History of Our Community

The first Turkish Cypriots arrived in Britain as early as the 1920’s and increasing numbers began arriving in the 1940’s as young single men and women or as couples. They entered specific trades such as catering, garment and shoe-making (Mehmet Ali 2001, George and Millerson 1967, Oakley, 1979; Anthias 1983). They came from a rural agricultural background with little knowledge of English and little formal education. The original settlers were single men, most obtaining jobs in restaurants and hotels where there was no need to speak or write English. Later on, sisters, and brides-to-be, who would then work alongside their husbands (or brothers) as washers up etc, joined these settlers. Members of this group are now in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and they have raised their families in this country. (The Turkish Cypriot Community Living in Hackney)

Turkish Cypriots migrated from Cyprus principally as a consequence of the bitter inter -communal conflict of the 1950’s and 1960’s and then the political and economic problems of the 1970’s and 1980’s after the partition of the island. It is estimated that 40,000 to 50,000 Turkish Cypriots are estimated to have left the island after the events of 1974 (Robins & Aksoy 2001) .

Many of the second group of settlers worked in factories or moved into the ‘rag trade’, where both men and women could work together, where language was not a problem and where self-employment was a possibility. Sewing was also a skill women had acquired in Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot community are very proud, they believe that they must support their family and at the heart of this is self enterprise, working all hours to financially support their family needs.  Consequently, this had adverse effects on their children’s education and ultimately family life which began to fragment.  The settlers continuously working to save money to return to their country, although as we are all aware that dream rarely became a reality for thousands of Turkish Cypriots in England.

Finally, there is a small third group of settlers who came to the UK for educational purposes, and who then settled, in some cases being ‘overstayers’ and took up professional posts. Many of these people, as well as the second and third generation educated descendants of earlier settlers, are the initiators of the voluntary groups and organisations, which give support and advice to Turkish speaking people living in England – mainly in London and the surrounding areas. (The Turkish Cypriot Community Living in Hackney)

The high level of need amongst the Turkish Cypriot elderly community, who have been in this country for many years but have language and cultural barriers which has had an adverse effect on gaining access to their rights. The family structure has also changed, whereas in the past the reliance was on the extended family. This is because the community has become more integrated in to British social trends meaning that the elderly have become increasingly isolated.

There is also a disregard to the more recent migration of TRNC residents who have a high level of need, which is to the same level as other communities, this group needs extensive support and assistance in housing and social needs.