Stories of the Turkish speaking diaspora in Britain's garment factories

Explore how shared struggles and unwavering determination wove enduring bonds:

Join us for an inspiring talk by Emel Sevinç that unravels the remarkable stories of the Turkish diaspora who transformed Britain's textile industry.

From the late 1960s to early 2000s, these determined migrants arrived with dreams and faced challenges head-on. Working with fabric bundles in cramped factories, sharing homes with strangers, they built something beautiful – community!

Discover how conversations about bundles, patterns, and piece-work became the threads that wove strangers into families. Learn about resilience, adaptation, and the incredible journey from individual struggle to collective belonging.

This captivating talk celebrates untold histories, cultural bridges, and the power of shared experience in shaping modern Britain. Don't miss this heartwarming exploration of cultural heritage and human connection.

Emel Sevinç is a Hackney born London-based writer and founder of the 'More Than a Bundle Story' project, featured at Hackney Museum. With a bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing plus over 15 years teaching experience, she explores themes of memory, identity, and belonging within the Turkish diaspora. Emel amplifies rich narratives of migration and community through her storytelling. She runs creative writing workshops via her Scribbles project and is currently working on her debut novel, blending passion for storytelling with her Turkish heritage.

Event timings:

6.30pm - introductions

6.40pm - talk begins

7.20pm - Q&A

7.45pm - event ends

8pm - Hackney Museum closes