Minister opens new home for Turkish cultural society
Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton recently opened the new premises of the Turkish Irish Educational and Cultural Society (Tiecs) on Parliament Street in Dublin city centre.
Tiecs is a non-profit, non-political educational and cultural organisation that aims to promote understanding of Irish and Turkish cultures and to foster integration through cultural and educational activities.
Currently Tiecs runs a number of classes for children and adults including art classes, Turkish language lessons, English lessons, Saturday schools and grinds from qualified teachers.
Addressing guests at the event, Minister Burton praised the level of activity at the centre, especially its encouragement on members to develop new business and educational relationships in Ireland.
She said that Ireland has always enjoyed a good relationship with Turkey, noting that Turkey sent Ireland aid during the Great Famine of the mid-1800s.
Ireland has of course changed dramatically since that time, she added, particularly in terms of cultural diversity.
The minister pointed out that Ireland has a number of things in common with Turkey, such as a vibrant culture of music, art and poetry. She also spoke about the ‘hybrid generation’ of children with Turkish and Irish parents.
Minister Burton urged other communities in Ireland to emulate the work of Tiecs, which she said could be a rallying point of support for the Turkish community living in Ireland.
The event was attended by representatives of prominent Irish colleges, members of the Garda, local immigrants and several dignitaries including the Turkish Ambassador to Ireland Altay Cengizer.
