"Grand Selimiye Iftar" brings Balkan Diaspora together in Edirne

The "Büyük Selimiye İftarı" (Grand Selimiye Iftar), organized by the Edirne Governorship Balkan Cities Cooperation Platform, took place at Selimiye Square and was attended by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, marking a significant gathering for the Balkan diaspora in Edirne.

A Symbolic Gathering of Balkan Communities
The iftar event brought together descendants from 11 Balkan countries, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared cultural values. The Balkan Symphony Orchestra and the Edirne State Turkish and Rumeli Music Ensemble set the tone with a concert featuring religious hymns, followed by a whirling dervish performance. As the adhan (call to prayer) rang out, nearly 6,000 people gathered in the square to break their fast together.

Important Guests at the Iftar
Several prominent figures attended the event, including:

• Aykut Ünal, Türkiye’s Consul General in Gümülcine,
• Mustafa Trampa, Mufti of İskeçe,
• İbrahim Şerif, Mufti of Gümülcine,
• Levent Sadık Ahmet, son of the late Dr. Sadık Ahmet, leader of the Western Thrace Turks,
• Kosovo’s Minister of Development, Fikrim Damka,
• Serbia’s State Minister, Usame Zukorliç, along with many other political and cultural representatives from both Türkiye and the Balkans.

Governor Yunus Sezer’s Address
Governor Yunus Sezer expressed that the event was held in Edirne, a city historically positioned at the crossroads of cultures, which connects Turkey to Europe and Asia. He highlighted the joy of hosting the second edition of the "Büyük Selimiye İftarı", emphasizing the platform's success in connecting people from 11 Balkan countries. Governor Sezer stressed that such gatherings foster deep friendships and shared values, reflecting Edirne's rich cultural heritage.

Sezer also underscored that Edirne's spiritual legacy continues to inspire future generations, noting that the city has produced great figures who have left behind a profound spiritual and cultural inheritance.

"This Year’s Ramadan Theme: Goodness"
Dr. Selim Argun, Deputy President of the Diyanet (Directorate of Religious Affairs), explained that Ramadan themes change every year. This year's theme was "Goodness", which highlights moral actions and community spirit. He also announced that "Goodness Week" would now be observed annually in Turkey, following approval from the Turkish President.

Kosovo and Serbia Representatives Speak
Fikrim Damka, Kosovo's Minister of Development, expressed that such events are sources of strength for the Balkan region. He stressed that peace and stability in the Balkans are only achievable through unity and collaboration, particularly under the auspices of their common homeland.

Usame Zukorliç, Serbia's State Minister, reminisced about his time in Edirne as an Erasmus student and praised the city for its cultural and historical significance, especially its Selimiye Mosque, which he compared to the mosques in his home city of Novi Pazar.

A Shared Cultural Legacy
The event not only served as a significant social gathering but also highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties that bind the people of Turkey and the Balkans. It was a night of reflection, celebration, and reaffirmation of shared values and solidarity across the region.