Talk | Identity, Belonging, and Migrant Meaning-Making by Semanur Darbaz

Identity, Belonging, and Migrant Meaning-Making in Turkish Museums with Semanur Darbaz (Nottingham Trent University)

Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London is pleased to host the 41sr session of its Young Scholar Seminar Series, featuring Semanur Darbaz, researcher and museum practitioner at Nottingham Trent University

This talk looks at how museums in Turkey represent migration, cultural diversity and belonging, and how visitors with migrant backgrounds interpret these narratives. The research examines whether museums can function as spaces of social cohesion and belonging, while also critically questioning the Western epistemological assumptions that shape understandings of museums as a universal modern institution tied to nation-building, and social progress.

By situating Turkish museums within local histories of identity formation and cultural politics, the project offers a decolonial and context-sensitive contribution to critical museum studies. Combining walking interviews at museum visits, group discussions, and creative participatory methods, the research highlights both the possibilities and the limits of museums as spaces where identity, belonging, and alternative social imaginaries can be negotiated.

📅 Date: Monday, 22 June 2026
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, 10 Maple Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 5HA
🗣️ Language: English
🎟️ Admission: Free (registration required)

This talk forms part of the Young Scholar Seminar Series organised by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü - London since 2017.

For more information on the event, please visit Yunus Emre Enstitüsü - London’s Website: https://yeelondon.org.uk/ or email us at [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTES: As this is a free event, we often experience a number of no-shows. To make sure seats don’t go empty, we may issue a limited number of additional tickets. Admission is therefore subject to venue capacity and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that registration or an e-ticket does not guarantee a seat, and standing admission may be possible.

Photography and filming will take place during the event for archiving, marketing, and promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to Yunus Emre Institute using such images and footage in related publications, digital platforms, and promotional materials.

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