Significant support from foundations to Turkish Cypriots in London

After regaining control of the D'Arblay Street property, which had been neglected for years by those responsible, Evkaf undertook a massive repair and renovation project on the building in 2019-2020. After making the necessary repairs and improvements, Evkaf had to pay off the large debts that had accumulated from the former residents, and the total cost amounted to approximately £400,000. The renovated building is now an attractive central London location that fully complies with UK health and safety regulations.

Located in Central London and once the heart of British Turkish Cypriots, the building will be used again for the benefit of society. After Cyprus Foundations Authority (Evkaf) regained control of its property located on D'Arblay Street in Soho, it has completely repaired the five-story building and now leases it to commercial establishments. Evkaf aims to create new accessible areas for Turkish Cypriot community groups working in the fields of education, culture and social assistance in the UK with the rental income from the building.
After regaining control of the D'Arblay Street property, which had been neglected for years by those responsible, Evkaf undertook a massive repair and renovation project on the building in 2019-2020. After making the necessary repairs and improvements, Evkaf had to pay off the large debts that had accumulated from the former residents, and the total cost amounted to approximately £400,000. The renovated building is now an attractive central London location that fully complies with UK health and safety regulations. prof. Dr. İbrahim Benter said: “We are delighted that the D'Arblay Street building is ready to serve the British Turkish Cypriot community again. Our plans were delayed due to the pandemic but now we have rented all floors except one. Once costs are deducted, the rental income will be used to support the community in London and beyond”.
“According to the Evkaf rules dating back to 1571, it is not possible to sell or transfer a property belonging to us. But the locations and needs of the British Turkish Cypriot community have changed over time. Today, Turkish Cypriots mainly live in the North, East and Southeast London suburbs and are looking for affordable local buildings for their activities,” said Prof. Dr. Benter continued: “The buildings that make it possible for young British Turkish Cypriots to learn about their cultural values, traditions and languages, and respond to the needs of large segments of society such as parents and the elderly, will be rented in the first place with the rental income of D'Arblay Street and hopefully will be purchased later on. This will alleviate the burden on society, which currently pays high rents to use such buildings.” The building, located in Soho, central London, was purchased in 1951 with the contributions of the Turkish Cypriot diaspora and the financial support of the Menderes government in Turkey, making unlimited freehold rights in Evkaf's name. Evkaf allowed the Turkish Cypriot Association to use the building and take over the administration on its behalf. The building soon became a center for the rapidly increasing numbers of Turkish Cypriots in London; It has hosted cultural events, activities and political meetings. The building, where visitors can have hot Turkish Cypriot meals in the cafeteria, has become a place for newcomers from Cyprus to get information on important issues from accommodation to finding a job. The D'Arblay Street building is also of great importance in the Turkish Cypriot political history. During the conflicts that broke out in Cyprus in December 1963, the building served as the unofficial embassy, with Ahmet Gazioğlu being appointed as the first UK Representative (1964-66). When Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash came to London and worked there, young volunteer activists disseminated information about missing Turkish Cypriots, produced newsletters, and ran relief campaigns and political campaigns to help tens of thousands of Turkish Cypriots displaced by the Cyprus Problem.