A community iftar event with the theme "Türkiye" was organised in the famed Trafalgar Square of the capital London as part of the traditional "Ramadan Tent Project" event, with the Presidency's Directorate of Communications serving as the primary sponsor.
As part of the 11th year of the "Ramadan Tent Project," the iftar event was held in the capital's prominent square and was attended by Muslims of all nations, as well as many individuals of other religions and beliefs. London Mayor Sadiq Khan was among the participants at the event.
Before the iftar, the call to prayer was recited in the square, followed by prayers. Following the call to prayer, the participants broke their fast with dates before praying in the congregation.
The participants were served Turkish cuisine delicacies and given bags provided by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications with Turkish delight and Eid greeting letters.
"The antidote is our religion of peace"
In his statement on the podium set up in the square for the event, London Mayor Khan stated that the "Open Iftar" event brought together over 10,000 individuals in 28 days.
Khan thanked those who helped organise the event, saying, "The joy of these open iftars is that we get to share our religion with non-Muslims." These iftars are the best antidote against those who spread hatred. The antidote is our religion of peace. The antidote is sharing bread together. The antidote is shutting the mouths of those who spread myths about Islam."
"We are proud to showcase Ramadan"
Omar Salha, the founder of the Ramadan Tent Project, said that he was proud to organise the "Open Iftar" event, adding:
"We are doing this because we are proud of our society. We are proud to showcase Ramadan. We are proud to host people of all faiths and non-believers and to allow them to discover why Ramadan is so important for millions of Muslims living in the UK and millions more celebrating Ramadan around the world."
Salha thanked the London Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) for promoting Turkish culture, music, food and heritage in the UK and went on to say:
"Lastly, I would like to extend our greatest thanks to the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, who sent you a beautiful Eid gift as a gesture of kindness. All these red bags are from the Directorate of Communications. We would like to thank Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun for his ongoing support; it means a lot to us. It also shows the beauty of Turkish hospitality that we share as part of our faith."
