Kurdish and Turkish residents from the borough joined the Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, Enfield Council Leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil, and the Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Ahmed Mahbub, to pause, reflect and remember during a poignant minute’s silence on Monday afternoon (2 February 2026).
There were also speeches and traditional songs at this commemorative event, which took place at the tree of remembrance in Bruce Castle Park.
Cllr Ahmet said:
This is the third year that we’ve gathered together to commemorate those who lost their lives in the earthquake that took place in Turkey and Syria.
I know this had a huge effect on many of you here. Lots of people lost family and friends and we must make sure that their memory lives on and we never forget the tragic circumstances in which they lost their lives.
In Haringey, we will always come together and commemorate them here at the tree of remembrance.
I’m also reminded on days like today of just how wonderful our community is. The way that everyone came together as part of that effort is something that I will never, ever forget and we can all learn something from Turkish and Kurdish community about unity and togetherness in the face of such tragedy.
Thank you for setting the standard for us each and every time and we will always be here standing in solidarity to remember those who have lost their lives.
Cllr Mahbub added:
This is a solemn day. The tragic events when the earthquake struck Turkey and Syria in 2023 had a rippling effect on Haringey.
Many of us had loved ones who unfortunately were affected by these earthquakes. We must remember them and we must also remember the loved ones we have right now. May the families find solace and peace.
Our thoughts remain with all those affected – both near and far – by the Turkey and Syria earthquake on 6 February 2023.
