Strengthening Community Through Dialogue: Welcoming Zafer Sırakaya to Auburn Gallipoli Mosque
Hafsah Felgouma
Strong communities are built through listening, collaboration and meaningful dialogue.
This month, Auburn Gallipoli Mosque had the honour of welcoming Zafer Sırakaya, Deputy Chairman of Türkiye's Justice and Development (AK) Party and Head of Foreign Relations, for a community panel discussing the issues, aspirations and experiences of the Turkish community living in Australia.
Hosted in collaboration with UID Sydney, the gathering brought together community members, leaders and organisations for an open and engaging discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing the Turkish diaspora, while reaffirming the importance of maintaining strong ties with our homeland.
A Voice for Turkish Communities Abroad
Zafer Sırakaya has long been recognised as an advocate for Turkish citizens living overseas. Throughout his public service, he has worked closely with diaspora communities across Europe and beyond, promoting stronger engagement between Turkish communities abroad and institutions in Türkiye. As Head of Foreign Relations for the AK Party, he regularly meets with international organisations and community representatives to better understand the needs and concerns of Turkish citizens around the world.
His visit to Auburn Gallipoli Mosque provided local community members with a valuable opportunity to share their perspectives, ask questions and participate in discussions about issues that directly affect Turkish-Australians.
A Platform for Meaningful Discussion
The panel explored a range of topics important to our community, encouraging open conversation and respectful dialogue between community members and visiting representatives.
Beyond discussing current issues, the gathering reinforced something equally important: ensuring that the voices of Turkish-Australians continue to be heard.
For many families who have built their lives in Australia while maintaining deep cultural and family ties with Türkiye, opportunities like these provide reassurance that their experiences matter. They strengthen the connection between generations and remind our community that they remain an important part of the wider Turkish family, no matter where they live.
In Partnership with UID Sydney
This event was made possible through the support of UID Sydney, whose ongoing work continues to strengthen connections between the Turkish diaspora and Türkiye.
UID (Union of International Democrats) works with Turkish communities around the world by encouraging civic participation, supporting cultural engagement and helping strengthen relationships between diaspora communities and institutions in Türkiye. Through community programs, educational initiatives and advocacy, UID provides opportunities for Turkish communities overseas to remain connected with their heritage while contributing positively to the societies in which they live.
Gallipoli Turkish Cultural Foundation is grateful for UID Sydney's continued partnership and the many ways they support the Turkish-Australian community through collaboration, community engagement and shared initiatives.
Building Bridges Through Cross-Cultural Dialogue
Events such as this demonstrate the important role community organisations play in creating spaces where ideas can be shared openly and respectfully.
Cross-cultural dialogue is about building understanding, strengthening relationships and ensuring that communities remain connected across borders. As a multicultural organisation serving both the Turkish and wider Australian community, Gallipoli Turkish Cultural Foundation believes these conversations contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.
Looking Towards the Future
At Gallipoli Turkish Cultural Foundation, we remain committed to creating opportunities that bring people together, strengthen our cultural identity and ensure our community has a voice in conversations that shape its future.
We extend our sincere thanks to Zafer Sırakaya for taking the time to engage with our community, to UID Sydney for facilitating this important visit, and to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.
By working together, we continue to strengthen the bonds between Australia and Türkiye while building a confident, connected and engaged Turkish-Australian community for generations to come.
