Stoke Newington’s Anatolian Cultural Fete: symbolises “sharing and living together”

The sights, sounds and smells of Anatolia were brought to Clissold Park during the Anatolian Cultural Fete, with an array of Whirling Dervishes, oil wrestling and the Ottoman Marching Band.

The Whirling Dervishes perfom in the closing ceremony at the 7th Anatolian Cultural Fete in Clissold Park. - Credit: Archant

The seventh free festival seeks to highlight the diverse history of the Turkish region, with traditional costumes, cooking contests, music, crafts like marble painting, calligraphy and performances.

Dr Hakan Yildirim, head of the organisation committee, said the idea is to introduce their neighbours to the culture and community as well as trying to offer some fun.

“Anatolian Culture includes various cultures, religions and nations,” he said.

“Although as a region Anatolia is now a part of Turkey, there have been many civilisations which have lived there and contributed to its history there. So “Anatolia” is a symbol of sharing and living together.”

Around 60,000 people including 2,000 school pupils visited the festival, which is run by the not-for-profit organisation Anatolia Community Association, which ran for a week until June 16.