Hundreds of kinsmen gather for iftar in Işıklar Village
A large-scale iftar gathering took place in Işıklar village on Thursday, March 20, organized with contributions from the local community and youth under the Kozlukebir Municipality. The event brought together hundreds of kinsmen from surrounding villages, fostering a spirit of unity, friendship, and solidarity during the holy month of Ramadan.
A Gathering of Community Leaders and Officials
The iftar dinner saw participation from numerous prominent figures, including Turkey’s Consul General in Komotini, Aykut Ünal, and his wife, İlayda Ünal, Komotini Mufti İbrahim Şerif, Rhodope MP Özgür Ferhat, former MP Ahmet Hacıosman, DEB Party President Çiğdem Asafoğlu, Kozlukebir Mayor Erdem Hüseyin, and former mayors Rıdvan Ahmet and İbrahim Şerif. Additionally, regional vice governors from Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, municipal council members, representatives of various civil society organizations, and a delegation from Türkiye, including Sultangazi Mayor Abdurrahman Dursun, also attended the event.
As the call to prayer (adhan) was recited, attendees broke their fast together, followed by a special iftar prayer led by Dr. Süleyman Taş, a religious official from the Kocaeli Mufti’s Office in Türkiye.
Messages of Unity and Solidarity
Following the meal, speeches were delivered by Komotini Mufti İbrahim Şerif, Kozlukebir Mayor Erdem Hüseyin, Sultangazi Mayor Abdurrahman Dursun, and Turkey’s Consul General Aykut Ünal, each emphasizing the importance of togetherness and community spirit.
Komotini Mufti İbrahim Şerif:
Mufti Şerif expressed his joy at seeing the happiness and excitement of believers during Ramadan. He highlighted the significance of hosting guests from Türkiye and sharing in the blessings of the iftar meal.
"May Allah be pleased with all those who made this gathering possible. I pray that we continue to experience many more Ramadan nights like this, filled with joy and unity. I also extend my best wishes for a blessed Eid in advance," he stated.
Kozlukebir Mayor Erdem Hüseyin:
Mayor Hüseyin welcomed all attendees and extended special thanks to Sultangazi Mayor Abdurrahman Dursun and his delegation from Türkiye. He also expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to organizing the event and wished all participants a joyful Ramadan and Eid.
Sultangazi Mayor Abdurrahman Dursun:
Dursun conveyed his delight in sharing an iftar meal under the same sky with the people of Western Thrace.
"It is a great honor for us to be here in this sacred month of mercy and forgiveness, breaking bread with you. Seeing your warm smiles fills our hearts with joy. We are one, we are together, and your unity in this land is of great importance. May Allah bless all who contributed to this gathering," he said.
Türkiye’s Consul General in Komotini, Aykut Ünal:
Consul General Ünal expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and congratulated everyone involved in organizing the iftar despite the chilly evening. He also extended an invitation to all compatriots to attend the Eid reception at the Turkish Consulate in Komotini on the first day of Eid.
The event concluded with the evening prayer at Işıklar Village Mosque, marking the end of a memorable night of unity and brotherhood.
