Diverse community enjoys feast at Turkic American Alliance iftar


Date posted: August 7, 2013

Kyle Schmoyer

The Turkic American Alliance in Washington, D.C. hosted a traditional iftar dinner, inviting the community to break the day’s fast together.

Dr. Faruk Taban, President, TAA: “That’s the whole meaning of the month of Ramadan. To get together with the families and friends, even the very diverse population.”

A truly diverse cross-section of the community came to break bread and enjoy a traditional Turkic feast.

Rep. Keith Ellison, (D) Minnesota: “Ramadan represents an opportunity for us to come together. And everyone is welcome to the iftar. People of all faith traditions. And it’s a chance for us to get to know each other a little bit better.”

Peter Kovach, US State Department (Retired): “In this diverse society, the openness of Muslims to invite non-Muslims to iftars is just an incredible way to engage across lines and being to build bridges of understand.”

Some guests from afar felt right at home at this religious observance in the heart of our nation’s Capital.

Murktar Djumaliev, Ambassador from Kyrgyzstan: “This is tradition for the Muslim countries. So, it’s good to know, and for me as ambassador that in the United States we also have such a Muslim brotherhood which are sharing food together.”

Kairat Umarov, Ambassador from Kazakhstan: “We all cherish one in the same values in this world. And I think the more people will be sharing food and thought and will be sharing the ideas, I think the world will be that more peaceful.”

A real worldwide wish that people of all faiths can agree on and and enjoy.

Source: GulenMovement , August 6, 2013


Related News

Irvine’s new arrivals — Turkish asylum seekers, after a failed coup and a sadly successful purge

The man, who ran a nonprofit that provided humanitarian aid, doesn’t want to be identified because he fears for the safety of the wife and two children he was forced to leave in Turkey. They are hidden in a different city, he said, not far from his hometown. They’ve thrown away their cellphones and erased their social media accounts for fear of being tracked down by a government that no longer welcomes them.

Al Gore’s daughter fasted for the first time for Peace Islands Institute’s iftar dinner

Iftar dinner (breaking of fast), which was held in Columbia University, brought together numerous prominent members of the community. The event, organized by Peace Islands Institute (PII), New York Interfaith Center and Columbia University Religious Studies Department, hosted former US Vice President Al Gore’s daughter Karenna Gore and one of the Indonesia’s prominent religious figures, Imam Semsi Ali.

US law professor: Gülen extradition would be unlawful

Seval Yıldırım, a professor of law at Whittier Law School, said in a statement to Today’s Zaman on Wednesday that for the US to extradite Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen without a formal case against him would be an infringement of US law.

Turkish Cultural Center opens in New Hampshire

Turkish Cultural Center New Hampshire opened it doors at a ceremony held in Manchester on Saturday with the participation of Governor Maggie Hassan, many state politicians, and businessmen. On Saturday, Governor Maggie Hassan joined Council of Turkic American Associations (CTAA) President Furkan Kosar, and Turkish Cultural Center New Hampshire (TCCNH) President Eyup Sener as well […]

Turkish-Americans in Tennessee worry about their homeland

If you haven’t heard much about the Turkish-American community in middle Tennessee, its no surprise. Now they feel compelled to talk about bridges that are in danger. They are worried about their own country and its failing democracy.

ABA urges Obama to protest Turkey’s suppression of free speech

On September 1, the American Booksellers Association joined American publishers, authors, and librarians in a letter urging President Obama to protest the widespread suppression of free speech in Turkey during his September 4 meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan in China.

Latest News

Sacramento leaders gather for Iftar dinner in celebration of Ramadan

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

In Case You Missed It

Pak-Turk schools issue: Foundation moves court for fear of closure

Gülen to file lawsuit against PM Erdoğan over defamation campaign

Religion and Politics in Turkey: To Talk or Not to Talk

Kimse Yok Mu trains flood victim Pakistani women for a job

GYV slams government attempt to silence critics with recent measures

Toward an Islamic Enlightenment: The Gulen Movement (Book Review)

Witch hunt against the Gülen followers in Europe

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News