Diaspora Sounds

Over the past six decades, the Turkish community in Belgium has contributed not only as workers but also as artists, filmmakers, authors, academics, and cultural ambassadors.
Their contributions to Belgian society are significant, both economically and socio-culturally. It is time to highlight and celebrate the stories of these individuals—people who have not only witnessed history but have actively shaped it.

Birsen Taspinar is a clinical psychologist and anthropologist. She provides therapy in multiple languages and works as a lecturer and researcher in family studies at Odisee University of Applied Sciences. Her debut book, Moeders van de Stilte, explores the transformative power of language in the context of human suffering. Birsen is currently working on De Pijn die vanbinnen, a book about racism and how families cope powerfully with pain. The book will be published in 2025 by Epo Publishing.

Ilknur Cengiz holds a Master's degree in Multimedia/Visual Arts (KASK Ghent) and a diploma in Pedagogical Studies. Her short film YOLDA won first prize at the Courtisane Short Film Festival. In addition to performance arts and photography exhibitions, she holds various leadership roles in the cultural sector, including at FilmFest Gent. Ilknur teaches Film and Photography at Kunsthumaniora Brussels and has over 20 years of experience in art education, with deep knowledge of audiovisual and performing arts and insights into the lives of young people.

Kemal Cengiz moved from Turkey to Belgium in 1982. As a teacher, he taught for many years in Antwerp and Brussels, where he worked for Foyer vzw in bi-cultural education. In addition to his teaching activities, he provided training in Turkish language and culture, offered translation services, and provided psychological support. He organized immersion trips to Turkey for teaching staff and promoted cooperation between schools and parents of Turkish students.