Antioch came together over Iftar
Date posted: July 30, 2013
FAZİLET CANDAN – ANTIOCH
Ramadan brings peace, mercy and blessings to the society. One good example if this was an iftar in Antioch, Turkey, where Alevite and Sunni Muslims, Jews, and Christians came together.
Antioch has been remembered because of terrorism and some political incidents in the city. However, Alevites and Sunnis, Christians and Jews broke bread at the same table in Ramadan. The theme of the dinner was “Antioch at the same table.” In the atmosphere of tolerance all said “Amen” for prayers for peace, friendship and brotherhood.
Antioch Intercultural Dialogue Association (AKADIM) and Mayor’s Office co-hosted the program. Minister of Justice Mr. Sadullah Ergin expressed his gratitude for being at the same table with people of Antioch. Mr. Ergin, wishing that all unfortunate incidents would end in this region and in the world, said, “Ramadan is the month of brotherhood and sharing. We refresh such values in our hearts in this month and prepare ourselves for future. I pray to God that friendship and brotherhood and peace may strengthen in this city and in our country.” Mr. Ergin also offered his prayers for bloodshed and tears to end everywhere in the world.
Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin, representative Orhan Karasayar, governor Mehmet Celalettin Lekesiz, mayor Lütfü Savaş, mufti Mustafa Kavillioğlu, Protestant Church’s pastor Yakup Cihan, NGO representatives and many people attended the Iftar.
People in attendance underlined that they felt more spiritual in Ramadan thanks to this and such programs.
Antioch is famous for brotherhood!
AKADIM president Isa Aydın expressed his pleasure as all colors of Antioch were together at the Iftar. He said, “This is the best answer to some negative incidents happened recently in the city.” He also said that Ramadan is the month of peace, sharing, caring the poor and knowing each other closely; AKADIM invited to the dinner all colors of Antioch namely, Alevites, Sunnis, Christians and Jews in this holy month when spirituality peaks. “This is real Antioch where people have the culture of living together,” he remarked.
“Antioch is famous for brotherhood, Antioch is land of friendship and peace,” he lauded.
Disclaimer: The original article is in Turkish. Slight deviations from the original meaning may have occurred due to the difficulties in translating phrases and idioms. PII volunteers translated the article.
Source: Zaman Newspaper , July 29, 2013
