Dr Mehmet Karakus
PRACTICE OVERVIEW
Mehmet is an ADR Group accredited mediator, with a strong foundation in cultural diplomacy, community relations, and education consultancy. With a career spanning over two decades in the UK and Türkiye, he offers a deep understanding of the social and institutional contexts that shape disputes. Since 2016, he has been serving as Director of Yunus Emre Institute London and was recently appointed EU Regional Coordinator of the Institute.
Mehmet is known as a cultural ambassador, fostering dialogue between communities and building bridges between cultures. He has successfully organised hundreds of high-profile events, exhibitions, and academic programmes that promote cultural understanding, often involving international stakeholders. His approach is marked by careful planning, an eye for detail, and tireless dedication—qualities that translate into his mediation style.
His work with the Turkish community in London has given him deep insight into their institutional structures, cultural sensitivities, and challenges. He is particularly skilled at navigating disputes involving faith groups, community organisations, and commercial partnerships, where trust and empathy are key to resolution.
Mehmet provides a calm, respectful, and impartial space for parties in conflict. His mediation style is facilitative, culturally informed, and grounded in active listening and collaborative problem-solving.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mehmet has been serving as the Director of Yunus Emre Institute London since 2016, leading Türkiye’s premier cultural diplomacy mission in the UK. In this role, he has overseen extensive educational, artistic, and intercultural programmes that promote mutual understanding and engagement. His leadership has played a pivotal role in establishing strong institutional partnerships across the UK’s cultural and academic landscape.
In 2024, he was appointed as EU Regional Coordinator of Yunus Emre Institute, where he is responsible for coordinating cultural and educational outreach across Europe, advancing the Institute’s strategic presence in the region.
Prior to his current roles, Mehmet worked extensively as an education consultant and NGO director between 2004 and 2016, leading numerous projects focused on youth development, social inclusion, and cultural advocacy in the UK’s diverse communities.
He also held academic positions including Visiting Researcher at the Jean Monnet Centre, Newcastle University (2002–2004), and worked as an interpreter with NHS North England Directorate (2000–2002), contributing to multilingual service delivery and community health engagement.
AREAS OF SPECIALISM
- Commercial
- Faith Communities
- Education
- Neighbourhood
- Partnerships
- Public Policy