Tea, Art and Nothingness: A Talk and Japanese Tea Ceremony
2025-11-21 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | 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.

Turkish Culture Night
2025-12-12 18:30 - 21:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Please note this event is ONLY for our Turkish course students.

You’re invited to an evening of live music, fun games, and Turkish foods all while practising your Turkish! Join us on Friday 12th December 2025 – 6:30 pm at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London for our exciting Turkish Culture Night!
We know you have been working very hard to learn Turkish throughout the term, and so we have organised an event for all those enrolled in our courses to get a taste of Türkiye right here in London and to also offer another opportunity for you all to meet your course-mates and teachers in a relaxed atmosphere!
There will be games to play, music and many more activities waiting in store! Now is the time to showcase the Turkish you have learned, and to reveal your knowledge with poems, games, plays, riddles and songs. In addition to all of this, authentic Turkish foods, desserts and drinks that we all love will be available for you to enjoy throughout the evening!
As this is your night, you will have an opportunity to prepare a variety of performances with your teachers. We are also open to any suggestions coming from all students about activities they would like organised.
This event is free of charge to attend for all Turkish course students, however, registration is essential.
Please register through the following link if you plan to join using the Culture Night: Turkish Culture Night Registration Form.
As always, you are more than welcome to contact us if you have any questions.

Evening details:
Date: Friday 12th December 2025
Time: 6:30 – 9:00 PM
Location: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple St, London W1T 5HA
Ticket: THIS EVENT IS FREE to attend but REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL and is ONLY for our Turkish course students.
For more information for this event, please email the Institute via londra@yee.org.tr

Gönül Yeprem ile Neşeli Notalar | Cheerful Tunes with Gönül Yeprem
2025-12-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Öğretmen, besteci ve sanatçı Gönül Yeprem ile eğlenceli ritimler, şarkılar ve oyunlarla dolu “Neşeli Notalar” atölyesinde buluşuyoruz!

🇹🇷 Neşeli Notalar – Gönül Yeprem ile Müzik Atölyesi
(Scroll down for English ↓)
🎶 Öğretmen, besteci ve sanatçı Gönül Yeprem ile eğlenceli ritimler, şarkılar ve oyunlarla dolu “Neşeli Notalar” atölyesinde buluşuyoruz!
📅 Tarih ve Saat:
13 Aralık Cumartesi · 12:00–13:00
Kapı açılış: 11:30
📍 Yer:
Londra Yunus Emre Enstitüsü
10 Maple Street, London W1T 5HA
ℹ️ Bilmeniz İyi Olur
👧 Yaş Grubu: 4–9 yaş (Çocuklara ebeveynleri eşlik etmelidir)
🏫 Etkinlik Türü: Yüz yüze
🗣️ Etkinlik Dili: Türkçe
🎟️ Ücret: £8.5 (1 çocuk ve 1 ebeveyn için geçerlidir)
🎨 Aile & Eğitim Etkinliği
Bu keyifli müzik atölyesinde çocuklar, şarkılar, ritimler, bilmeceler ve hareketli oyunlarla müziğin neşeli dünyasını keşfedecekler. Gönül Yeprem’in enerjisiyle yönlendirdiği bu etkinlikte çocuklar; ritim duygusunu, dinleme becerilerini ve yaratıcılıklarını geliştirirken aynı zamanda müzik aracılığıyla kendilerini ifade etmenin farklı yollarını deneyimleyecekler.
✨ 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.
🇬🇧 Cheerful Tunes – Music Workshop with Gönül Yeprem
🎶 Join teacher, composer, and artist Gönül Yeprem for “Cheerful Tunes” — a joyful workshop filled with rhythm, songs, and musical play!
📅 Date and Time:
Saturday, 13 December · 12:00–13:00
Doors open at 11:30am
📍 Location:
Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London
10 Maple Street, London W1T 5HA
ℹ️ Good to Know
👧 Age Group: 4–9 years (Parents must accompany their children)
🏫 Event Type: In person
🗣️ Language: Turkish
🎟️ Fee: £8.5 (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.

Bilgilendirme (Disclaimer)
Yunus Kids’ Club etkinliğine katılarak aşağıdaki şartları kabul etmiş olursunuz:

Atölye, 4–9 yaş aralığındaki çocuklar için tasarlanmıştır.
Ebeveyn veya yasal vasiler, etkinlik süresince çocuklarına eşlik etmekle yükümlüdür.
Atölye ücreti, bir çocuk ve bir ebeveyn veya vasi için katılım hakkını kapsamaktadır.
Katılımcı sayısı sınırlıdır; yalnızca 25 çocuk kabul edilecek olup, kayıtlar başvuru sırasına göre alınacaktır.
Atölye için gerekli tüm malzemeler Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – Londra tarafından temin edilecektir; ancak katılımcıların yaratıcılıklarını ve enerjilerini getirmeleri teşvik edilir.
Etkinlik sırasında tanıtım amacıyla fotoğraf veya video çekimi yapılabilir. Katılarak, bu görsel materyallerin Enstitü tarafından tanıtım amaçlı kullanılmasına onay vermiş olursunuz.
Kayıt zorunludur. Katılamama veya son dakika iptali durumunda, diğer katılımcılara yer açılması için lütfen organizatörlere önceden bilgi veriniz.
Organizasyon ekibi, öngörülemeyen durumlar nedeniyle atölyeyi iptal etme veya yeniden planlama hakkını saklı tutar. Böyle bir durumda kayıtlı tüm katılımcılara en kısa sürede bilgi verilecektir.
Alerjen riski nedeniyle atölye sırasında yiyecek veya atıştırmalık servisi yapılmayacaktır. Ebeveynlerin çocukları için kendi yiyeceklerini getirmeleri tavsiye edilir.

Anlayışınız ve iş birliğiniz için teşekkür ederiz.
Her türlü soru veya talebiniz için bizimle londra@yee.org.tr adresinden iletişime geçebilirsiniz.
Bu eğlenceli ve yaratıcı etkinlikte sizleri ağırlamayı sabırsızlıkla bekliyoruz!
Bu eğlenceli ve yaratıcı etkinlikte sizi aramızda görmek için sabırsızlanıyoruz!
Disclaimer
By participating in the Yunus Kids’ Club event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

The workshop is designed for children aged 7–15 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 25 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!

Turkish Bookshelf: Sait Faik Abasıyanık - Sleeping in the Forest
2026-01-09 18:30 - 20:30
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. In this months session we will be reading Sait Faik Abasıyanık – Sleeping in the Forest: Stories and Poems, a must-read that ranges from the realistic to the surrealistic, from the romantic to the modern, from the cynical to the compassionate
To order a book you can do so using the following link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sleeping-Forest-Stories-Literature-Translation/dp/0815608047
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 on the event, please visit Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London’s Eventbrite page: https://TurkishBookshelf_SaitFaikAbasiyanik.eventbrite.co.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.

Educational Seminar | Supporting Turkish as a Heritage Language in the UK
2026-01-14 10:30 - 13:30
Hosted by the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London and organized by the London Education Counsellor’s Office, this vital seminar brings together experts and practitioners to explore the complexities of maintaining Turkish as a heritage language within the UK.
Featuring Dr. Hasret Saygı and Dr. Sara Young from University College London (UCL), the event presents key research findings on the educational experiences of Turkish families, focusing on the dual challenges of English language acquisition and the preservation of their native tongue. Beyond academic presentations, the seminar serves as a collaborative forum where educators can share their professional insights and challenges, culminating in an optional roundtable discussion designed to shape future educational resources and support systems. Conducted primarily in Turkish, this session offers a unique space for teachers, researchers, and families to collectively strengthen the linguistic and cultural foundations of the Turkish-speaking community in the British school system.
For more information and to register click here!

Londra Yunus Emre Enstitüsü ev sahipliğinde ve Londra Eğitim Müşavirliği iş birliğiyle düzenlenen bu önemli seminer, Birleşik Krallık’ta Türkçenin bir ana dili/miras dil olarak korunmasının karmaşıklığını ele almak üzere uzmanları ve eğitimcileri bir araya getiriyor.
University College London (UCL) araştırmacıları Dr. Hasret Saygı ve Dr. Sara Young‘ın katılımıyla gerçekleşecek etkinlikte, Türk ailelerin eğitim deneyimlerine dair saha araştırması bulguları paylaşılacak; özellikle İngilizce edinimi ile ana dilin korunması arasında karşılaşılan çift yönlü zorluklara odaklanılacaktır. Akademik sunumların ötesinde, eğitimcilerin mesleki deneyimlerini ve beklentilerini paylaşabilecekleri ortak bir platform sunan seminer, gelecekteki eğitim materyalleri ve destek sistemlerine yön vermek amacıyla isteğe bağlı bir yuvarlak masa toplantısıyla sona erecektir. Büyük ölçüde Türkçe olarak gerçekleştirilecek bu oturum, öğretmenler, araştırmacılar ve aileler için Birleşik Krallık eğitim sistemi içindeki Türk dilli toplumun dilsel ve kültürel temellerini kolektif bir şekilde güçlendirmek adına eşsiz bir alan sunmaktadır.
Detaylı Bilgi ve Kayıt

Posters to the Olive Tree of Exile
2026-01-16 - 2026-01-30
Supported by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, and presented by P21 Gallery Posters to the Olive Tree of Exile, a solo exhibition by Turkish artist A. Yusuf Aygeç, will be on view from 15 to 30 January 2026 at P21 Gallery, 21-27 Chalton Street, London NW1 1JD, UK. Curated by Samed Karagöz, the exhibition foregrounds the power of art to preserve memory and bear witness—particularly in the aftermath of Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza since October 2023, destruction widely described by international human rights organisations as “genocidal in nature.”
In Aygeç’s works, the line itself touches the fragile layers of both personal and collective memory. Displacement, loss, mourning, and resistance emerge not as direct representations of violence, but as a quiet, resonant light shaping the artist’s aesthetic language.
Each drawing becomes a letter—not addressed to an individual, but to the olive tree, a symbol of endurance and resistance throughout the histories of the Mediterranean and Palestine. This conceptual framework is also reflected clearly in the texts accompanying the exhibition.
Since October 2023, Gaza has witnessed the destruction of entire neighbourhoods, the displacement of hundreds of thousands, and the systematic targeting of civilians. This period has been defined by many across the international community as a crime against humanity and an act of genocide.
Aygeç’s works do not attempt to visually recreate this devastation; instead, they make visible the psychological and emotional reverberations of such rupture. The drawings stand as a visual archive against erasure—an aesthetic field of resistance that insists on remembering when forgetting becomes a political tool.
Many works echo lines from the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish, the Palestinian “national poet.” Throughout the exhibition, these verses resonate like wind passing through branches, creating a subtle memory-line between Darwish’s words and Aygeç’s images.
Posters to the Olive Tree of Exile underscores the role of art as an ethical space of witnessing in the face of the ongoing humanitarian disaster resulting from Israel’s attacks on Gaza after 2023. The exhibition invites viewers not merely to observe a tragedy, but to remember and remind—to resist the mechanisms through which history attempts to erase lives, stories, and landscapes.
The exhibition opening reception will take place on 15 January 2026 18:00-20:00. Click here to RSVP

Curators

Curated by Samed Karagöz, Samed is a curator, writer, and television producer whose exhibitions focus on memory, exile, resistance, and contemporary political aesthetics.

The Timeless Splendor of Turkish Tile Art: Kütahya Tiles
2026-01-16 18:30 - 20:00
Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London is honored to host an immersive lecture titled “The Timeless Splendor of Turkish Tile Art: Kütahya Tiles,” featuring the esteemed historian and Rector of Kütahya Dumlupınar University, Prof. Dr. Süleyman Kızıltoprak. This comprehensive session invites art historians, designers, and cultural enthusiasts to explore the rich legacy of Kütahya, a city that has served as a cornerstone of ceramic and tile production from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods through to the modern era. By tracing the historical development of this enduring tradition, Prof. Dr. Kızıltoprak will illustrate how Kütahya’s artistic output evolved alongside significant political and cultural shifts, maintaining a distinct identity that sets it apart from other major centers like İznik.
Through a detailed presentation of historical sources and architectural examples, the talk delves into the technical mastery behind the art, examining the specific terminology, intricate patterns, and vibrant color palettes that define the Kütahya style. Attendees will discover how the city’s openness to multicultural influences and its integration into international trade networks allowed it to sustain production over centuries, deeply intertwining the art form with everyday life. This event serves as a vital bridge between the past and present, offering a unique opportunity to engage with a living artistic tradition that continues to shape global visual culture and preserve Anatolia’s historical memory.
Register Here!

Exhibition | Traces of Memory by Lütfü Kaplanoğlu
2026-01-19 10:00 - 2026-02-06 18:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Traces of Memory, an exhibition that opens a quiet dialogue between memory, time, and inner experience.
Traces of Memory is a solo exhibition by Prof. Dr Lütfü Kaplanoğlu, taking place between 19 January and 6 February 2026, and organised by the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, with curatorial support from GOYA. Curated by Yaman Pakdil, the exhibition brings together a series of works that explore the fragile boundaries between memory, time, and the human inner world through a contemporary artistic language.
Kaplanoğlu’s paintings are centred around solitary figures, always seen from behind. These figures are not anonymous bodies, nor do they seek to define identity. Instead, they function as thresholds, inviting viewers into an interior landscape shaped by sensation rather than narrative. Memory here does not return as a complete image, but as fragments: a colour, a gesture, a feeling that quietly resurfaces.
What distinguishes Kaplanoğlu’s work is the way the viewer becomes a silent participant. As the distance between subject and observer gradually dissolves, attention shifts inward. One begins by looking at the figure, and almost without noticing, begins to look at oneself. In this sense, memory becomes the medium through which the works are experienced.
The exhibition’s curatorial framework draws on the idea of memory as a soft, malleable material, something that bends, compresses, and reshapes itself over time, much like memory foam. Building on this idea, Traces of Memory extends beyond the painted surface through a participatory installation titled The Memory Wall. Visitors are invited to leave a single word in response to the works, capturing whatever the paintings awaken within them.
As the exhibition unfolds, these words accumulate, overlap, and sometimes contradict one another, forming a collective emotional topography shaped by individual traces. In this way, the viewers become an integral part of the exhibition, completing a living archive of shared remembrance.
Traces of Memory invites audiences to reflect on how memory is formed, carried, and quietly sustained, and how the most enduring impressions are often those we can only approach indirectly.
The exhibition opening reception will take place on 19 January 2026. Click here to RSVP

Music Across Borders: Türkiye and Its Cultural Neighbours | A Listening Club
2026-01-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Join the first session of Music Across Borders, a Listening Club series exploring the musical connections between Türkiye and its cultural neighbours. Moderated by musicologist and pianist Prof. Dr Mine Doğantan-Dack, this opening session focuses on shared musical traditions of the Balkans and Türkiye’s Trakya region.
In this opening session, The Balkans, participants will explore shared myths, folk narratives, and musical traditions spanning the Northern Balkans and Türkiye’s Trakya region. The session will introduce the emotional world of Sevdalinka—often described as the “Balkan Blues”—alongside selected Turkish and Balkan musicians, through a mix of historical recordings and contemporary interpretations.
Guided by Prof. Dr Mine Doğantan-Dack, the session is based on close listening and reflection, supported by visual materials such as maps, videos, and instrument guides. Participants are invited to share impressions and engage with music as a living cultural heritage that moves across borders.
Session I — The BalkansExplore the first week’s curated listening list and playlist here:

No musical training required – open to all music lovers and curious listeners.
This session is part of a six-session Listening Club series exploring musical cultures across the Balkans, the Levant, the Aegean, Persia, the Turkic world, and the Ottoman musical sphere. For more info please click here!

BCLT International Literary Translation & Creative Writing Summer School
2026-02-02 - 2026-03-15
BCLT International Literary Translation & Creative Writing Summer School 2026
The BCLT International Literary Translation & Creative Writing Summer School 2026 will take place online from Monday 20 July to Friday 24 July 2026.
The Summer School is delivered by the British Centre for Literary Translation (BCLT) at the University of East Anglia in partnership with the National Centre for Writing (NCW).
In 2026, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London is pleased to support the Turkish–English Literary Translation Workshop as part of the Summer School programme, contributing to the development of literary translation between Turkish and English and to the visibility of contemporary Turkish literature in the UK.

Fees
The full cost of attending the Summer School is £375.00.
A number of bursaries and funded places are available for selected workshops, subject to eligibility and availability.
For the Turkish–English workshop, bursary support is made possible through the contribution of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, helping to ensure access for emerging and early-career translators.
Further details about eligibility and the application process can be found below.
About the Summer School
Now in its 26th year, the BCLT Summer School is an established and internationally recognised professional development programme for literary translators.
At its core are intensive literary translation workshops, led by experienced translators and editors, working from a wide range of languages into English. Participants engage in close textual analysis, collaborative discussion, and practical translation work in a structured yet supportive environment.
The programme also includes:

Two creative writing workshops for literary translators
Plenary panels addressing professional practice and the theory of translation
Opportunities for networking and informal exchange with translators, editors, authors, and publishers

The Summer School offers a rigorous and intellectually stimulating environment in which translators refine their craft, expand their professional networks, and engage meaningfully with the wider literary translation community.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 MARCH 2026
For more information Click Here!

Why History Matters? Yakoob Ahmed | Talk & Book Signing
2026-02-06 18:00 - 21:00
Join Dr. Yakoob Ahmed for a public talk and book launch hosted by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London and Ketebe Publishing UK on Friday, 6 February 2026, at 6:30 pm. This lecture explores history not as a static archive, but as a vital spiritual and intellectual tool that informs modern Muslim identity and faith.
Dr. Ahmed will discuss how the Qur’an and Islamic tradition use historical consciousness to shape moral imagination and collective responsibility. The talk addresses modern challenges like fragmented memory and proposes an approach that roots academic inquiry in tradition. Ultimately, the evening invites the public to view history as a living resource for identity and ethical judgment, concluding with an author book signing.

8th Turkish Community Art Exhibition
2026-02-10 18:00 - 2026-03-10 18:00
Yunus Emre Institute, in collaboration with the Turkish Consulate General in London, is pleased to present the 8th Turkish Community Art Exhibition, taking place from 10 February until 10 March 2026.
This exhibition brings together a long-standing community tradition with the inauguration of the Turkish Art Platform, a new initiative designed to support, connect, and showcase Turkish artistic production in the UK within a sustainable and inclusive framework. Throughout the month-long showcase, the exhibition serves as a living example of the Platform’s vision, highlighting the diversity and creativity of artists from the Turkish community across the UK.
Visitors are invited to explore a wide range of works that reflect the vibrant cultural contributions of the community and the beginning of a new chapter for Turkish art in London.
📅 Tuesday, 10 February – 10 March 2026
📍 Yunus Emre Institute Gallery
10 Maple Street, London W1T 5HA
🕕 10:00 – 18:00

Uzbek Dance Workshop with Dilorom Madrakhimova
2026-02-26 15:00 - 17:00
Join us at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, in collaboration with SOAS Maqam Beyond Nation Project, SOAS University of London and NAVA on Thursday 26th February 2026 from 15:00 – 17:00, for a rare chance to study with Dilorom Madrakhimova — award‑winning dancer, choreographer, and graduate of both the State Academy of Choreography of Uzbekistan and the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, accompanied on doira by Nasimkhon Muzaffarov.
As a graduate of the State Academy of Choreography of Uzbekistan and the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, Dilorom brings world-class expertise in dance and choreography to this unique session.
📅 Date: Thursday, 26 Feb 2026
🕒 Time: 15:00 – 17:00
📍 Location: 10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA
Register Here

Listening Across Borders Session 2: The Levant
2026-02-27 17:00 - 20:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
Join the second session of Music Across Borders, a Listening Club series exploring the musical connections between Türkiye and its cultural neighbours. Moderated by musicologist and pianist Prof. Dr Mine Doğantan-Dack, this session invites participants to an intimate listening journey across the Levant and the Eastern Mediterranean, tracing shared sound worlds across Türkiye and the Arab world.
Session II — The Levant will begin with a shared iftar, creating a moment of gathering and reflection before the listening session. Following the breaking of the fast, participants will explore the defining characteristics of Arabic musical culture, including its instruments, vocal styles, and emotional and social landscapes. The session will travel through major musical centres such as Istanbul, Aleppo, Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, and Cairo, listening across genres and traditions shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
Along the way, participants will encounter Ottoman classical music alongside muwashshah, peşrev, qasida singing, takht ensemble textures, oud virtuosity, Bedouin melodies, Arab Christian chants, Palestinian songs, and Sufi devotional traditions. The session will also listen for echoes of shared stories — from Layla and Majnun and One Thousand and One Nights to orientalist tales such as Ali Baba and Aladdin — as they resonate through music.
Guided by Prof. Dr Mine Doğantan-Dack, the session is based on close listening and reflection, supported by visual materials such as maps, videos, and instrument guides. Through attentive listening, participants will discover how early twentieth-century musical circulation and broadcast cultures shaped modern musical exchanges, turning figures such as Zeki Müren, Umm Kulthum, and Fairuz into iconic regional voices. The session will also explore the rise of Arabeskin Türkiye as a modern musical bridge between Arabic and Turkish soundscapes, featuring pioneers such as Orhan Gencebay, Müslüm Gürses, and Neşe Karaböcek.

Session II — The LevantDate: Friday, 27 February 2026Time: 5:00 pmVenue: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London
The evening will begin with iftar, followed by the Listening Club session.Limited spaces available.
Explore the curated listening list and playlist for this session here:
No musical training required – open to all music lovers and curious listeners.
This session is part of a six-session Listening Club series exploring musical cultures across the Balkans, the Levant, the Aegean, Persia, the Turkic world, and the Ottoman musical sphere. For more info please click here!
For more information on the event, please email us at londra@yee.org.tr
IMPORTANT NOTES
This in-person event is open to participants aged 16 and above.
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.

Ramadan Concert Series | LONDON | The Sound of Contemplation
2026-03-04 19:30 - 21:00 | St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, London, N1 2TX, United Kingdom
Taking place during the month of Ramadan, The Sound of Contemplation: Silence, Reflection, Devotion is a concert that brings Turkish Sufi music into dialogue with the reflective and devotional atmosphere of the holy month. Organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, the concert will be held on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, at 7:30 pm at St Mary’s Church Islington.
Ramadan is a time shaped by attentiveness, restraint, and inward reflection. Drawing on this shared sensibility, the concert offers an evening where music unfolds with care and intention, allowing space for both sound and silence. Rather than presenting a fixed ritual structure, the programme invites listening as a contemplative act, aligned with the slower and more mindful rhythm of the month.
The repertoire brings together selected works from the broader tradition of Turkish Sufi music, with a particular emphasis on Ramadan hymns and devotional pieces. While the programme draws on familiar poetic and musical sources, it is shaped specifically for the holy month, foregrounding themes of devotion, humility, and remembrance. Musical expression remains measured and unhurried, guided by balance and pacing, allowing each piece to breathe and the listener to remain within a reflective and grounded state.
Poetry plays a central role in the programme, with verses by Yunus Emre and other Anatolian Sufi poets whose words resonate closely with the ethical and spiritual tone of Ramadan. Set within the modal language of Turkish makam music, these texts unfold gradually, encouraging reflection rather than immediacy, and allowing meaning to emerge through attentive listening.
The concert is performed by Serda Türkel Oter and Eray Cinpir (vocals), with Serdar Yılmaz on qanun and Tolga Oter on oud. The ensemble approaches the repertoire with a shared sensitivity to text, proportion, and musical restraint, shaping the programme as a cohesive listening experience attentive to both expression and stillness.
Designed for audiences attentive to musical form, poetic depth, and context, The Sound of Contemplation: Silence, Reflection, Devotion offers an intimate and focused listening experience. Within the resonant space of St Mary’s Church, the concert invites listeners to pause, listen closely, and encounter Sufi music as a reflective practice deeply in tune with the spirit of Ramadan.

📩 Questions? Email: londra@yee.org.tr

Additional Information:

Please arrive by 7:00 PM to allow sufficient time for seating. To ensure an uninterrupted experience for both performers and audience, late entry will not be permitted after 7:45 PM.
The event lasts approximately 60 – 75 minutes with no intermission.
St Mary’s Islington is easily accessible by public transport; please check local routes and parking options.
Smart casual attire is recommended.
As seating is unreserved, we suggest arriving early.
Guests are welcome to take photos during the concert; however, we kindly ask that no flash is used and that photography remains discreet so as not to disturb the performers or audience. Please remain seated while taking photos and avoid moving around the venue during the performance.
If you share your images on social media, we would be delighted if you could tag us @yeelondra.
Professional photography and videography will be carried out exclusively by authorised personnel appointed by the organiser. 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 further information, please contact us at: londra@yee.org.tr
The concert is recommended for ages 16 and above due to its immersive and contemplative format. Children aged 7 and above may attend if accompanied by an adult and provided they are able to remain seated and quiet throughout the performance. As the event runs without an interval and requires a focused listening environment, parents are kindly asked to ensure that young attendees do not disturb performers or audience members. In the event of disruption, we reserve the right to request that the accompanying adult and child step outside the hall.

Ramadan Concert Series | BIRMINGHAM | The Sound of Contemplation
2026-03-07 19:30 - 21:00
Taking place during the month of Ramadan, The Sound of Contemplation: Silence, Reflection, Devotion is a concert that brings Turkish Sufi music into dialogue with the reflective and devotional atmosphere of the holy month. Organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, the concert will be held on Saturday, 7 March 2026, at 7:30 pm at The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Ramadan is a time shaped by attentiveness, restraint, and inward reflection. Drawing on this shared sensibility, the concert offers an evening where music unfolds with care and intention, allowing space for both sound and silence. Rather than presenting a fixed ritual structure, the programme invites listening as a contemplative act, aligned with the slower and more mindful rhythm of the month.
The repertoire brings together selected works from the broader tradition of Turkish Sufi music, with a particular emphasis on Ramadan hymns and devotional pieces. While the programme draws on familiar poetic and musical sources, it is shaped specifically for the holy month, foregrounding themes of devotion, humility, and remembrance. Musical expression remains measured and unhurried, guided by balance and pacing, allowing each piece to breathe and the listener to remain within a reflective and grounded state.
Poetry plays a central role in the programme, with verses by Yunus Emre and other Anatolian Sufi poets whose words resonate closely with the ethical and spiritual tone of Ramadan. Set within the modal language of Turkish makam music, these texts unfold gradually, encouraging reflection rather than immediacy, and allowing meaning to emerge through attentive listening.
The concert is performed by Serda Türkel Oter and Eray Cinpir (vocals), with Serdar Yılmaz on qanun and Tolga Oter on oud. The ensemble approaches the repertoire with a shared sensitivity to text, proportion, and musical restraint, shaping the programme as a cohesive listening experience attentive to both expression and stillness.
Designed for audiences attentive to musical form, poetic depth, and context, The Sound of Contemplation: Silence, Reflection, Devotion offers an intimate and focused listening experience. Within the resonant space of Bradshaw Hall, the concert invites listeners to pause, listen closely, and encounter Sufi music as a reflective practice deeply in tune with the spirit of Ramadan.
BOOK TICKETS HERE OR HERE

Questions? Email: londra@yee.org.tr

Additional Information:

Please arrive by 7:00 PM to allow sufficient time for seating. To ensure an uninterrupted experience for both performers and audience, late entry will not be permitted after 7:45 PM.
The event lasts approximately 60 – 75 minutes with no intermission.
Bradshaw Hall is easily accessible by public transport; please check local routes and parking options.
Smart casual attire is recommended.
As seating is unreserved, we suggest arriving early.
Guests are welcome to take photos during the concert; however, we kindly ask that no flash is used and that photography remains discreet so as not to disturb the performers or audience. Please remain seated while taking photos and avoid moving around the venue during the performance.
If you share your images on social media, we would be delighted if you could tag us @yeelondra.
Professional photography and videography will be carried out exclusively by authorised personnel appointed by the organiser. 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 further information, please contact us at: londra@yee.org.tr
The concert is recommended for ages 16 and above due to its immersive and contemplative format. Children aged 7 and above may attend if accompanied by an adult and provided they are able to remain seated and quiet throughout the performance. As the event runs without an interval and requires a focused listening environment, parents are kindly asked to ensure that young attendees do not disturb performers or audience members. In the event of disruption, we reserve the right to request that the accompanying adult and child step outside the hall.

BOOK TICKETS HERE OR HERE

London Book Fair 2026
2026-03-10 09:00 - 2026-03-12 18:00
Join Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London on 10-12 March 2026 at the London Book Fair at London Olympia at Stand 7D70.
LBF brings together authors, publishers, agents, and creators to explore new opportunities, share insights, and shape the future of storytelling across books, audio, screen, and digital platforms. Don’t miss the chance to connect, learn, and discover what’s next.
Dates:
10-12 March 2026
Venue:
Olympia London,
Hammersmith Road,
London,
W14 8UX

Hear it Live! Ozan Baysal at the Horniman Museum
2026-03-12 15:30 - 16:00
Hear it Live! – Ozan Baysal at the Horniman Museum
As part of the Hear it Live! series at the Horniman Museum, audiences are invited to experience live performances and short talks inspired by the diversity of the museum’s musical instrument collection.
On 12 March, Turkish bağlama player, composer and performer Ozan Baysal will present a special performance exploring the expressive possibilities of the instrument. Known for his distinctive şelpe technique and for performing on a custom double-necked bağlama, Baysal blends traditional Anatolian sounds with contemporary tonal and jazz influences.
Experience the artistry of Ozan Baysal, a master of the bağlama (saz) and a specialist in the intricate şelpe technique—a traditional finger-plucking style played without a plectrum. Performing on a custom double-necked bağlama, Ozan creates a bridge between worlds, seamlessly integrating traditional folk roots with contemporary harmonic exploration.
Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London serves as a cornerstone of cultural engagement in the heart of the UK. We are dedicated to bringing the richness of Türkiye’s traditional and contemporary arts to life. Through our diverse array of programs, exhibitions, and performances, we provide a space where heritage meets modern creativity.
Event Details
📅 12 March⏰ 3:30–4:00 pm📍 Horniman Museum – Music Gallery🎟 Free admission
This event is free to attend and no booking is required. Visitors are welcome to drop in. More info can be found at the Horniman Museum website HERE

Ozan Baysal: Tel ve Ten Album Launch Concert
2026-03-13 19:30 - 21:30
Supported by Yunus Emre Institute in London, London-based bağlama (saz) artist Ozan Baysal presents an intimate solo concert featuring music from his debut album Tel ve Ten (Skin and Strings) released by ARC Music in 2025. Drawing on the rich heritage of Anatolian folk traditions, Baysal reimagines timeless melodies through improvisation and contemporary acoustic textures. His performance combines expressive double-neck bağlama playing with occasional traditional vocals, creating a deeply meditative and soulful soundscape. Tel ve Ten received 4-star reviews in Songlines and RNR Magazine and was featured in World Music Central.
This concert in Knight Gallery will mark the London presentation of Baysal’s album, offering audiences an evocative journey through the strings and stories of Anatolia.
Event Info
Running Time:
1 hour 45 mins. | Show ends at approx. 9:15pm
Interval:
8:10pm
Latecomers Policy:
Latecomers may enter during an appropriate moment in the performance
Audience Photography:
Audience photography is allowed, excluding flash and videography
Other Event Info:
This show is unreserved seating.
If you have an access requirement and would like a seat reserved for you and your party please mention this when booking.
Find more information and book your tickets here!

Gönül Yeprem ile Neşeli Notalar | Cheerful Tunes with Gönül Yeprem
2026-03-14 12:00 - 13:00
🇹🇷 Neşeli Notalar – Gönül Yeprem ile Müzik Atölyesi
(Scroll down for English ↓)
🎶 Öğretmen, besteci ve sanatçı Gönül Yeprem ile eğlenceli ritimler, şarkılar ve oyunlarla dolu “Neşeli Notalar” atölyesinde buluşuyoruz!
📅 Tarih ve Saat: 14 Mart Cumartesi · 12:00–13:00
Kapı açılış: 11:30
📍 Yer: Londra Yunus Emre Enstitüsü
10 Maple Street, London W1T 5HA
ℹ️ Bilmeniz İyi Olur
👧 Yaş Grubu: 4–9 yaş (Çocuklara ebeveynleri eşlik etmelidir)
🏫 Etkinlik Türü: Yüz yüze
🗣️ Etkinlik Dili: Türkçe
🎟️ Ücret: £2 (1 çocuk ve 1 ebeveyn için geçerlidir)
🎨 Aile & Eğitim Etkinliği
Bu keyifli müzik atölyesinde çocuklar, şarkılar, ritimler, bilmeceler ve hareketli oyunlarla müziğin neşeli dünyasını keşfedecekler. Gönül Yeprem’in enerjisiyle yönlendirdiği bu etkinlikte çocuklar; ritim duygusunu, dinleme becerilerini ve yaratıcılıklarını geliştirirken aynı zamanda müzik aracılığıyla kendilerini ifade etmenin farklı yollarını deneyimleyecekler.
✨ 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.
🇬🇧 Cheerful Tunes – Music Workshop with Gönül Yeprem
🎶 Join teacher, composer, and artist Gönül Yeprem for “Cheerful Tunes” — a joyful workshop filled with rhythm, songs, and musical play!
📅 Date and Time:
Saturday, 14 March · 12:00–13:00
Doors open at 11:30am
📍 Location:
Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London
10 Maple Street, London W1T 5HA
ℹ️ Good to Know
👧 Age Group: 4–9 years (Parents must accompany their children)
🏫 Event Type: In person
🗣️ Language: Turkish
🎟️ Fee: £2 (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.

A Sage in Seclusion | Documentary and Talk
2026-03-14 17:00 - 19:30
Join us in collaboration with Mevlana Institute for Literary and Philosophical Studies and Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences for the screening of ‘A Sage in Seclusion’ (Xəlvətdə qalmiş müdrik), a documentary on the life and philosophy of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi (1410–62)
Speakers:

Introduction: Dr Professor Ilham Mammadzadeh, Director, Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). Online.

Assoc. Prof. Zohra Aliyeva – Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi: A Shared Spiritual Heritage of Humanity

Dr. Neil Watson – Journalist and editor of English translations, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA)

Dr. Feride Seyyidova – Khazar University, Mavlana Institute for Literary and Philosophical Studies. Online. The Most Prolific Legacy: Ibrahim Gulshani Bardai

Prof. Rashida Shikh – French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) Paris

A discussion and Q&A session will follow the screening. Don’t miss this remarkable opportunity to explore Bakuvi’s enduring legacy.
Synopsis:
‘A Sage In Seclusion’ (Xəlvətdə qalmiş müdrik) is a documentary exploring the life and intellectual legacy of the 15th-century Azerbaijani philosopher and prominent Sufi, Seyid Yahya Bakuvi. This unforgettable, remarkable and enigmatic film, introduced by Dr Zorah Aliyeva, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and Sorbonne University examines his philosophical and mystical teachings, together with his role in developing the Khalwatiyya order. Viewers will be introduced to the spiritual and humanistic messages of his works, the historical context of his life, and his enduring relevance to the hectic contemporary world.

Music Across Borders Session 3: The Aegean
2026-03-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
The archival photograph features Tanburi Refik Fersan, Deniz Kızı Eftalya, and Sadi Işılay performing together.
Join the third session of Music Across Borders, a Listening Club series exploring the musical connections between Türkiye and its cultural neighbours. Moderated by musicologist and pianist Prof. Dr Mine Doğantan-Dack, this session invites participants on a listening journey across the Aegean, tracing shared musical landscapes between Türkiye and Greece and across the sunlit islands of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Session III — The Aegean explores the deeply intertwined musical traditions of the region while reflecting on the spirit of the Aegean’s cherished ethos of “slow living.” Together, participants will travel along the legendary Turkish Turquoise Coast, the enchanting Greek islands, Selanik (Thessaloniki), Çanakkale (Dardanelles), and Cyprus, listening to musical traditions shaped by centuries of cultural encounter across the sea.
Along the way, the session will explore examples from Rebetiko, Amanes, Zeybek, Karşılama, and Laïko traditions, brought to life by legendary musicians loved on both sides of the Aegean. These include figures such as Yorgo Bacanos, Eftalya Işılay, Roza Eskenazi, Markos Vamvakaris, Stelios Kazantzidis, Zülfü Livaneli, Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hadjidakis, Candan Erçetin, and Nana Mouskouri.
Participants will also listen to unforgettable melodies from film and popular music that have shaped the region’s shared musical imagination—from the famous sirtaki of Zorba the Greek to beloved songs by Demis Roussos, Georges Moustaki, George Dalaras, Sezen Aksu, Ajda Pekkan, and Emel Sayın.
Guided by Prof. Dr Mine Doğantan-Dack, the session is based on close listening and reflection, supported by visual materials such as maps, videos, and instrument guides. Through attentive listening, participants will discover how music has travelled across the Aegean for generations, creating a rich network of shared sounds, stories, and emotional landscapes.

Session III — The AegeanDate: Friday, 27 MarchTime: 6:00 pmVenue: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü, 10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA
Limited spaces. Turkish Coffee and Aegean delicacies will be served.
Explore the curated listening list and playlist for this session here:
No musical training required – open to all music lovers and curious listeners.
This session is part of a six-session Listening Club series exploring musical cultures across the Balkans, the Levant, the Aegean, Persia, the Turkic world, and the Ottoman musical sphere. For more info please click here!
For more information on the event, please email us at londra@yee.org.tr
IMPORTANT NOTES
This in-person event is open to participants aged 16 and above.
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.

Ottoman Luminaries of Cyprus with Mustafa Kureyşi
2026-04-09 18:30 - 21:00 | Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HA, United Kingdom
As part of the Arts and Culture Lecture Series, Yunus Emre Institute is pleased to host a special lecture exploring the intellectual and learned life of Ottoman Cyprus, a vibrant chapter of Mediterranean history often overlooked in broader narratives.
In this insightful talk, researcher Mustafa Kureyşi will explore the lives and legacies of the island’s scholars, religious figures, poets, calligraphers, and political elites. The lecture situates Muslim Cypriot intellectual activity both within the local landscape of Cyprus and across the wider Ottoman world. By examining the transformations experienced during the Ottoman period and the subsequent transition to British administration, Kureyşi will trace the shifts in institutions, authority, and intellectual production.
Drawing on extensive archival and field research, the session will reflect on vital questions of continuity and legacy. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how the island’s unique historical position shaped a distinct intellectual identity that bridged cultures and eras.
This event offers a valuable opportunity for historians, students of Ottoman studies, and anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Cyprus to explore a rich history of scholarship and leadership that continues to resonate today.

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.
