Thousands congregate in New York to share iftar joy

An iftar (fast-breaking meal) dinner was organized by the TCC in Queens County, New York on Saturday evening. (Photo: Cihan)
An iftar (fast-breaking meal) dinner was organized by the TCC in Queens County, New York on Saturday evening. (Photo: Cihan)


Date posted: June 23, 2015

SEZAİ KALAYCI / NEW YORK

Thousands of people in Queens County, New York attended an iftar (fast-breaking meal) dinner held on Saturday evening.

Muslims across the world fast every year during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Turkish Cultural Center (TCC) organized the iftar event in Queens. During the event, attendees of different religions were provided with information about the Ramadan tradition to contribute to inter-religious dialogue.

Governor of the State of New York Andrew Cuomo did not participate in the event, but sent his assistant to the iftar. Speaking during the event, TCC manager Oğuzhan Turan pointed out that the center’s aim is to keep Ramadan alive not only for Muslims, but also for everyone.

There were whirling dervishes on Saturday, the first day of the iftar tent organization. On Sunday, Iranian Amir Vahap and his band famous in New York for their Sufi music, took the stage for an hour, drawing great interest from an eclectic multi-national crowd.

Turan said that the center is planning to host iftar to more than 3,000 people, as they have done in previous years. Pointing out that its expectations for the first two days were fulfilled, Turan said: “Tomorrow is the last day of the iftar organization and we hope that more than 1,000 people will come, as they did today.”

Iftar in Turkish school in Romania

Turkish schools operating in Romania also hosted an iftar dinner, attended by thousands of people, on Saturday evening.

Lumina schools in Romania, which have been conducting their educational activities for 21 years, invited 1,000 people, including Turks and Romanians, to its annual iftar dinner organization. George Grigore described the atmosphere in the room, saying: “We have been invited to a Turkish iftar dinner. It has become a tradition here and has become the symbol of understanding and friendship. People from different beliefs are gathered here, but there is perfect tolerance and harmony.”

A Turkish businessman, Erhan Demirhan, also expressed his emotions, saying: “As Alevists, we see these schools, with both Romanians and Turks, providing the atmosphere of tolerance, love and respect.”

Source: Today's Zaman , June 21, 2015

Tags: | | | |


Related News

Detained Turkish Journalists Follow Teachings of US-based Preacher

Erdogan denies the corruption allegations and has described them as the work of a “parallel state.” After this week raids, he issued a veiled threat against Gulen’s supporters.

Fethullah Gülen on Acts of Terrorism – in light of Paris and Beirut

Gülen’s position on violent extremism is based on a comprehensive, thorough and robust understanding and reading of the spirit and teachings of Islam’s primary sources, the Qur’an and Sunna – the same foundations on which its core teachings are based.

Tensions rise in Germany’s Turkish diaspora, mirroring splits in Turkey

The group has been active in Germany for many years, operating 150 tutoring centres in the country, 30 government-recognised schools and a dozen interfaith dialogue projects. It has long been seen as a moderate Islamic group although it has faced criticism over a lack of transparency.

Groundless terror probe into Kimse Yok Mu aims to intimidate civil society, GYV says

The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) has said an investigation launched against prominent charity organization Kimse Yok Mu on charges of terrorism aims to intimidate and limit the activities of a civil society organization.

International Panel for “Sharing Coexistence Experience” in Korea

The International Panel for Sharing Coexistence Experience brought together the representatives of the religions in South Korea and the religious groups in Turkey in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The panel was jointly organized by the Korean Conference on Religion and Peace (KCRP), the Istanbul Cultural Center, which operates in South Korea, and the Intercultural Dialogue Platform (KADİP) of the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV).

Washington Post: Biden needs to give Turkey’s Erdogan some tough advice

Mr. Biden ought to candidly tell his host that the US did not instigate the coup and that it will not relinquish Mr. Gulen to a witchhunt. Mr. Erdogan may not want to hear it, but he also should be reminded that crushing the rule of law will dim Turkey’s prospects. Mr. Erdogan may bask in the crowds today, but using the coup as a pretext to purge the media, academia and other spheres of independent voices will not strengthen the nation in the long run.

Latest News

Turkish inmate jailed over alleged Gülen links dies of heart attack in prison

Message of Condemnation and Condolences for Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney

Media executive Hidayet Karaca marks 11th year in prison over alleged links to Gülen movement

ECtHR faults Turkey for convictions of 2,420 applicants over Gülen links in follow-up to 2023 judgment

New Book Exposes Erdoğan’s “Civil Death Project” Targeting the Hizmet Movement

European Human Rights Treaty Faces Legal And Political Tests

ECtHR rejects Turkey’s appeal, clearing path for retrials in Gülen-linked cases

Erdoğan’s Civil Death Project’ : The ‘politicide’ spanning more than a decade

Fethullah Gülen’s Vision and the Purpose of Hizmet

In Case You Missed It

Turkish school declared most successful in Denmark

Filling the gap left by Gulen

Policeman, teacher wife and premature baby under arrest over Gülen links

Hizmet movement and military coups

Ministry of Education denies authorizing raid on Gülen-inspired schools

Indonesian authorities request 100 more Turkish schools

Pakistan PM Praises Turkish Schools in Erdogan’s Visit

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News