Nilgun
Canver has made her name in British politics, but she still misses her
grandmother?s kitchen, as she admitted to Marie-Pierre Moine
Haringey councillor Nilgun Canver is a
busy woman. She was born in Adana, Turkey, but England is the country where she
chose to make her life. When she came to Brighton as a language student at the
age of 18 it was a case of love at first sight: ?I was already familiar and
close to English culture? my year there was a fantastic experience. I liked
being in a seaside town. This was the long, hot summer of 76; spending time on
the beach was wonderful. I liked the fact that Brighton is home to many students
from various countries and different cultures.? Nilgun felt welcomed by the
Brighton community. She had heard stories about the English being cold and
reserved, but it was never like that in her experience.
She returned to Turkey to study English and American literature, but came back
to England as soon as she had finished. This time she settled in North London.
By then it was the early Eighties, she had a good network of friends and soon
after she arrived ? practically from the very first day ? she started getting
involved in the community,
Community action has been her life ever since. She felt she had a contribution
to make: ?I was bilingual, articulate, able to do something, and committed to
social democracy.? Nilgun became involved with the Turkish Education Group, a
progressive organisation where many women started becoming active in what was
still the male-dominated context of local politics and community action.
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