TİKA sets up iftar dinner for 800 people in Bulgaria
The event was attended by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sofia Mehmet Sait Uyanık, Consul General in Plovdiv Emre Manav, TİKA President Abdullah Eren, BALTÜRK Chairman Şükrü Ar, and many invited guests.
Visit to Ambassador
Before the iftar program, TİKA President Eren paid a visit to Ambassador Uyanık. During the visit, Eren also toured the historic “Atatürk Room” at the ambassadorial residence, which served as the office of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during his tenure in Sofia.
Eren examined historical documents, photographs, and personal belongings from the period when Atatürk served as military attaché in Sofia between 1913 and 1915.
Later, Eren and his delegation visited the city of Lovech, where they toured the Covered Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and visited the Lovech Central Mosque, the only mosque currently open for worship in the city.
The iftar program, held at the Galata village administration building, began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and prayers.
Speaking at the event, Eren said, “We share our table with our Muslim brothers and sisters in 95 countries around the world and organize iftar programs. As TİKA, wherever there are our brothers, friends, and kin outside Türkiye’s borders, we strive to stand by them and provide support.”
Eren noted that similar iftar programs have been organized in different cities across Bulgaria and expressed his happiness at meeting members of the Turkish community in Galata village.
Emphasizing that Ramadan strengthens the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity among people, Eren said, “The most important bond between us is our brotherhood and our shared faith. During Ramadan, we are reminded once again of this bond and our sense of unity.”
Referring to his family’s Balkan roots, Eren added, “My grandmother was born in a village near Gümülcine (Komotini). Her family originally came from a village within present-day Bulgaria. For this reason, I feel very close to you.”
Ambassador Uyanık also expressed his pleasure at meeting members of the Turkish community at the iftar table.
“At a time when wars and instability are increasing in the world, gatherings like this that symbolize unity and solidarity are extremely important,” he said. “The month of Ramadan reminds us of the value of peace and brotherhood. It is very meaningful that the prayers made today are not only for ourselves and our families, but also for people around the world who long for peace and tranquility.”
Uyanık noted that Galata village stands out with its strong traditions, deep-rooted culture, and hospitable people.
“It is a great pleasure to experience the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan together with you in this distinguished village, where the traditions of Balkan Islam are beautifully preserved. Please know that Türkiye will always continue to stand by you, our brothers and sisters,” he said.
BALTÜRK Chairman Şükrü Ar also expressed his satisfaction at being in Galata and extended his Ramadan and upcoming Eid greetings to the community.
The iftar program, attended by around 800 people and strengthening the long-standing friendship and brotherhood between Türkiye and Bulgaria, concluded with prayers.
Source:AA-Photo:TIKA
