The Queens Turkish Cultural Center, organized the 10th annual Ramadan Tent to serve free food at the time of iftar
Olsan Turan, Turkish Cultural Center, Queens: “Just we would like to share our traditions. Each day we’re expecting more than 1,000 people.”
A cleric from the local community gave a heartfelt message to the invitees.
The hosts opened the event to followers of all faiths, including Jews, Hindus and Christians.
Sufi music, authentic Turkish food and good company. The guests couldn’t ask for more.
Olsan Turan, Turkish Cultural Center, Queens: “And it just opened my heart, just completely. I can’t be thankful enough. It was wonderful.”
Over the past decade, the center has committed its resources to strengthening ties in the community. Residents in Queens told me they’re pleased to come to an event where they enjoyed a delicious dinner and made new friends.
GYV hosts guests from Istanbul’s Armenian Patriarchate at Abraham’s table
Armenian Co-Patriarch Aram Ateshian: “Orthodox Armenian Patriarchate hasn’t been recognized as a legal entity yet.” The gathering’s host, Journalists and Writers Foundation President Mustafa Yesil said, “Peace was established even on the ashes of a war in Europe that left 50 million dead. The 1915 incidents and sorrows shouldn’t hinder the establishment of peace.”
The Anatolians are coming
This inclusion of the Armenian and Jewish cultures in the “Anatolian” concept is worth pondering, for it tells something about the cultural codes of some of the makers of “New Turkey” and how they differ from the codes of “old” (i.e., Kemalist) Turkey.
White House praises Rumi Forum
21 November 2011, Monday / ALİ H. ASLAN, WASHINGTON The White House, on its official website, commended the Washington-based Rumi Forum, an international organization promoting interfaith dialogue and peace, for its work in fostering “inter-religious and intercultural understanding” in a “consistent” manner since its establishment in 1999. The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood […]
Islamic scholar Gülen offers condolences to Berkin’s family
Dismayed by unconstructive language adopted by government officials over social issues, Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullan Gülen offered his deep condolences to family of Berkin Elvan, the latest victim of Gezi Park protests, in a statement late on Tuesday.
NY Times: 3 Turkish Ministers Resign Amid Corruption Scandal
Three Turkish cabinet ministers resigned Wednesday in an intensifying corruption scandal that has challenged the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and polarized the country.
A Ramadan Birthday Dinner
Dates, rice and eggplant moussaka for birthday dinner? It works. A recent birthday of mine happened to coincide with a long-planned Ramadan Interfaith Iftar Dinner co-hosted by Pacifica Institute and Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. Since I was minimally involved in the planning and execution of the event, and maximally involved in the birthday, […]
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
Fethullah Gulen Acquitted
Toward an Islamic enlightenment
A strong message for Erdogan
Religious leader: I was told to blame Gülen movement for police banning my group meeting
2014: a difficult year?
Gülen appeals for steadfastness against gov’t ban on prep schools [in Turkey]
Turkish Islamic scholar Gülen rejects any link to graft probe
