The Turkish Cypriot Community Association (TCCA), provides services to Turkish Cypriot and Turkish people residing in the UK.
‘I Used to Live in Cyprus’: Enfield’s History
Most migrants from Cyprus came to the UK between 1953- 1961. Many of these people settled in or worked in Enfield. These settlers are part of what has become an ethnically diverse local community.
Ahmet Ali was one of the two policemen, a Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot, chosen for the outstanding service to represent the then British Colony of Cyprus at the Coronation procession of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953. Image courtesy of Yalcin Isa
ID Card. Image courtesy of Ermine Ibrahim
Image of passport. Image courtesy of Ismail Veli and his family
People from the village Lurucina migrating to the UK in 1956. Image courtesy of Ismail Veli and his family
The Corinthia, a ship that brought over many Cypriots migrating to the UK. Image courtesy of Ismail Veli and his family
This heritage was explored and celebrated in 2022 though community theatre performances and an exhibition held in Enfield Town showcasing the experiences, challenges, and joys of migrating to Enfield and new impressions of British culture.
Throughout 2022 interviews were conducted with members of the early Turkish Cypriot migration to Enfield. This helped safeguard community history and memory before it gets lost to time.
You can hear details of one of these migration stories to Enfield:
The Turkish Cypriot Community Association also displayed objects of importance to Enfield’s Turkish Cypriot community.
This type of wooden tray can be found in many Cypriot households both domestically and internationally. It shows a map of Cyprus with key historical dates and locations. Photo credit: Tina Plevriti.
Cypriot coffee cup and saucer. Photo credit: Tina Plevriti.
Image of a Cezve, originally from Turkey, is also known as Ibrik: the brass or copper kettle is indispensable for one of the oldest and most popular preparations in the Arab world. It was invented in the 16th Century and is a staple in any Cypriot home. Photo credit: Tina Plevriti.