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Thursday, 19 June 2008 |
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THE FEDERATION OF TURKISH ASSOCIATIONS IN UK
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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FEDERATION OF TURKISH ASSOCIATIONS IN UK
Turkish people have been coming to England since the 1950’s for various reasons, but because they have always been categorised in statistics as ‘other ethnic minorities’ there has never been a proper count of the total population. It is estimated however that there are somewhere in the region of 500,000 ethnic Turks who live mainly in London and its surrounding areas including Turkish Cypriots.
The Turks have lived sporadically and separately without much communication between fellow ethnic groups for many years. For the last three decades the associations that have been formed have been bridging the communication gap and bringing together these groups and encouraging the continuation of their cultural backgrounds and common values and bringing solidarity amongst the Turks.
The Associations that are predominantly based in London and the surrounding areas deal generally with their own local issues and have realised over recent years that on their own they were unable to make their voice heard on common large scale issues concerning the Turkish Community. As a result, they decided there was a need for an umbrella organisation to be formed to deal with these types of issues.
On the 30th May 2002 a group of twelve independent and diverse Turkish associations met and formed the Federation of Turkish Associations UK so that they can bring together the voice of their members on common issues. Within a very short space of time they were joined by a further two associations and finally by Anatolian Cultural Centre and Turkish Forum UK bringing the total to 16 members.
The Federation’s main aims and objectives are; to bring together the Turks living in Britain in solidarity and strengthen their relationship; to help the community to integrate better within the British system whilst maintaining their own culture and identity; to find solutions to their common problems and protect their common interests; to promote and enhance the British - Turkish friendship and to share the Turkish culture and history.
There are at present more than 30 active Turkish Associations in and around London some more of which have applied to join the Federation. The activities of these associations are being monitored by the Federation and those that are acting in line with the regulations of the Federation will be granted membership. Even though the Federation is still only in its third term it is a great source of assistance and hope to those who have come over from Turkey and the second and third generation of youngsters born here.
The Federation works closely with the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations and has become one of the leading NGO’s representing the Turkish community. Where the CTCA represents the Turkish Cypriots; the Federation represents Turks from mainland Turkey. In the term to come it is our goal to improve and solve the problems of the Turkish community to their own benefit and the benefit of the community around them.
The Federation relies solely on the annual contributions of its members and therefore is financially restricted. Despite this the Federation carries out its duties completely independently without being influenced by any political party, ethnic influence, religion or any form of discrimination and in the interest of the British-Turkish Community. It is a non profit - non governmental organisation and acts as an umbrella organisation and communication vehicle for the whole community.
MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FTA - UK
1) THE ATATÜRK SOCIETY
This Association was formed in London in 1997. Their main aims are to promote the ideals and principles of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and apply them to present day problems and situations offering suggestions and solutions in a free thinking environment. They also arrange many seminars, conferences, exhibitions and meetings covering a diverse range of topics which relate to Turks and Ataturk.
2) ANATOLIAN CULTURAL CENTRE
Established in 1989, the Anatolian Cultural Centre prides itself in accepting amongst its members individuals from all areas of society without relevance to religion, ethnicity, sex, age or social background. Their aim is to assist those who need it with a variety of services that they provide. Some of these services are interpreting, advice groups, ladies groups, sports activities, youth activities, seminars and conferences. They currently provide these services to over 400 members.
3) THE ASSOCIATION OF TURKISH WOMEN IN BRITAIN
The Association was formed on 11th February 2002 comprising a majority of highly educated working Turkish women. Their main aims being to provide help and support to their fellow women and to arrange a variety of events both to inform Turkish women of their rights and of recent developments socially and in general. They also stage events promoting ‘Turkish Arts and Culture’ to the public in general.
4) TURKISH ELDERS CLUB
The Turkish Elders Club was founded in 1992 with the object of providing relief to the elderly in particular of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot descent living in the London Borough of Lewisham and the surrounding area. They provide luncheon club, advice and information in the areas of health and welfare. Also, providing or assisting in the provision of facilities for recreation for the elderly members. The club was registered as a charity on the 26th of July 2001.
5) THE TURKISH BANKERS ASSOCIATION UK
Formed by Turks working in the English banking sector they form a vital link between the Turkish and English banking sectors. They arrange seminars and conferences giving advice on the best investments both in the UK and in Turkey. Being in one the worlds leading banking centres, London; they keep the Turkish community informed about international financial developments and help protect their interests.
6) CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN PEKUN
They were formed in 1990 and represent approximately 4000 Turkish citizens who originate from the region of Pekün and have 425 active members. Their members are all mainly in the food sector owning family run kebab shops, restaurants and supermarkets. They also have their own football team (Pekünspor) who play in the local English league. Their aims are to help local settlement problems and provide social and cultural education to children and young adults.
7) THE UNION OF TURKISH TEACHERS IN THE UK
Formed in 2002, their members comprise of teachers who on the weekends give Turkish lessons to children in the many Turkish weekend supplementary schools in England. They also give lessons in history and culture. During the week they give lessons within the GCSE framework to both Turkish and foreign students.
8) TURKISH – BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
The Chambers of Commerce was formed in 1980. Its aims are to promote and assist trade between Turkey and Britain. They arrange many conferences, seminars and business dinners to promote business opportunities and investments between both countries. They have several full time professional staff in employment.
9) TEXTILE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
Established on April 1996, many of the members of this association have had to close their businesses in recent years because of competition from cheap manufacturing in Eastern Europe. Since many of the quotas and restrictions have been lifted the remaining Turkish manufacturers here are having an even harder time.
10) UK TURKISH ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE TRUST
They are a very large and professional religious organisation assisting with the religious needs of the Turkish community. They own and run the Suleymaniye Mosque which caters not only for prayers but has its own boarding school, library, guesthouse, meeting rooms and exhibition room.
11) THE EUROPEAN TURKISH SPORT UNION
Established on 19th of May 2000 to encourage youngsters to take part in sport and channel their energy into positive activities. They give free coaching in different sporting activities but mainly in football. They have different ethnic minority members and assist youngsters to mix in a friendly and healthy environment.
12) THE ASSOCIATION OF TURKISH PEOPLE UK
One of the older associations it was formed in 1983 and is primarily involved in bringing together members of the Turkish community and helping to voice their concerns to the relevant authorities. They also organise seminars and meetings in support of various Turkish community issues bringing their viewpoint into the public domain. Also, they provide free English lessons, folklore and art courses.
13) THE INDEPENDENT AND INDUSTRIALIST BUSINESSMEN ASS. IN UK
Set up by self employed businessmen to support and inform its members about the economic environment and legal requirements of businesses and to form a network from which relevant information can be shared and distributed.
14) THE TURKISH RELIGIOUS FOUNDATION UK
This is a foundation formed to provide help and services to the Turkish Community in matters of religion. They also assist and arrange burials according to Muslim faith.
15) THE MUSTAFA KEMAL ASSOCIATION UK.
This Association devotes itself to the ideas and teachings of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. They especially promote the way in which Ataturk managed to fight against imperialism and became a symbol for all oppressed countries and their struggle for independence.
16) TURKISH FORUM UK
Turkish Forum UK was started in 2002 and has recently gained charity status by forming Turkish Forum UK Trust. There are approximately 200 registered members and also participate in many social events representing Turks in education and cultural events. The aims of Turkish Forum UK are to develop the social, cultural and economic viewpoints between Turkey and Britain to be more diverse and to cultivate their trade relationship to be more fruitful and beneficial to both countries. They also pursue a policy to ensure that the Turkish people and culture are correctly reflected and understood by the European Union.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 19 June 2008 )
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