Narlıköy community gathers for traditional iftar

The Muslim Turkish community in Narlıköy, part of Yassıköy Municipality, continued its cherished iftar tradition, bringing together villagers and guests from neighboring communities on March 21, Friday evening.

This year’s Narlıköy iftar saw a large turnout, with attendees sharing a communal meal in the spirit of Ramadan unity and solidarity.

Distinguished Guests
Several prominent figures attended the event, including:

• Aykut Ünal, Consul General of Türkiye in Komotini, and his wife İlayda Ünal,
• İbrahim Şerif, Mufti of Komotini,
• Çiğdem Asafoğlu, President of the FEP Party,
• Özgür Ferhat, MP of Rhodope,
• Kaan Mümin, East Macedonia and Thrace Regional Council Member,
• Caner İmam, Mayor of Yassıköy, along with deputy mayors and council members,
• Erdem Hüseyin, Mayor of Kozlukebir,
• Sedat Hasan, President of Komotini Turkish Youth Union,
• Hüseyin Bostancı, President of Western Thrace Minority Education Society.

The Narlıköy representatives welcomed the guests, while young men and women from the village served food and ensured that everyone at the iftar tables received the best hospitality.

Speeches Highlighting Unity and Tradition
After the adhan (call to prayer) and breaking of the fast, local and religious leaders shared messages of unity and gratitude:

Caner İmam (Mayor of Yassıköy):

Expressed appreciation to the youth and villagers for reviving the communal iftar tradition in 2024 and continuing it this year.

İbrahim Şerif (Mufti of Komotini):

Emphasized the importance of unity within the community,

Shared a religious message on Ramadan, quoting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

“The first 10 days of Ramadan bring mercy, the second 10 days bring forgiveness, and the last 10 days grant salvation from Hellfire.”

Congratulated everyone on the upcoming Eid al-Fitr.

Aykut Ünal (Turkish Consul General in Komotini):

Greeted the Narlıköy residents and guests,

Praised the youth for their efforts in organizing the iftar,

Invited all attendees to the Eid celebration at the Turkish Consulate in Komotini on the first day of Eid al-Fitr.

The Narlıköy iftar once again proved to be a heartfelt and meaningful gathering, reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood and cultural heritage among Western Thrace’s Turkish community.