Kinsmen gather for iftar in Gümülcine
On the evening of March 19, 2025, an iftar event was organized in Gümülcine by the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board. The event brought together fellow countrymen from various regions of Western Thrace to break their fast together.
Among the attendees were Türkiye's Consul General in Gümülcine, Aykut Ünal, and his wife İlayda Ünal, President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and Imams of Xanthi, Mustafa Trampa, Gümülcine Imam Ibrahim Şerif, FEP Party President Çiğdem Asafoğlu, Rodopi Member of Parliament Özgür Ferhat, regional council members of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, minority mayors, opposition leaders, members of parliament, civil society organization leaders, religious officials, and local citizens. Additionally, representatives from Türkiye’s Bursa Metropolitan Municipality and civil society organizations from Istanbul and Izmir also participated in the event.
Before the meal, a Hacivat-Karagöz shadow puppet show was performed for the children. As the evening call to prayer was announced, attendees collectively broke their fast.
The meal’s prayer was led by Gümülcine Imam Ibrahim Şerif, followed by speeches. Mustafa Trampa, the President of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and Imam of Xanthi, delivered the first speech, expressing his gratitude to the organizers and those who contributed to the event.
Next, Consul General Aykut Ünal took the stage, expressing his appreciation for the event and the vibrant atmosphere, especially highlighting the energetic children in attendance. He thanked everyone for their participation and contributions, inviting them to the Ramadan Feast celebrations at the consulate on the first day of Bayram. He wished everyone a blessed Bayram.
Lastly, on behalf of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, Municipal Council Member Vahap Aka spoke, expressing his happiness to be with fellow countrymen in Western Thrace and conveying the Mayor's greetings. He also emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity.
The event concluded with a musical performance.
