Our Story
The West Midlands Turkish Association began as an idea in 2023, driven by our Chairman, Dr. Göktuğ Tenekeci, and Trustees, Nurettin Çıraklı and Neslihan Özfaris. Together with a dedicated group of volunteers, they worked tirelessly to complete the necessary preparations and paperwork to establish the association as a registered charity.
In May 2024, we officially received our charity status, marking the beginning of our mission. Since then, we have been committed to uniting people of Turkish heritage in the West Midlands through arts, culture, and education, and building bridges between the Turkish community and the wider multicultural population in the region.
Our Mission
Our mission is to bring together the Turkish community in our region, celebrating our special days and holidays with enthusiasm and pride. We are deeply committed to fostering unity and solidarity within our community by organising cultural activities that engage all generations, particularly our youth and children, to instill these values from an early age.
A key goal of ours is to promote Turkish language education across the region, ensuring that our children learn their mother tongue accurately and effectively. We also work to preserve and share our rich history and culture, passing it down to future generations.
Our greatest desire is to nurture the richness of Turkish culture by living it, celebrating it, and keeping it alive through a spirit of togetherness. As the West Midlands Turkish Association, we are dedicated to strengthening our cultural ties, preserving our traditions, and ensuring that Turks in the region maintain a strong sense of identity and pride in their heritage.
Our vision takes inspiration from the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, as well as his principles and reforms.
How We Work
At the West Midlands Turkish Association, we are committed to building bridges between the Turkish community and the wider multicultural population in the region. Our work is grounded in these key principles:
- Community Engagement:
We actively engage with the Turkish community in the West Midlands to provide support, promote cultural identity, and address common needs. We also welcome the involvement of people from all backgrounds who are interested in Turkish culture.
- Educational Initiatives:
Through language courses, cultural workshops, and educational programs, we offer opportunities for people to learn about Turkish heritage, traditions, and arts. We work closely with local schools, universities, and community groups to offer courses that teach the Turkish language, history, and culture to both children and adults.
- Cultural Events:
We organise a variety of events, including Turkish festivals, art exhibitions, music performances, and food fairs, designed to celebrate Turkish heritage while encouraging cross-cultural understanding. These events provide a platform for the Turkish community to share their rich culture with others in the West Midlands.
- Collaborations and Partnerships:
We collaborate with other community organisations, local authorities, and educational institutions to promote inclusivity and diversity. These partnerships allow us to reach more people and create meaningful interactions that benefit the entire region.
- Support Services:
We offer a range of support services, including advice on integration, legal matters, and social services, to help Turkish families and individuals settle and thrive in the West Midlands. By fostering connections and celebrating diversity, we aim to create a welcoming environment where the Turkish community and others can come together, learn, and grow. Our work is rooted in the belief that cultural exchange enriches lives and strengthens communities.