Haringey Remembers Turkey-Syria Quake Victims’ 3rd Anniversary

Key Points

• Haringey commemorated the lives lost in the Turkey and Syria earthquake ahead of its third anniversary on Friday, 6 February 2026.
• Kurdish and Turkish residents from the borough joined key figures including Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, Enfield Council Leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil, and Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Ahmed Mahbub.
• The event featured a poignant minute’s silence on Monday afternoon, 2 February 2026, at the tree of remembrance in Bruce Castle Park.
• Speeches and traditional songs were part of the commemorative gathering.
• Cllr Peray Ahmet highlighted the third year of commemoration, the huge impact on the community, loss of family and friends, commitment to preserving memories, the community’s unity, and ongoing solidarity.
• Cllr Ahmed Mahbub described the day as solemn, noted the rippling effect on Haringey, impact on loved ones, call to remember both the lost and the living, wishes for solace, and thoughts for all affected near and far by the 6 February 2023 earthquake.

Haringey (North London News) February 5, 2026 – Residents of Haringey, particularly from the Kurdish and Turkish communities, gathered with council leaders to honour the victims of the devastating Turkey and Syria earthquake ahead of its third anniversary on 6 February 2026. The poignant event at the tree of remembrance in Bruce Castle Park on Monday afternoon included a minute’s silence, speeches, and traditional songs, underscoring the borough’s enduring solidarity.

The commemoration brought together Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, Enfield Council Leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil, and Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Ahmed Mahbub, alongside local Kurdish and Turkish residents deeply affected by the tragedy. This third annual gathering reflects Haringey’s commitment to remembering the lives lost in the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on 6 February 2023, claiming over 50,000 lives across southern Turkey and northern Syria, with ripples felt strongly in diverse London boroughs like Haringey.

Who Organised the Commemoration Event?

The event was a community-led initiative supported by Haringey Council, with Kurdish and Turkish residents playing a central role in its organisation. As detailed in the official report, these residents joined Cllr Peray Ahmet, Cllr Ergin Erbil, and Cllr Ahmed Mahbub to pause, reflect, and remember during the minute’s silence. The choice of the tree of remembrance in Bruce Castle Park symbolises ongoing growth and healing amidst grief, a site that has now become a focal point for such observances in the borough.

This gathering marks the third consecutive year of such events, highlighting a tradition established in response to the disaster’s profound local impact. Haringey’s diverse population, with significant Turkish and Kurdish communities, has long fostered unity in times of crisis, and this event exemplifies that spirit.

What Happened During the Event on 2 February 2026?

The afternoon commemoration on Monday, 2 February 2026, commenced with a minute’s silence, allowing attendees to reflect silently on the tragedy. Following this, speeches were delivered by council leaders, and traditional songs performed by community members added an emotional layer to the proceedings. The event at Bruce Castle Park’s tree of remembrance created a space for collective mourning and remembrance.

Every element, from the silence to the songs, was designed to honour the deceased while reinforcing community bonds. Such details emphasise the event’s role not just as a memorial, but as a reaffirmation of Haringey’s multicultural resilience.

Why Is Haringey Holding This Commemoration?

Haringey remembers those lost because the earthquake had a “huge effect” on many residents, as articulated by council leaders. As reported directly from the event coverage, Cllr Peray Ahmet stated:

“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.”

She further emphasised:

“In Haringey, we will always come together and commemorate them here at the tree of remembrance.”

Cllr Ahmet also praised the community, saying:

“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.”

This rationale underscores the personal losses within Haringey—families shattered, friends gone—and the borough’s pledge to preserve their memories annually.

How Did the Earthquake Affect Haringey Residents?

The tragedy’s “rippling effect on Haringey” was profound, touching countless lives. Cllr Ahmed Mahbub remarked:

“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.”

He continued:

“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.”

These statements capture the dual grief: for those lost and the enduring pain of survivors and families in Haringey.

What Role Did Council Leaders Play?

Council leaders were pivotal, lending official weight and emotional support. Cllr Peray Ahmet, as Leader of Haringey Council, led with her heartfelt speech on memory and unity. Cllr Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council, stood in solidarity, representing neighbouring borough ties, while Cllr Ahmed Mahbub, Mayor of Haringey, invoked solace for the bereaved.

Their presence signalled institutional commitment, with Cllr Ahmet noting Haringey’s perpetual gatherings at the tree of remembrance.

What Messages of Unity Emerged?

Unity shone through, as Cllr Ahmet observed the Turkish and Kurdish communities’ example in tragedy. She said:

“we can all learn something from Turkish and Kurdish community about unity and togetherness in the face of such tragedy.”

This message resonates in Haringey’s fabric, where diverse groups rally together.

When Is the Third Anniversary?

The third anniversary falls on Friday, 6 February 2026, precisely three years after the 6 February 2023 quake. The 2 February event served as a prelude, ensuring remembrance builds towards this date. Cllr Mahbub tied thoughts explicitly to “the Turkey and Syria earthquake on 6 February 2023,” anchoring the timeline.

Where Exactly Was the Event Held?

Bruce Castle Park’s tree of remembrance hosted the event, a symbolic locale in Tottenham, North London. This site, with its historic parkland, provides a serene backdrop for reflection, repeatedly chosen for its significance.

Why Focus on Turkish and Kurdish Communities?

These communities bore the brunt locally, with “lots of people” losing kin, per Cllr Ahmet. Their traditional songs and active participation highlight cultural preservation amid grief, setting “the standard” for solidarity.

What Is the Broader Context of the 2023 Earthquake?

The 7.8-magnitude quake on 6 February 2023 devastated Kahramanmaraş province in Turkey and Aleppo in Syria, killing over 50,000 and displacing millions. Aftershocks compounded destruction, straining international aid. In the UK, boroughs like Haringey mobilised funds and support, with communities fundraising tirelessly.

Haringey’s response mirrors national efforts, where Turkish Cypriots, Kurds, and Turks united in grief and aid drives.

How Has Haringey Commemorated in Previous Years?

This marks the third year, with prior events at the same site fostering tradition. Cllr Ahmet confirmed: “This is the third year that we’ve gathered together,” indicating annual evolution from initial shock to sustained homage.

What Future Commemorations Are Planned?

While specifics for 6 February 2026 remain unstated, Cllr Ahmet pledged: “we will always come together and commemorate them here at the tree of remembrance.” Expect continued solidarity, potentially larger gatherings.

How Can the Community Stay Involved?

Haringey encourages unity, learning from Turkish and Kurdish examples. Residents can join future events, support affected families, or contribute to remembrance initiatives, ensuring memories endure.