Ramadan Iftar gathering in Gökçepınar brings together community and guests from Türkiye
A large Ramadan iftar gathering held in the village of Gökçepınar, part of the Mustafçova Municipality in northeastern Greece, brought together local residents and visiting officials from Türkiye in a symbolic display of unity and cultural tradition.
The event, organized on March 6, drew strong participation from the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, along with a delegation from Edirne, highlighting the spirit of solidarity during the holy month of Ramadan.
Messages of Unity and Solidarity
Speaking at the gathering, Mustafa Trampa, chairman of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board and Mufti of İskeçe, said he was pleased to see members of the community come together around the shared iftar table.
Trampa emphasized the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan and the significance of communal iftar meals in strengthening social bonds, while thanking those who contributed to organizing the event.
Delegation from Türkiye Attends
Among the visiting officials was Ömer Sevgili, Deputy Governor of Edirne and District Governor of İpsala, who expressed his satisfaction at meeting members of the Western Thrace Turkish community.
Sevgili noted that they had traveled from Edirne with a large delegation and described the Western Thrace Turks as highly valued members of a shared cultural heritage.
He also highlighted the symbolic significance of celebrating Ramadan traditions near a historic mosque dating back to the Ottoman period.
“Even after centuries, seeing the same Islamic faith, the same Ramadan traditions and the same cultural values preserved here makes us very happy,” Sevgili said.
Consulate Invitation for Eid Gathering
Aykut Ünal, Consul General of Türkiye in Gümülcine, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing messages of unity and community.
Ünal thanked the organizers and invited community members to attend the traditional Eid reception that will be hosted at the Turkish Consulate on the first day of Eid al‑Fitr.
Cultural Performances Highlight the Evening
The program continued with a concert of religious hymns performed by artists from the Edirne State Choir, operating under the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Guests also watched a whirling dervish performance presented by the Edirne Governorate Sema Ensemble, reflecting centuries-old spiritual traditions.
Broad Participation
The event drew a wide range of attendees, including Çiğdem Asafoğlu, leader of the Friendship, Equality and Peace Party, the party’s honorary president Işık Sadık Ahmet, and Greek parliament members Burhan Baran and Hüseyin Zeybek.
Also present were Ahmet Kurt, mayor of Mustafçova Municipality, representatives of local institutions, community leaders, and many members of the Western Thrace Turkish community.
The gathering once again highlighted the role of Ramadan traditions in strengthening cultural identity and social solidarity among Muslims in Western Thrace.
