Western Thrace Turks attend “Yas-ı Matem Iftar Gathering” in Ankara

Western Thrace Turks participated in the “Yas-ı Matem Iftar Gathering” organized by the Turkish Ministry of Interior on the evening of Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Ankara. The event brought together participants from across Türkiye and the Balkans who follow the Alevi-Bektashi faith.

Turkish Minister of Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, hosted the event, which aimed to honor the memory of Imam Hussein and the martyrs of Karbala during the sacred period of Muharram.

Prominent representatives from Western Thrace were present at the gathering, including:

Ahmet Paşa and Apti Pencal, dedes of the Seyyid Ali Sultan Lodge,

Necmettin Kahya, President of the Seçek Minority Education and Culture Association,

Ali Koç and Hüseyin Bekirusta, aghas of Seçek Wrestling Field.

Invited by the Turkish government, the delegation joined the Ankara event, which took place in a conference hall located within the Ministry of Interior complex. Participants broke their fasts together (“Can Cana”) at modest Yas-ı Matem tables, accompanied by prayers and reflections.

The program included the recitation of eulogies (mersiyes) and prayers, commemorating the dignity, struggle for justice, and innocence of Imam Hussein and the Karbala martyrs.

In a statement following the event, the Seçek Minority Education and Culture Association thanked Minister Ali Yerlikaya and Ministry Advisor Esma Ersin, saying:

“In these spiritually meaningful days, we express our gratitude for the respect and thoughtful gestures shown to our ancient faith. We pray that our fasts are accepted in the presence of the Divine. Aşk olsun (Love and respect) to those whose hearts are filled with the love of Imam Hussein and the martyrs of Karbala.”