A Cultural Enstution Abroad: London People Hause

Among the main goals of establishment of People’s Houses founded in February 19, 1932 were to convey Ataturk’s Principals and Revolutions to people in masses and to get them accepted, to search for the components of national culture, to form a social center for those who shared the same ideal and to secure fusion between people from every sect of the society. The number of People’s Houses, which carried out cultural and public education as a significant facility all over Turkey, reached 478, including one abroad, in 1951 when they were closed down. London People House, the only People House abroad, was opened in February 19, 1942. Among the goals of establishment of London People House led by Turkish ambassadors in London, through performing diverse activities, were to introduce Turkey and Turkish culture to the English, to improve cultural relations between the two countries, and to create a social center for Turkish citizens who attained there for different purposes. In London People House, especially between 1942 and 1945, exhibitions were opened to advertize Turkey and Turkish culture, lots of conferences were held and Turkish language classes were offered, films shown and activities performed on special days. London People House, which lost its function in great deal from 1946 onwards, was officially closed down in March 31, 1950.