On October 29, 2026, Hafiz Mustafa 1864 joined the Turkish Embassy's Republic Day reception in London as Türkiye celebrated its republic's 103rd anniversary. Honorary Chairman Avni Ongurlar and Director Ahmet Halit Demir attended at the embassy's invitation. Hafiz Mustafa, which welcomes guests at its Knightsbridge branch, was honored to participate in the national celebration alongside London's Turkish community.
The Embassy Celebrations on Portland Place
Türkiye's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Osman Koray Ertaş, hosted the October 29 celebrations with his wife, Sevcan Ertaş, at the embassy residence at 69 Portland Place. The embassy organized two receptions for Turkish and international guests.
Guests at the daytime reception heard a violin quartet perform İstiklal Marşı, the Turkish national anthem, and listened to Ambassador Ertaş's opening address. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's Republic Day video message was shown to guests.
In his address, Ambassador Ertaş recalled Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's leadership during the republic's foundation and spoke of the Turkish people's independence and sovereignty. He expressed pride in celebrating the anniversary with guests in London and affirmed his resolve to protect the republic.
Guests and Republic Day Good Wishes
London's Turkish-language press joined the celebrations, with Olay Gazetesi publisher Nural Ezel among the guests named in the newspaper's account. Diplomatic missions and community leaders attended the embassy's events.
In a separate Republic Day message to President Erdoğan, King Charles III sent congratulations and good wishes to the Turkish people on behalf of himself and the Queen. His message recognized the countries' friendship and expressed a wish for further cooperation.
Istanbul Roots and a London Address
Hafiz Mustafa's connection with Türkiye began in 1864, when Hacı İsmail Hakkı Bey established the confectionery in Istanbul's Bahçekapı neighborhood. The early shop produced akide sugar candy, and his son Mustafa later continued the family's confectionery business. When the Turkish Republic was proclaimed on October 29, 1923, the business had a history spanning 59 years.
London's branch, which opened in September 2024, welcomes guests at 92 Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, with desserts from the Istanbul confectionery: Baklava and Turkish delight feature in the branch's selection, and Turkish coffee is available in the café.
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