The Brussels municipality of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode will organise festivities to mark the 60th anniversary of Moroccan and Turkish immigration to Belgium from next weekend, announced Mayor Emir Kir.
Kir is the son of Turkish immigrants who came to work in the Belgian mines in the 1960s. In 2012, he became the mayor of Saint-Josse – the first mayor of non-European origin in the country.
"60 years ago, Belgium signed official agreements with Morocco and Turkey. This was the beginning of a new history between these three countries that continues today," said Kir.
"It is important to commemorate this moment through solemnity, remembrance, ambition for the future and celebration," he said, adding that the municipality's major events will all highlight this important event, from the carnival, to the festival of street arts and shared meals.
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"At the same time, we will appeal to the association sector and civil society, which often contribute integrally to this beautiful history, of which I personally am also a part," Kir said.
The official anniversary celebrations programme will be unveiled on 24 February at 14:00 at Saint-Josse's Salle Tanger, along with the official 60th anniversary label.
The programme will include speeches by official representatives of the two countries and a testimonial by Loredana Marchi, who is the Director of the Brussels Migration Museum, followed by a three-course buffet.
