‘Grand Selimiye Iftar’ in Edirne brings Balkans together
The event, titled the “Grand Selimiye Iftar,” was organized by the Balkan Cities Cooperation Edirne Platform under the auspices of the Edirne Governor’s Office. The gathering, held for the third time this year following an initiative by Governor Yunus Sezer, welcomed participants from numerous Balkan countries.
The program began with a recitation from the Qur’an. At the call to prayer, nearly 6,000 people broke their fast together.
In his address, President of Religious Affairs Safi Arpaguş said he was pleased to share the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan with such a large gathering. He described the holy month as a time of mercy, forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
ARPAGUŞ
Arpaguş also noted that the world is currently facing difficult times, but emphasized that gatherings promoting unity and solidarity send an important message against conflict, injustice and division. He expressed hope that the spirit of brotherhood and cooperation would endure and wished participants blessings ahead of the upcoming Laylat al-Qadr and the Eid holiday.
Governor Sezer said Edirne was honored to host guests on such a meaningful occasion, highlighting the city’s historical role as a bridge between cultures in the Balkans.
“Edirne is a center of civilization where different religions, beliefs and cultures have lived together for centuries,” he said, referring to the legacy of figures such as Mimar Sinan and the spiritual traditions that shaped the region.
Sezer also noted that when the gathering was first held in previous years, Selimiye Mosque was undergoing restoration. He said the restoration had since been completed and the monument had reopened for worship in all its grandeur. He thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as well as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey and the General Directorate of Foundations for supporting the project.
Among the international participants, Mirsad Azemovic, Montenegro’s minister responsible for diaspora affairs, said he always felt at home when visiting Turkey and noted that Ramadan’s unifying spirit was clearly reflected in the event. He added that Turkiye was among the first countries to recognize Montenegro’s independence and highlighted the role of the Montenegrin diaspora in strengthening ties between the two nations.
Hayri Recebov Sadıkov, deputy speaker of the parliament of Bulgaria, also attended the gathering and said he was pleased to share the iftar table with participants from across the region, stressing the growing cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
The program continued with a performance of religious hymns by the Edirne State Turkish and Rumelian Music Ensemble, while the Edirne Governorate’s Sema Ensemble also presented a traditional whirling dervish performance.
WESTERN THRACE TURKISH MINORITY
Representing the Muslim Turkish Minority of Western Thrace, the chairman of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and elected mufti of İskeçe, Mustafa Trampa, as well as the elected mufti of Gümülcine, İbrahim Şerif, also attended the mass iftar event held in Edirne.
The iftar was attended by numerous officials, religious leaders and representatives of civil society from across the Balkans, including local governors, mayors, members of parliament and religious figures from several countries.
