Communal iftar in Şahin Village emphasizes unity and brotherhood
A large-scale communal iftar held on Tuesday, March 3 in Şahin Village brought together the local community and diaspora, highlighting the spirit of unity and brotherhood during Ramadan.
The program attracted significant participation from villagers and regional members of the Western Thrace Turkish community, along with Turkish diplomats and politicians. Notable attendees included:
- Aykut Ünal, Consul General of Türkiye in Gümülcine, and his spouse İlayda Ünal
- Mustafa Trampa, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and Mufti of İskeçe
- Işık Sadık Ahmet, Honorary President of the FEP Party
- Ahmet Kurt, Mayor of Mustafçova
- Regional MPs, local officials, and leaders of minority associations
Additionally, Turkish political figures, including Mustafa Destici, Chairman of the Büyük Birlik Party, and representatives from Sakarya Municipality and the East Turkistan National Assembly, joined the event.
Religious Observances and Speeches
The iftar began with the evening call to prayer (Maghrib) recited by Metin Karahoca, teacher at the İskeçe Minority Secondary School. Greetings and speeches followed, led by Mufti Mustafa Trampa, who highlighted Ramadan as a period of unity and brotherhood. Trampa expressed gratitude to organizers and wished that the holy month brings blessings to all.
East Turkistan National Assembly Chairman Seyit Tümtürk shared greetings from 35 million Uighur Turks, noting the restrictions on religious practice in East Turkistan and asking participants to pray for peace and freedom in the region.
Other speakers, including Sakarya Mayor Şenol Dinç and BBP Chairman Mustafa Destici, emphasized solidarity, the long-standing presence of Western Thrace Turks, and the importance of maintaining communal ties across the Balkans.
Concluding Prayers and Community Gathering
Following the speeches, participants performed the evening prayer together at Karacaahmet Mosque, and later joined the Tarawih prayers at Şahin Upper Neighborhood Mosque. The evening concluded with coffee and social conversations, reinforcing the community spirit and bonds strengthened during Ramadan.
The Şahin Village iftar reflects the enduring cultural and spiritual traditions of the Western Thrace Turkish community and their commitment to unity, faith, and collective celebration.
