In 1942, at the height of World War 2 when Turkey was neutral
and Istanbul a hotbed of spies, the British Community Council (BCC) was formed.
The original statutes say: ‘conversations were held between His Britannic
Majesty’s Consul-General and representatives of the British Community. The
British Community Council in Istanbul was then formed to represent all sections
of the British Community in Istanbul and to integrate its various activities and
interests.’
Its purpose then seems to have been to act as a pressure group
for British interest, but it has changed as it has evolved over the years. The
BCC now encompasses Commonwealth and Irish citizens, and the Council of 15
members is elected in March each year. The Council appoints three trustees, who
serve equally in all respects as elected council members.
These days the BCC provides relief for eligible pensioners,
victims of any tragic circumstances and aid to appropriate charities in
Istanbul. It raises funds by means of social and cultural activities which
involve international connections In so doing it furthers understanding between
different peoples and cultures and faiths. The pensioners are elderly people,
who for various historical reasons are denied pensions by their home states and
often do not qualify for a Turkish pension. There is a waiting list - people
coming to the end of limited savings. This involves a present annual commitment
of about 50,000 YTL (£20,000), which is anticipated doubling over the next five
years.
In the cases of local charities the practice is generally to
fund a specific project, rather than simply to give cash. The BCC gives
assistance to Turkish victims of the 2003 bombings, and much further help is
still required in this area. This year it is committed to helping a pre-school
project for children from poor families – catching ‘street children’ before they
take to the streets. The BCC currently stages four main fund-raising events: a
ball or dinner dance, the summer fête in the British Consulate garden, a
Bosphorus boat trip in August and a pantomime.
With changes in world banking regulations, and in Turkish
legislation prior to joining the EU, the status of the BCC has had to be
re-defined. It is now recognised by the office of the Vali (Governor) as an NGO
(Non-Governmental-Organisation) and registered with the Charities Commissioners.
This means the BCC will soon be able to give receipts for tax purposes A high ranking Patron is
being sought. More information from the Chairman at
chairman@bccistanbul.org.
