London witnessed another Turkish cultural event this past weekend.

Turkish nationals residing in the UK came together at a festival organized by the West London Turkish Volunteers Association, held in the south of the city.

The festival held in the Hounslow district was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş, member of the British Labour Party Seema Malhotra, Mayor of Hounslow Afzaal Kiani, as well as numerous representatives of political parties and members of the Municipal Council.

Ambassador Ertaş, in his speech at the opening of the festival, said that Turks living in West London share the depth and richness of Turkish culture with Londoners from other communities through the organized festival.

Ertaş also pointed out the solidarity shown by the West London Turkish Volunteers Association following the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, and expressed that the participation in the festival also demonstrates the strength of the bilateral relations between the UK and Türkiye.

Ertaş said, “As long as you protect and uphold our culture and traditions, a better future awaits us. We are fortunate to have citizens like you who pass on our culture to our youth.”

Malhotra, Member of Parliament for the Feltham and Heston region of Hounslow, stated in her speech that the achievements of the Turkish community in the district were gratifying.

“Diversity adds strength to Hounslow. More than 150 languages are spoken in our district, and we are proud of our community structure.”

Mayor Kiani, in his speech, thanked the Turkish community in Hounslow for their support and stated, “The Turkish community in our district is growing and contributing in all areas.”

After the speeches, Ertaş and other participants toured the stands set up in the festival area.

Additionally, the winners of the tournaments organized as part of the festival were awarded prizes by Türkiye’s London Consul General, Bekir Utku Atahan.