and cultural politics in the Caucasus, and actively participates in international conferences and collaborations.

This talk forms part of the Young Scholar Seminar Series organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London.
For more information on the event, please email us at londra@yee.org.tr
IMPORTANT NOTES
Please note that this event is first come first served and may be overbooked. To avoid disappointment, please arrive early and secure your seat. If you have registered but are unable to attend, please cancel your ticket to allow others to join. Thank you for your cooperation.
Please be advised that filming and/or photography will be taking place at the event for the purposes of archiving, marketing, and all other publications. By entering this event, you consent to the Yunus Emre Institute taking photographs and videos and using them.

Crafting Authentic Turkish Coffee – A Hands-On Cultural Workshop
2025-10-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Special Edition for International Coffee Day
📅 Date: Wednesday, 1 October 2025 (International Coffee Day)⏰ Time: 6–8 pm⏳ Duration: 2 hours💷 Fee: £45 (includes all materials)👥 Class Size: Min. 5 – Max. 10 participants👩‍🏫 Instructor: Ayşe Kapusuz📍 Location: 10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA (Nearest stations: Warren Street & Goodge Street)
🔞 Age Requirement: 16+🌐 Open to All – No prior experience required📝 Registration: Please complete the form to secure your place
Workshop Overview
Celebrate International Coffee Day by immersing yourself in the rich traditions of Turkish coffee, one of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritages. Guided by expert instructor Ayşe Kapusuz, this workshop takes you on a cultural and sensory journey through centuries-old rituals, flavours, and stories. You will:

Explore the history and cultural significance of Turkish coffee with engaging visuals.
Learn the art of brewing coffee in a traditional cezve pot, step by step.
Taste and compare three distinctive styles of Turkish coffee: Traditional, Coquettish, and Tatar.
Enjoy Turkish delights carefully paired to complement each brew.
Experience the rituals and symbolism that make Turkish coffee more than just a drink—it’s a way of connecting and sharing.

The highlight of the evening will be hands-on practice, where you’ll prepare your own Turkish coffee under expert guidance. By the end, you will leave with practical brewing skills, a deeper appreciation of coffee’s role in Turkish culture, and memories of celebrating International Coffee Day in a truly authentic way.
Assessment / Outcome
Participants will receive personalized feedback throughout the workshop to refine their brewing techniques and cultural understanding. By the end of the session, you will have learned how to prepare three distinct types of Turkish coffee and gained practical skills for recreating them at home.
This experience will serve as both a cultural immersion and a tangible skill set, enabling you to bring the taste and ritual of Turkish coffee into your everyday life. Additionally, you will leave with a deeper appreciation of the traditions and significance of coffee within Turkish culture.
Methods of Teaching
This workshop blends:

Demonstrations: Brewing techniques explained step by step by Ayşe Kapusuz.
Hands-on practice: Prepare your own Turkish coffee using the traditional cezve, with expert support.
Cultural storytelling: Discover the rituals, history, and symbolism behind Turkish coffee.
Tastings: Pair each brew with carefully selected Turkish delights for a full sensory experience.

Required Equipment & Materials
All equipment and ingredients are provided by the Institute and the Instructor. Just bring your curiosity!
Workshop Policies and Guidelines
Language: Classes are primarily taught in English, though some terminology may be in Turkish. Instructors will clarify when needed.
Age requirement: Some courses/workshops may have age restrictions (e.g. 16+). Please check individual event details before booking.
Safety & comfort: Please avoid loose clothing (large cuffs, ties, etc.) during practical sessions.
Health & allergies: If you have any relevant health concerns or food allergies (for workshops with tastings), please inform the instructor in advance.
Accessibility: Please let us know if you require any accessibility support so we can assist you.
Personal belongings: Participants are responsible for their own items. The Institute cannot accept liability for loss or damage.
Punctuality: To ensure full benefit from the class, please arrive on time.
Minimum numbers: Courses/workshops require a minimum number of participants. If this is not met, the Institute may cancel one day before the start date, with full refunds issued.
Withdrawals & refunds: Cancellations are accepted up until the start date with no charge. After the class/workshop has begun, fees are non-refundable.
Certificates: Certificates of participation may be provided for selected courses.
Photography: Sessions may be photographed or filmed for archival and promotional purposes. Please inform the instructor if you prefer not to appear.
Communication: Any changes (e.g. time or date adjustments) will be communicated to participants by email.
Feedback: Suggestions and concerns are always welcome – speak to your instructor or email us at londra@yee.org.tr.
By enrolling in the workshop, students acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the aforementioned terms and conditions.

Turkish Bookshelf: Farewell Fountain Street by Selçuk Altun
2025-10-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Join us for Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London’s very own book club Turkish Bookshelf!

After a short summer break, Turkish Bookshelf returns this October with Selçuk Altun’s Farewell Fountain Street — join us for a new season of inspiring monthly discussions.
Each month we explore Turkish books that have been translated into English, taking readers on a journey through Türkiye’s rich literary heritage.
This October, we will delve into Farewell Fountain Street — a captivating blend of mystery, history, and literary intrigue that sweeps readers through the streets of İstanbul and beyond.
To order a book you can do so using the following links:
📚 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Farewell-Fountain-Street-Selcuk-Altun/dp/184659216X
📚 https://saqibooks.com/books/telegram/farewell-fountain-street/
Our evening will commence at 6:30pm and continue until 8:30pm, and will take place on the first Friday of every month.
Although it is preferred that you have read the book, our discussions will be accessible to everyone. With the help of our skilled moderator, we aim to provide a comfortable space for you all to unwind and relax at the end of the week.
We look forward to welcoming you to Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London for an evening of meaningful discussion.
For more information, please contact londra@yee.org.tr
LOCATION
Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA

IMPORTANT NOTES

Admission is on a first come, first served basis and the event may reach full capacity. To avoid disappointment, please arrive early to secure your seat.
If you have registered but are unable to attend, kindly cancel your ticket so that others may join. Thank you for your cooperation.
Please note that photography and filming will take place during the event for archiving, marketing, and publication purposes. By attending, you consent to the Yunus Emre Institute’s use of such images and recordings.

Gönül Yeprem ile Ritmik Masallar | Rhythmic Stories with Gönül Yeprem
2025-10-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Öğretmen, besteci ve sanatçı Gönül Yeprem ile ritim, şarkı ve masalların büyülü dünyasına adım atın.

About this event

🇹🇷Gönül Yeprem ile Ritmik Masallar!
(Scroll down for English ↓)
🎶 Öğretmen, besteci ve sanatçı Gönül Yeprem ile ritim, şarkı ve masalların büyülü dünyasına davetlisiniz!
📅 Tarih ve Saat:
11 Ekim Cumartesi · 14:00
Kapı açılış: 13:30
📍 Yer:
Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – Londra
10 Maple Street, London W1T 5HA
ℹ️ Bilmeniz İyi Olur

👧 Yaş Grubu: 4–9 yaş (Çocuklara ebeveynleri eşlik etmelidir)
🏫 Etkinlik Türü: Yüz yüze
⏰ Kapı Açılış: 13:30
🗣️ Etkinlik Dili: Türkçe
🎟️ Ücret: £7.5 + Eventbrite ücreti (1 çocuk ve 1 ebeveyn için geçerlidir)

🎨 Aile & Eğitim Etkinliği
Aile Eğlencesi Etkinliği: “Ritmik Masallar” – Gönül Yeprem ile
Yunus Kids’ Club etkinlikleri kapsamında gerçekleşecek bu özel program, masal anlatımı, şarkılar, bilmeceler ve ritim oyunlarını bir araya getirerek çocuklara unutulmaz bir müzikli deneyim sunacak.
Eğlenceli hikâyeler ve rehberli etkinlikler aracılığıyla çocuklar, ritim ve melodinin masalları nasıl canlandırdığını keşfedecek; aynı zamanda dinleme, koordinasyon ve yaratıcı ifade becerilerini keyifli bir ortamda geliştirme fırsatı bulacak.
✨ Etkinlikten Öne Çıkanlar

🎵 Etkileşimli Masal Anlatımı: Ritim, şarkı ve bilmecelerle zenginleşen müzikli bir masal.
🥁 Ritim ve Oyunlar: Çocukların müzik ve hikâyelerle bağ kurmasını sağlayan eğlenceli etkinlikler.
🎤 Yaratıcı Katılım: Çocuklar, Gönül Yeprem eşliğinde alkış, şarkı söyleme ve ritmik oyunlarla etkinliğe aktif olarak katılacak.

Bu etkinlik, kültür, müzik ve masal aracılığıyla çocukların hayal gücü ve yaratıcılıklarını geliştirmeyi amaçlayan Yunus Kids’ Club serisinin bir parçasıdır.
************************************************************************************
🇬🇧 Rhythmic Stories – with Gönül Yeprem!
🎶 Step into the magical world of rhythm, songs, and stories with teacher, composer, and artist Gönül Yeprem.
📅 Date and Time: Saturday, October 11
⏰ 2 PM
Doors open at 1:30pm
📍 Location:
Yunus Emre Institute – London
10 Maple Street, London W1T 5HA
ℹ️ Good to Know

👧 Age Group: 4–9 years (Parents must accompany their children)
🏫 In Person Event
⏰ Doors Open: 1:30 PM
🗣️ Event Language: Turkish
🎟️ Fee: £7.5 + Eventbrite fee (Includes admission for 1 child and 1 parent

🎨 Family & Education Event
As part of the Yunus Kids’ Club activities, this interactive programme combines storytelling, songs, riddles, and rhythm games – offering children an unforgettable musical experience.
Through playful narratives and guided activities, children will discover how rhythm and melody bring stories to life, while developing their listening, coordination, and creative expression skills in a fun and supportive environment.
✨ Event Highlights

🎵 Interactive Storytelling: A musical fairy tale enriched with rhythm, song, and riddles.
🥁 Rhyme & Rhythm Games: Fun activities that help children connect with music and stories.
🎤 Creative Participation: Children join in with clapping, singing, and rhythmic play led by Gönül Yeprem.

This event is part of the Yunus Kids’ Club series, designed to nurture creativity and imagination through culture, music, and storytelling.

29 Ekim Şenliği: Karagöz Hacivat Gösterisi & Kolaj Atölyesi
2025-10-25 11:00 - 15:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Cumhuriyet Bayramı coşkusunu paylaşmak üzere sanat ve hayal gücüyle dolu renkli bir 29 Ekim Şenliği’ne davetlisiniz!

About this event

🕐 Saat: 11.00–15.00
💷 Ücret: £5+ Eventbrite işlem ücreti (1 çocuk ve 1 ebeveyn için geçerlidir)
👧 Yaş Grubu: 5–12 yaş (Çocuklara ebeveynleri eşlik etmelidir)
🗣️ Etkinlik Dili: Türkçe
Önemli Not: Bilet iki etkinliği birden kapsamaktadır.

Cumhuriyet Bayramı coşkusunu paylaşmak üzere bu yıl çocuklar ve aileler için hikâye, sanat ve hayal gücüyle dolu renkli bir 29 Ekim Şenliği‘ne davetlisiniz!
Şenlik saat 11.00’de başlayacak Karagöz ve Hacivat Projesi ile açılacak. Geleneksel Türk gölge tiyatrosunun canlı atmosferinde sahnelenecek “Salıncak” adlı interaktif oyun, mizahı, diyalogları ve kültürel zenginliğiyle izleyicilere keyifli bir başlangıç sunacak.
Ardından saat 13.00–15.00 arasında “4 Mevsim 4 Kent 4 Kuş” kitabından ilhamla hazırlanan “Türkiye’yi Kuşbakışı Keşfet” Kolaj Atölyesi ile kutlamalar devam edecek. Çocuklar bu atölyede, Türkiye’nin şehirlerinden ve sembollerinden esinlenerek kartpostal tarzında kolajlar tasarlayacak, kendi Türkiye hikâyelerini renkler ve desenlerle anlatacak. Günün sonunda tüm çalışmalar, birlik ve Cumhuriyet coşkusunu simgeleyen büyük bir Türkiye Ağacı üzerinde bir araya gelecek.

🇹🇷 Karagöz ve Hacivat Kukla Gösterisi
🕐 Saat: 11.00
29 Ekim Şenliği, Türk kültürünün en köklü anlatı geleneklerinden biri olan Karagöz ve Hacivat gölge tiyatrosu ile başlayacak. Osmanlı döneminden günümüze uzanan bu sanat, mizah, zeka ve toplumsal gözlemle harmanlanmış sahne diliyle hem çocuklara hem yetişkinlere hitap eder. Şenlikte sahnelenecek “Salıncak” adlı interaktif oyun, Karagöz’ün sivri dili ve Hacivat’ın nazik üslubu arasında geçen eğlenceli bir hikâyeyi konu alır. Günlük hayatın içinden sahneleri, renkli karakterleri ve hiciv dolu diyaloglarıyla izleyicilere hem güldürü hem de kültürel bir derinlik sunar.
UNESCO Somut Olmayan Kültürel Miras Listesi’nde yer alan bu gölge oyunu, Türkiye’nin sahne sanatları tarihinde özel bir yere sahiptir. Çocuklar bu gösteride yalnızca izleyici olmayacak, zaman zaman Karagöz ve Hacivat’ın neşeli diyaloglarına katılarak sahnenin bir parçası hâline gelecekler. Geleneksel müzikler, el yapımı deri figürler ve ışığın perdeye yansıyan büyüsüyle bu etkinlik, geçmişle bugünü buluşturan unutulmaz bir deneyim yaşatacak.
🇹🇷 “Salıncak” Oyunu Hakkında
Şenlikte sahnelenecek “Salıncak”, geleneksel Karagöz ve Hacivat oyunlarının çocuklara uyarlanmış, neşeli ve etkileşimli bir versiyonudur. Oyunda Hacivat, yeni kurduğu salıncak işiyle herkesi eğlendirmeyi planlarken, Karagöz’ü de bu işe ortak eder. Ancak işler planlandığı gibi gitmez; Çelebi, Zenne, Beberuhi ve hatta bir ejderha bile salıncağa binmek ister. Her karakter, kendine özgü mizahı ve abartılı tavırlarıyla sahneye renk katar. Hacivat’ın düzeniyle Karagöz’ün doğallığı arasındaki tatlı çatışma, hem çocuklara hem yetişkinlere keyifli bir izleme deneyimi sunar.
Oyun boyunca çocuklar yalnızca izleyici değil, aynı zamanda hikâyenin bir parçası hâline gelir; kahkahalar, ritmik diyaloglar ve ışığın perdeye yansıyan büyüsüyle “Salıncak”, gölge tiyatrosunun klasik mizah anlayışını bugünün sahne diliyle buluşturur.

🇹🇷 “Türkiye’yi Kuşbakışı Keşfet” – Kolaj Atölyesi
✨ Etkinlik Açıklaması
🕐 Saat: 13.00–15.00
29 Ekim Şenliği kapsamında düzenlenen “Türkiye’yi Kuşbakışı Keşfet” Kolaj Atölyesi, çocukları sanat ve hayal gücüyle Türkiye’nin şehirlerine, doğasına ve renklerine doğru bir keşif yolculuğuna çıkaracak. 🇹🇷
Atölye, “4 Mevsim 4 Kent 4 Kuş” kitabından ilhamla hazırlanmıştır. Çocuklar, kendi şehirlerinden ya da sevdikleri yerlerden esinlenerek kartpostal tarzında kolajlar oluşturacak; renkli kâğıtlar, kesme–yapıştırma teknikleri ve kısa cümlelerle “Türkiye denince aklıma gelen şey”i kendi ifadeleriyle yansıtacaklar.
Etkinliğin sonunda her çocuk, kolajından bir kelime veya küçük bir çizimi seçerek ortak **“Türkiye Ağacı”**na asacak. Böylece gün boyunca yapılan tüm çalışmalar, birlik ve Cumhuriyet coşkusunu simgeleyen renkli bir tabloya dönüşecek.

Bilgilendirme Notu
Yunus Kids’ Club etkinliğine katılarak aşağıdaki koşulları kabul etmiş olursunuz:

Atölye, 5–12 yaş arası çocuklar için tasarlanmıştır.
Çocuklara etkinlik süresince bir ebeveyn veya yasal vasi eşlik etmelidir.
Atölye ücreti, bir çocuk ve bir refakatçi ebeveyn veya vasinin katılımını kapsamaktadır.
Kontenjan sınırlıdır; kayıt zorunludur. Yalnızca 20 çocuk kabul edilecektir ve katılım sırası kayıt önceliğine göre belirlenecektir.
Atölye için gerekli tüm malzemeler Londra Yunus Emre Enstitüsü tarafından sağlanacaktır. Katılımcıların yalnızca yaratıcılıklarını ve enerjilerini getirmeleri yeterlidir.
Etkinlik sırasında tanıtım amaçlı fotoğraf veya video çekimi yapılabilir. Etkinliğe katılarak bu görsellerin tanıtım materyallerinde kullanılmasına onay vermiş olursunuz.
Kayıt yaptırmak zorunludur. Katılamama veya son dakika iptali durumunda, başka katılımcıların yer alabilmesi için lütfen organizatörleri önceden bilgilendiriniz.
Organizatörler, öngörülemeyen durumlar nedeniyle atölyeyi iptal etme veya tarihini değiştirme hakkını saklı tutar. Böyle bir durumda tüm kayıtlı katılımcılara zamanında bilgi verilecektir.
Alerjen riski nedeniyle atölye sırasında yiyecek veya atıştırmalık sunulmayacaktır. Ebeveynlerin, çocukları için gerekli gördükleri yiyecekleri yanlarında getirmeleri tavsiye edilir.

Anlayışınız ve iş birliğiniz için teşekkür ederiz.
Sorularınız için bizimle londra@yee.org.tr adresinden iletişime geçebilirsiniz.
Bu yaratıcı ve keyifli etkinlikte sizleri aramızda görmekten mutluluk duyacağız!

🕐 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
💷 Fee: £5 + Eventbrite fee (Includes admission for 1 child and 1 parent)
👧 Ages: 5–12 (Children must be accompanied by a parent)
🗣️ Language: Turkish
Important note: Each ticket grants access to both activities.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of Republic Day with a vibrant 29 October Festival, filled with stories, art, and imagination for children and families!
The celebration will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the Karagöz & Hacivat Project. Performed in the lively atmosphere of traditional Turkish shadow theatre, the interactive play “The Swing” will bring humour, witty dialogue, and cultural richness to the stage — offering a joyful start to the day.
The festivities will continue from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the “Discover Türkiye from a Bird’s-Eye View” Collage Workshop, inspired by the book “4 Seasons, 4 Cities, 4 Birds.” In this creative session, children will design postcard-style collages inspired by Türkiye’s cities and symbols, expressing their own stories through colour and texture.
By the end of the day, all artworks will come together on a large Tree of Türkiye, symbolising creativity, unity, and the shared joy of Republic Day.

🇬🇧 Karagöz & Hacivat Puppet Show
🕐 Time: 11:00 AM
The 29 October Festival will open with the Karagöz & Hacivat Project, one of the most enduring storytelling traditions of Turkish culture. Originating in the Ottoman period, this form of shadow theatre blends humour, wit, and social commentary, appealing to both children and adults. The interactive play “The Swing” portrays the lively exchange between Karagöz’s sharp humour and Hacivat’s refined manners, offering scenes from everyday life through colourful characters and satirical dialogue. It combines laughter with cultural depth, inviting the audience into the playful world of these timeless figures.
Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this art form holds a special place in Türkiye’s performing arts tradition. During the performance, children will not only watch but also participate, becoming part of the story through Karagöz and Hacivat’s cheerful conversations. Accompanied by traditional music, handcrafted leather puppets, and the charm of light dancing on the screen, the show offers an unforgettable experience that bridges the past and the present.
🇬🇧 About “The Swing”
The play “The Swing” is a lively and interactive adaptation of the traditional Karagöz & Hacivat shadow play, designed especially for children. In this story, Hacivat starts a new business renting out a swing and convinces Karagöz to join him — but nothing goes as planned. Characters such as Çelebi, Zenne, Beberuhi, and even a dragon take turns swinging, each adding humour and mischief to the story. The contrast between Hacivat’s orderly nature and Karagöz’s spontaneity creates a lighthearted dynamic that entertains audiences of all ages.
Throughout the performance, children become more than spectators — they join the laughter and rhythm of the dialogue. With its vivid characters, quick wit, and the mesmerising play of light and shadow, “The Swing” brings the classic humour of Turkish shadow theatre to life for today’s audiences.

🇬🇧 “Discover Türkiye from a Bird’s-Eye View” – Collage Workshop
🕐 Time: 1:00–3:00 PM
✨ About the Workshop
As part of the 29 October Festival, the “Discover Türkiye from a Bird’s-Eye View” collage workshop will take children on a creative journey across Türkiye’s cities, landscapes, and colours. 🇹🇷
Inspired by the book “4 Seasons, 4 Cities, 4 Birds”, the workshop invites participants to design postcard-style collages inspired by their hometowns or favourite places in Türkiye. Using coloured paper, collage techniques, and short written reflections, children will express what “Türkiye” means to them in their own words and imagination.
At the end of the session, each child will choose a word or a small drawing from their collage to add to the collective “Tree of Türkiye.” Together, these pieces will form a vibrant display symbolising unity, creativity, and the shared joy of Republic Day.

Disclaimer
By participating in the Yunus Kids’ Club event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

The workshop is designed for children aged 5–12 years.
Parents or guardians are required to accompany their children during the entire event.
The workshop fee covers admission for one child and one accompanying parent or guardian.
Due to limited space, registration is required. Only 20 children will be accepted, and spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
All materials for the workshop will be provided by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, but participants are encouraged to bring their creativity and enthusiasm.
Photographs or videos may be taken during the event for promotional purposes. By attending the event, you consent to the use of such media in promotional materials by the organizers.
Registration is mandatory. In the event of a no-show or last-minute cancellation, please inform the organizers in advance to allow others to participate.
The organizers reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the workshop due to unforeseen circumstances, and in such cases, all registered participants will be notified promptly.
Due to the risk of allergens, no food or snacks will be provided during the workshop. We advise parents to bring their own food for their children.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or queries, please contact us at londra@yee.org.tr.
We look forward to welcoming you to this creative and fun event!

Experience Turkish Music: Bağlama Meşk Group Workshop (In-Person)
2025-10-28 18:30 - 19:30 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
An exclusive workshop will be held face-to-face with Ahmet Ozan Baysal at the Institute.

Workshop: Bağlama Meşk Session For All Levels
Date: Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 pm (UK time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Fee: £25 (for external participants)
💡 For students already enrolled in the Bağlama Course, participation in this Meşk session is free of charge.
Class Size: Min. 5 – Max. 15 Students
Instructor: Ahmet Ozan Baysal
Location: 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street and Goodge Street)
Workshop Overview
Open to guests, this special in-person group session at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London follows the traditional format of meşk gatherings — an immersive style of musical learning through listening, repetition, and collective performance.
The session lasts 60 minutes and offers a unique opportunity to engage with Turkish musical heritage in a vibrant, communal setting.
Entry Requirements

Participants must be 16 years or older.
Bringing your own Bağlama (Saz) is highly recommended.
If you play a different instrument and would like to join the Meşk session as part of the ensemble, you are also welcome to participate.

Disclaimer

The workshop will be delivered in English; however, some Turkish musical terminology may be used.
Please note that photography and filming may take place throughout the event for promotional and archival purposes. By registering, attendees consent to the use of their image and likeness in such materials.

Cancellation Policy

Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made at least 3 days before the scheduled session.
Cancellations made less than 3 days in advance are non-refundable.
If the session is cancelled by the organiser, all participants will receive a full refund.

For any questions, please contact us at londra@yee.org.tr

The Art of Disappearance: How Hiç Shapes Training and Artistic Practice
2025-11-13 19:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Soraya Syed and Bilal Badat explore how the Sufi principle of hiç—nothingness—lies at the very heart of artistic discipline and transmission

Organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, The Art of Disappearance: How Hiç Shapes Training and Artistic Practice will take place on Thursday, 13 November 2025, at 7:00 PM as part of the HİÇ: In Pursuit of Nothingness exhibition programme.
In this reflective conversation, Soraya Syed and Bilal Badat explore how the Sufi principle of hiç—nothingness—lies at the very heart of artistic discipline and transmission. Trained within the demanding tradition of Islamic calligraphy, both artists have encountered hiçlik not as an abstract idea but as a lived process: a gradual effacement of ego that allows the work to transcend the maker. Through their exchange, they invite audiences to consider how true artistic continuity depends not on assertion of self, but on its deliberate withdrawal.
The discussion opens with reflections on their formative years of training, where repetition, precision, and humility serve as the silent architecture of mastery. The act of writing—of surrendering to line, proportion, and breath—becomes both a technical and spiritual exercise, through which the artist learns to “become nothing” so that the tradition may live through the hand. From this foundation, Syed and Badat turn to their experiences as teachers, examining how the ancient chain of transmission (silsila) continues through those who carry its discipline into contemporary practice.
As they navigate the tensions between individuality and lineage, visibility and invisibility, they ask what it means to create within a world that rewards self-promotion yet is built on traditions of self-erasure. Their dialogue moves between philosophy, pedagogy, and lived experience, revealing how disappearance and endurance, silence and articulation, co-exist within the creative act.
Moderated by Nagihan Seymour, the session will also feature selected images from Soraya Syed’s artistic portfolio, illuminating how the gestures of ink, breath, and stillness manifest the metaphysics of hiç. The conversation thus extends beyond calligraphy to encompass the broader relationship between art, devotion, and self-transcendence—between form and the formless.
By situating the notion of hiç within the living context of artistic practice, this event offers more than a discussion—it invites a rethinking of what it means to make art at all. To become nothing, in this sense, is not to disappear, but to become transparent to the essence that moves through all creation.
📩 Questions? Email: londra@yee.org.tr
By aligning with the HİÇ: In Pursuit of Nothingness Exhibition, this panel extends the dialogue from the visual to the intellectual realm, exploring how the concept of hiç continues to shape both artistic thought and creative pedagogy. Within the wider exhibition programme, the conversation forms a reflective counterpart to the artworks on display—tracing how ideas of effacement, silence, and surrender find expression not only in material form but also in the artist’s inner discipline.
Together, these encounters invite audiences to reflect on hiçlik as a living principle that bridges art and being—a reminder that disappearance is not loss, but transformation; that in learning to vanish, the artist allows meaning itself to become visible.

Additional Information
• Please arrive by 6:30 PM to allow sufficient time for seating.
• The talk will last approximately 60 minutes including Q&A session and with no intermission.
• Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London (10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA) is easily accessible by public transport. Guests are encouraged to check local routes and parking options in advance.
• To ensure a focused and uninterrupted discussion, photography and video recording during the session are not permitted.
• Professional photography and videography will be carried out exclusively by authorized personnel of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London for archival, press, and promotional purposes. By attending this event, guests consent to the use of such materials.
• For any inquiries, please contact londra@yee.org.tr.

Nothingness (Self-Annihilation) in Mawlana Rumi’s Metaphysics
2025-11-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
The metaphysical and spiritual dimensions of hiçlik—nothingness—within the thought of Mawlana Jalal al-Din Rumi.

Organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, The Realization of Nothingness (Self-Annihilation) in Mawlana Rumi’s Metaphysics with Prof. Bilal Kuşpınar will take place on Saturday, 15 November 2025, at 1:00 PM, as part of the HİÇ: In Pursuit of Nothingness exhibition programme.
In this lecture, Prof. Bilal Kuşpınar, Professor of Islamic Philosophy and Mysticism at Necmettin Erbakan University, examines the ontological, psychological and spiritual dimensions of hiçlik—nothingness—within the metaphysical thought of Mawlana Jalal al-Din Rumi. Drawing on the Masnavi and broader Sufi philosophy, Prof. Kuşpınar reflects on how Rumi’s vision of Divine Love and self-effacement or self-annihilation offers a substantial understanding of Being and leads to spiritual transformation. His talk situates Rumi’s conceptions of fanāʾ (annihilation) and baqāʾ (subsistence) within the continuum of Islamic mystical philosophy, highlighting how these ideas illuminate the path from multiplicity to the Sea of Divine Unity.
Prof. Kuşpınar is a distinguished scholar of Islamic philosophy and mysticism. He received his PhD from McGill University and has taught and lectured widely across Türkiye, North America, and Europe. His research focuses on the intellectual history of the Islamic world, with particular emphasis on the philosophical and mystical traditions that flourished in the Ottoman and Persianate contexts. Known for bridging rigorous scholarship with spiritual insight, he has authored numerous studies on Islamic metaphysics, logic, and the philosophical legacy of Rumi.
Moderated by Nagihan Seymour, artist and curator of the HİÇ exhibition, the discussion offers a rare opportunity to engage with Rumi’s teachings through the lens of philosophy, metaphysics, and lived spirituality—revealing how his message of humility and transformation continues to resonate in the modern age.
📩 Questions? Email: londra@yee.org.tr
By aligning with the HİÇ: In Pursuit of Nothingness exhibition, this lecture contributes to the month-long exploration of absence, silence, and transcendence. Together, they invite audiences to contemplate how the state of hiçlik—to become nothing—is in truth a return to the boundless fullness of being.

Beyond Nothingness: Reflections on Being and Non-Being
2025-11-15 14:00 - 16:30 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Dr Koltaş delves into the intricate relationship between being (vücûd), non-being (adem), and nothingness (hiçlik).

Organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, Beyond Nothingness: Reflections on Being and Non-Being with Dr Nurullah Koltaş will take place on Saturday, 15 November 2025, at 2:00 PM, as part of the HİÇ: In Pursuit of Nothingness exhibition programme.
In this philosophical talk, Dr Koltaş delves into the intricate relationship between being (vücûd), non-being (adem), and nothingness (hiçlik), exploring how these concepts reveal the dynamic continuum of existence and consciousness within Islamic thought. Drawing upon Sufi metaphysics, he reflects on the human journey between presence and absence, and how the awareness of nothingness opens a path to understanding the Divine. The discussion connects philosophical reflection with aesthetic experience, situating hiçlik not as negation, but as the hidden ground of creation and renewal.
Moderated by Nagihan Seymour, artist and curator of the HİÇ exhibition, the talk invites audiences to engage with one of the central metaphysical questions of Sufism: how self-knowledge becomes the key to knowing God, as expressed in the saying “He who knows himself knows his Lord.”
Through a synthesis of classical reasoning and linguistic symbolism, Dr Koltaş examines how hiçlik—the threshold between being and annihilation—defines the inner logic of creation. Drawing on Islamic philosophical and theological sources as well as the aesthetics of hüsn-i hat (Islamic calligraphy), he explores how the written letter transforms into a metaphysical sign of transcendence. Moving from the visible form of language to the silence that lies beyond it, the talk reflects on how art, expression, and consciousness shape the human perception of truth.
📩 Questions? Email: londra@yee.org.tr
By aligning with the HİÇ: In Pursuit of Nothingness exhibition, this event offers a contemplative complement to the visual and performative works on display. Together, they invite audiences to consider hiçlik not as absence, but as the luminous threshold between existence and transcendence—a silence through which the reality of being becomes known.

Tea, Art and Nothingness: A Talk and Japanese Tea Ceremony
2025-11-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
A special evening invites audiences to experience the aesthetic and contemplative depth of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, Tea, Art, and Nothingness: A Talk and Japanese Tea Ceremony with Dr. Qayyim Naoki Yamamoto will take place on Friday, 21 November 2025, at 7:00 PM, as part of the HİÇ: In Pursuit of Nothingness exhibition programme.
Bridging the spiritual worlds of Türkiye and Japan, this special evening invites audiences to experience the aesthetic and contemplative depth of the Japanese tea ceremony through the perspective of Dr. Qayyim Naoki Yamamoto, Assistant Professor at Marmara University and founder of Japanese Islamicate Art. In his practice, Dr. Yamamoto explores the shared sensibilities of Sufism and Zen—discipline, harmony, and self-effacement-as—as parallel paths toward inner stillness and awakening. The event will be moderated by artist Nagihan Seymour, artist and curator of the HİÇ exhibition, who will guide the conversation on how artistic and spiritual disciplines intersect in both cultures.
The programme begins with a talk on the philosophy of hiç and mu—two words from distinct linguistic traditions yet resonant in meaning, both pointing toward the quiet disappearance of the self. Following the discussion, participants will observe a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, guided by Dr. Yamamoto, where each gesture embodies humility and presence. The evening will also include a viewing of his calligraphic work Mu (無): Hiç, presented within the exhibition, offering a visual reflection of the same idea: emptiness as the most profound form of fullness.
Through this intimate encounter of art, thought, and ritual, Tea, Art, and Nothingness opens a dialogue between two cultural lineages that meet in silence—revealing how beauty, in both Turkish and Japanese traditions, arises from simplicity, restraint, and the discipline of becoming nothing.
📩 Questions? Email: londra@yee.org.tr

By aligning with the HİÇ: In Pursuit of Nothingness exhibition, this event extends the dialogue between sound, form, and contemplation into the realm of ritual practice. Through Dr Yamamoto’s perspective, the evening bridges the meditative discipline of the Japanese tea ceremony with the Sufi understanding of hiçlik—revealing how, in both traditions, the path to beauty begins with humility and surrender. Together, they illuminate a shared spiritual language between Turkish and Japanese aesthetics, where silence speaks, emptiness creates, and the act of serving tea becomes an act of remembrance.

Workshop: İznik Tile Painting | Floral Patterns & Sufi Symbolism
2025-11-22 14:00 - 17:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Experience the meditative beauty of İznik ceramics and paint your own tile inspired by Ottoman flowers and Sufi philosophy.

Workshop: İznik Tile Painting | Floral Patterns
Part of the exhibition: Hiç: In Pursuit of Nothingness
Date: Saturday, 22 November 2025
Time: 2 – 5 pm
Instructor: Nagihan Seymour
Duration: 3 hours
Fee: £40 (includes all materials) + Eventbrite fee
💡 To avoid the Eventbrite fee, you can make your payment by bank transfer using the details below.
Class Size: Minimum 5 – Maximum 15 students
Location: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London
📍 10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street & Goodge Street)
Required Materials
All materials will be provided by the Institute.
Bank Transfer Details:
Bank Name: Metro Bank Tottenham Court Road
Account Name: Yunus Emre Institute
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account Number: 21902772
Reference: Your Full Name
(Please ensure you include your full name to process your payment correctly.)
Workshop Overview
Experience the meditative beauty of İznik tile painting, where colour, rhythm, and symbolism merge to express the harmony of nature and spirit. Led by artist and curator Nagihan Seymour, this immersive workshop invites you to explore the semi-stylised floral and natural motifs that have adorned İznik ceramics for centuries — including the tulip, rose, hyacinth, carnation, violet, pomegranate, and cypress.
In Turkish Sufi art and philosophy, each motif carries deep spiritual meaning:
the tulip (lâle), sharing the same Arabic letters as Allah, symbolises divine unity and oneness;
the rose (gül) evokes the beauty and compassion of the Prophet Muhammad;
the hyacinth (sümbül) represents inner awakening and grace;
the carnation (karanfil) conveys love, devotion, and balance between earthly and divine beauty;
the pomegranate (nar) symbolises abundance, fertility, and the unity within multiplicity;
the violet (menekşe) embodies humility and self-effacement — the essence of hiçlik or “nothingness”;
and the cypress (servi) stands tall as a symbol of eternal life, steadfastness, and spiritual direction.
Through these timeless symbols, İznik art becomes a contemplative act — a visual prayer connecting the artist with creation and the Creator.
In this hands-on session, you will be introduced to traditional İznik techniques before transferring and painting your own tile inspired by floral patterns. Your finished piece will be glazed and kiln-fired, ready for collection from the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London. Please note that while every care is taken during firing, ceramics can occasionally crack in the kiln.
Open to all levels, this workshop offers not only an introduction to one of Türkiye’s most cherished art forms, but also a reflective journey into the harmony between nature, beauty, and the divine.
About the Exhibition
Hiç: In Pursuit of Nothingness explores the Sufi concept of “hiç” — meaning nothingness — through calligraphy, illumination, and ceramic art.
Curated by Nagihan Seymour, the exhibition offers a contemplative journey bridging traditional Turkish art and contemporary expression.
Rooted in the philosophy of transcending the self to achieve harmony with the whole, hiç invites visitors to reflect on mindfulness, ego, and existence in the modern world.
Alongside the display, visitors can join workshops, talks, and guided tours for a deeper engagement with the spirit of the exhibition.
🗓️ Exhibition Dates: 4–30 November 2025
📍 Venue: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London
Workshop Policies and Guidelines

The workshop is primarily taught in English, but some terminology may be in Turkish. Your instructor will clarify any terms or concepts as needed during the class.
For your safety and comfort, we recommend avoiding wearing loose clothing, especially items with large cuffs and neckties, during classes.
While the Institute strives to maintain a safe learning environment, students are reminded that they are solely responsible for the security of their personal belongings. The Institute assumes no liability for any loss or damage to personal items incurred during course activities.
The Institute endeavors to maintain a conducive learning environment by ensuring that courses meet a minimum enrollment. If this requirement is not met by the end of the registration period, the Institute reserves the right to cancel the course/ workshop one day prior to its scheduled start. In such cases, any course fees paid by enrolled students will be promptly refunded in full. Refunds will be processed to the student’s designated bank account, unless the course was purchased online, in which case refunds will be issued via PayPal.
Applicants can withdraw their application without incurring any charges up until the commencement date of the workshop. No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made after the day of the workshop.
Photography and videos may be taken during classes for archival and promotional purposes. Your participation in the class implies consent for us to use these materials. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please inform your instructor.
Your feedback is valuable to us. If you have any suggestions or concerns regarding the class structure or content, please feel free to discuss them with your instructor, the administrative staff or the coordinator at londra@yee.org.tr

By enrolling in the course, students acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the aforementioned termsand conditions.

Workshop: The Breath of Nothingness | Ney Meşk
2025-11-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
An exclusive workshop will be held face-to-face with Ney player Murat Ferhat Yegül at the Institute.

Workshop: The Breath of Nothingness | Ney for All Levels
Part of the exhibition: Hiç: In Pursuit of Nothingness
Date: Friday, 28 November 2025
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm (UK time)
Duration: 3 hours with a short break
Fee: £30 (for external participants)
💡 For students already enrolled in the Ney Course, participation in this workshop is free of charge.
Class Size: Minimum 5 – Maximum 15 students
Instructor: Murat Ferhat Yegül
Location: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London
📍 10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street & Goodge Street)
Payment Information
To avoid the Eventbrite service fee, please make your payment via bank transfer using the details below, and email your payment receipt to londra@yee.org.tr.
Bank Name: Metro Bank Tottenham Court Road
Account Name: Yunus Emre Institute
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account Number: 21902772
Reference: Your Full Name
Entry Requirements
Participants must be 16 years or older.
Bringing your own Ney is highly recommended.
If you play a different instrument and would like to join the Meşk session as part of the ensemble, you are also welcome to participate.
Workshop Overview
Open to guests, this special in-person Ney Meşk Session at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London invites participants to experience the traditional meşk style of musical learning — an immersive practice built on listening, repetition, and collective performance.
Led by Murat Ferhat Yegül, this three-hour session offers both beginners and experienced players a chance to explore the timeless sound of the Ney, one of the most symbolic instruments in Ottoman and Turkish Sufi music.
Through group exercises focused on breath, tone, and simple melodic phrasing, participants will connect with the Ney’s meditative depth — a sound long associated with the Sufi pursuit of hiçlik (nothingness).
Authentic reed (kane) Neys — not plastic ones — will be used throughout the workshop. Those who wish to purchase their own instrument will have the opportunity to buy a high-quality Ney starting from £20.
This meşk-style workshop also offers an excellent starting point for those interested in joining our online Ney course beginning in January 2026, as participants will have the unique opportunity to take their first session face-to-face before continuing their musical journey online.
For any questions about Neys , participants are welcome to contact the instructor, Murat Ferhat Yegül, directly via Instagram DM @muradferhadyegul
Engage with Turkish musical heritage in a vibrant, communal, and contemplative setting — and let the breath of the Ney guide you into the spirit of hiçlik.
About the Exhibition
Hiç: In Pursuit of Nothingness explores the Sufi concept of “hiç” — meaning nothingness — through calligraphy, illumination, and ceramic art.
Curated by Nagihan Seymour, the exhibition offers a contemplative journey bridging traditional Turkish art and contemporary expression.
Rooted in the philosophy of transcending the self to achieve harmony with the whole, hiç invites visitors to reflect on mindfulness, ego, and existence in the modern world.
Alongside the display, visitors can join workshops, talks, and guided tours for a deeper engagement with the spirit of the exhibition.
🗓️ Exhibition Dates: 4–30 November 2025
📍 Venue: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London
Workshop Policies and Guidelines

The workshop is primarily taught in English, but some terminology may be in Turkish. Your instructor will clarify any terms or concepts as needed during the class.
For your safety and comfort, we recommend avoiding wearing loose clothing, especially items with large cuffs and neckties, during classes.
While the Institute strives to maintain a safe learning environment, students are reminded that they are solely responsible for the security of their personal belongings. The Institute assumes no liability for any loss or damage to personal items incurred during course activities.
The Institute endeavors to maintain a conducive learning environment by ensuring that courses meet a minimum enrollment. If this requirement is not met by the end of the registration period, the Institute reserves the right to cancel the course/ workshop one day prior to its scheduled start. In such cases, any course fees paid by enrolled students will be promptly refunded in full. Refunds will be processed to the student’s designated bank account, unless the course was purchased online, in which case refunds will be issued via PayPal.
Applicants can withdraw their application without incurring any charges up until the commencement date of the workshop. No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made after the day of the workshop.
Photography and videos may be taken during classes for archival and promotional purposes. Your participation in the class implies consent for us to use these materials. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please inform your instructor.
Your feedback is valuable to us. If you have any suggestions or concerns regarding the class structure or content, please feel free to discuss them with your instructor, the administrative staff or the coordinator at londra@yee.org.tr

By enrolling in the course, students acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the aforementioned termsand conditions.

Kut al Amara – From Tale to Truth | Documentary Film Screening & Q&A
2025-11-28 18:30 - 22:00 | Birkbeck University Cinema, 43 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PD, United Kingdom
Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, in collaboration with Birkbeck, University of London, presents a special screening of Kut al Amara – From Tale to Truth on Friday, 28 November 2025, at 6:30 PM at Birkbeck University Cinema.
Kut al Amara – From Tale to Truth, written and directed by Koray Demir, uncovers a lesser-known yet pivotal episode of World War I — the Siege of Kut. The documentary tells the story of how a past superpower fell to one of the weakest communities, combining years of research, field trips to battlefields, and interviews with Turkish, British, and Arab historians, journalists, and descendants of tribal leaders. Filming took place over three years across seven countries: Türkiye, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the USA. Despite the dangerous conditions of the war zones, the production team successfully filmed all battlefields, creating a visually compelling and historically rich documentary.
Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with director Koray Demir, moderated by Prof. Nezih Erdoğan. They will discuss the historical context, the film’s visual language, and the process of revisiting collective memory through cinema.
Koray Demir is a Turkish filmmaker and historian known for his documentaries exploring history, identity, and collective memory. Prof. Nezih Erdoğan teaches Film Theory, Film History, and Storytelling at Istinye University, Istanbul, and has published extensively on cinema, colonial discourse, national identity, and the reception of Hollywood in Türkiye.
Event DetailsDate: Friday, 28 November 2025Time: 6:30 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)Duration: 100 minutesLocation: Birkbeck University Cinema, 43 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PD
Don’t miss this thought-provoking screening — reserve your spot here

Concert: Nothingness in Sufism: The Journey of Sound and Silence
2025-11-29 19:00 - 21:00 | St Cyprian’s Clarence Gate, Glentworth St, London, NW1 6AX, United Kingdom
The concert offers a profound exploration of the Sufi notion of hiçlik—nothingness—through the intertwined languages of Turkish Sufi music.
About this event
Organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, Nothingness in Sufism: The Journey of Sound and Silence will take place on Saturday, 29 November 2025, at 7:00 PM at St Cyprian’s Clarence Gate in London, as part of the HİÇ: In Pursuit of Nothingness exhibition programme. The concert offers a profound exploration of the Sufi notion of hiçlik—nothingness—through the intertwined languages of classical Turkish Sufi music, Alevi-Bektashi hymns, and Mevlevi ritual compositions. Drawing upon the spiritual aesthetics of sound and silence, it aims to translate the metaphysical journey of self-effacement into a musical form accessible to both the heart and the intellect.
The performance is conceived as a four-part narrative that mirrors the Sufi path toward unity: Awareness of Being, The Path of Melâmet, Dissolution in Divine Love, and Hiçlik. Each movement embodies a distinct stage of spiritual transformation, from the recognition of worldly existence to the transcendence of the self in divine presence. Through this progression, the programme reveals how Sufi thought perceives sound as a mirror of being, and silence as the ultimate expression of surrender.
The repertoire features selected works from the classical tekke tradition, Alevi-Bektashi hymns, and Mevlevi ayins, presenting the verses of Yunus Emre, Kaygusuz Abdal, Niyazî-i Mısrî, Pir Sultan Abdal, and other mystic poets whose words have shaped the spiritual and artistic imagination of Anatolia. Their poems, set to the modal structures of Turkish makam music, articulate the subtle interplay between presence and absence, longing and annihilation, word and void.
Performed by Serda Türkel Oter (vocals), Eray Cinpir (vocals and percussion), Murat Ferhat Yegül (ney), Serdar Yılmaz (qanun), and Tolga Oter (oud), the concert brings together musicians deeply rooted in the living heritage of Sufi music, uniting technical mastery with contemplative depth. Each piece is treated not as performance but as invocation—an act of remembrance that resonates with the inner rhythm of the sacred.
In this evening of sound and contemplation, you are invited to listen not only with the ear, but with the soul—to witness how the echoes of ney, the resonance of the oud, and the voice of devotion merge into stillness. Within the quietude of St Cyprian’s, Tasavvufta Hiçlik: The Journey of Sound and Silence offers a rare occasion to experience the essence of Sufi thought through the universal language of music—a journey into the heart of nothingness.
📩 Questions? Email: londra@yee.org.tr
By aligning with the HİÇ: In Pursuit of Nothingness Exhibition, the concert forms part of a month-long artistic dialogue between sound and form, material and immaterial, self and surrender. Together, they invite audiences to contemplate the paradox of hiçlik—to perceive nothingness not as emptiness, but as the fertile silence in which the divine becomes audible.
Additional Information:

Please arrive by 6:15 PM to ensure timely seating. Late entry will not be permitted after 7:15 PM to avoid disruption.

The event lasts approximately 60 minutes with no intermission.

St Cyprian’s Clarence Gate is easily accessible by public transport; please check local routes and parking options.

Dress code is smart casual. Please wear comfortable shoes as seating is unreserved.

Professional photography and videography will be carried out exclusively by authorized personnel appointed by the organizer. Please be advised that recording and photography will take place during the event for archival, marketing, and promotional purposes. By attending this event, you consent to the Yunus Emre Institute capturing and using images and footage for these purposes.

For any inquiries, contact us at londra@yee.org.tr

Crafting Authentic Turkish Coffee – A Hands-On Cultural Workshop
2025-12-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Crafting Authentic Turkish Coffee – A Hands-On Cultural Workshop

Special Edition for World Turkish Coffee Day
📅 Date: Friday, 5 December 2025 (World Turkish Coffee Day)
⏰ Time: 6–8 pm
⏳ Duration: 2 hours
💷 Fee: £45 (includes all materials)
👥 Class Size: Min. 5 – Max. 10 participants
👩‍🏫 Instructor: Ayşe Kapusuz
📍 Location: 10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA (Nearest stations: Warren Street & Goodge Street)
🔞 Age Requirement: 16+
🌐 Open to All – No prior experience required
📝 Registration: Please complete the form to secure your place
Workshop Overview
On 5 December, World Turkish Coffee Day offers a moment to honour a tradition inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. More than a drink, Turkish coffee embodies centuries of ritual, memory, and social exchange. Guided by Ayşe Kapusuz, this workshop unfolds that heritage through taste, story, and ceremony, inviting participants to experience a cultural legacy that continues to shape conversations across generations.You will:

Explore the history and cultural significance of Turkish coffee with engaging visuals.
Learn the art of brewing coffee in a traditional cezve pot, step by step.
Taste and compare three distinctive styles of Turkish coffee: Traditional, Coquettish, and Tatar.
Enjoy Turkish delights carefully paired to complement each brew.
Experience the rituals and symbolism that make Turkish coffee more than just a drink—it’s a way of connecting and sharing.

The highlight of the evening will be hands-on practice, where you’ll prepare your own Turkish coffee under expert guidance. By the end, you will leave with practical brewing skills, a deeper appreciation of coffee’s role in Turkish culture, and memories of celebrating International Coffee Day in a truly authentic way.
Assessment / Outcome
Participants will receive personalized feedback throughout the workshop to refine their brewing techniques and cultural understanding. By the end of the session, you will have learned how to prepare three distinct types of Turkish coffee and gained practical skills for recreating them at home.
This experience will serve as both a cultural immersion and a tangible skill set, enabling you to bring the taste and ritual of Turkish coffee into your everyday life. Additionally, you will leave with a deeper appreciation of the traditions and significance of coffee within Turkish culture.
Methods of Teaching
This workshop blends:

Demonstrations: Brewing techniques explained step by step by Ayşe Kapusuz.
Hands-on practice: Prepare your own Turkish coffee using the traditional cezve, with expert support.
Cultural storytelling: Discover the rituals, history, and symbolism behind Turkish coffee.
Tastings: Pair each brew with carefully selected Turkish delights for a full sensory experience.

Required Equipment & Materials
All equipment and ingredients are provided by the Institute and the Instructor. Just bring your curiosity!
Workshop Policies and Guidelines
Language: Classes are primarily taught in English, though some terminology may be in Turkish. Instructors will clarify when needed.
Age requirement: Some courses/workshops may have age restrictions (e.g. 16+). Please check individual event details before booking.
Safety & comfort: Please avoid loose clothing (large cuffs, ties, etc.) during practical sessions.
Health & allergies: If you have any relevant health concerns or food allergies (for workshops with tastings), please inform the instructor in advance.
Accessibility: Please let us know if you require any accessibility support so we can assist you.
Personal belongings: Participants are responsible for their own items. The Institute cannot accept liability for loss or damage.
Punctuality: To ensure full benefit from the class, please arrive on time.
Minimum numbers: Courses/workshops require a minimum number of participants. If this is not met, the Institute may cancel one day before the start date, with full refunds issued.
Withdrawals & refunds: Cancellations are accepted up until the start date with no charge. After the class/workshop has begun, fees are non-refundable.
Certificates: Certificates of participation may be provided for selected courses.
Photography: Sessions may be photographed or filmed for archival and promotional purposes. Please inform the instructor if you prefer not to appear.
Communication: Any changes (e.g. time or date adjustments) will be communicated to participants by email.
Feedback: Suggestions and concerns are always welcome – speak to your instructor or email us at londra@yee.org.tr.
By enrolling in the workshop, students acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the aforementioned terms and conditions.

Experience Turkish Music: Bağlama Meşk Group Workshop (In-Person)
2025-12-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
An exclusive workshop will be held face-to-face with Ahmet Ozan Baysal at the Institute.

Workshop: Bağlama Meşk Session For All Levels
Date: Tuesday, 9 December 2025
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 pm (UK time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Fee: £25 (for external participants)
💡 For students already enrolled in the Bağlama Course, participation in this Meşk session is free of charge.
Class Size: Min. 5 – Max. 15 Students
Instructor: Ahmet Ozan Baysal
Location: 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street and Goodge Street)
Workshop Overview
Open to guests, this special in-person group session at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London follows the traditional format of meşk gatherings — an immersive style of musical learning through listening, repetition, and collective performance.
The session lasts 60 minutes and offers a unique opportunity to engage with Turkish musical heritage in a vibrant, communal setting.
Entry Requirements

Participants must be 16 years or older.
Bringing your own Bağlama (Saz) is highly recommended.
If you play a different instrument and would like to join the Meşk session as part of the ensemble, you are also welcome to participate.

Disclaimer

The workshop will be delivered in English; however, some Turkish musical terminology may be used.
Please note that photography and filming may take place throughout the event for promotional and archival purposes. By registering, attendees consent to the use of their image and likeness in such materials.

Cancellation Policy

Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made at least 3 days before the scheduled session.
Cancellations made less than 3 days in advance are non-refundable.
If the session is cancelled by the organiser, all participants will receive a full refund.

For any questions, please contact us at londra@yee.org.tr

Muslim Europe | Book Signing & Talk with Tharik Hussain
2025-12-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Award-winning author and journalist Tharik Hussain joins us a talk and book signing dedicated to his new work, Muslim Europe.

Award-winning author and journalist Tharik Hussain joins us on 9 December 2025 at 7:00 PM, as part of the Arts & Culture Lecture Series at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, for a talk and book signing dedicated to his new work, Muslim Europe: A Journey in Search of a Fourteen Hundred Year History, published by Viking (Penguin Random House).
Hussain’s latest book opens a long-overlooked chapter in European history.
For over 1,400 years, Muslims have shaped the intellectual, cultural and political landscapes of the continent—yet their presence has often been marginalised or erased in dominant narratives. Through extensive travel across Sicily, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and beyond, Hussain reconstructs this forgotten story, uncovering caliphal courts, Sufi lodges, scientific academies and thriving multicultural cities.
The talk will explore the key themes of the book, including Europe’s early Muslim communities; contributions to science, philosophy and the arts; the intertwined histories of Jewish, Christian and Muslim populations; and the emergence of what Hussain describes as Europe’s “anti-Muslim DNA” through Crusade narratives and modern nation-building myths.
The session will conclude with an audience Q&A and a book signing.

For more information on the event, please visit Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London’s Website: https://yeelondon.org.uk/ or email us at londra@yee.org.tr

IMPORTANT NOTES: Please note that photography and filming will take place during this event for archiving, marketing, and promotional purposes. By attending, you give your consent to Yunus Emre Institute to use such images and footage in related publications, digital platforms, and promotional materials.
