The evening began with a concert by a musical group and a welcome message from GYV Honorary President Fethullah Gülen.
Addressing the guests, GYV President Mustafa Yeşil also highlighted the importance of getting together.
Many of those present expressed their wishes for peace and tolerance. Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin underlined the importance of the dinner, hoping that Ramadan would be an opportunity to enhance ties with brothers.
Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz also spoke, saying that Turkey and the world need peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.
The guests at the foundation's iftar event were a broad and inclusive representation of Turkey's influential residents, including former Parliament Speaker Köksal Toptan, Grand Unity Party (BBP) leader Mustafa Destici, Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader Masum Türker, Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy Chairman Erdoğan Toprak, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) women's branch President Güldal Akşit, AK Party İstanbul deputy Mihrimah Belma Satır, ambassadors and diplomats from 70 countries, including US Ambassador Francis J. Ricciardone, French Ambassador Laurent Bili and Vatican Ambassador Archbishop Antonio Lucibello, as well as members of Türk Ocakları and Alperen Ocakları, the youth branch of the Grand Unity Party (BBP).
The GYV was established in 1994, and the mission and work of the foundation are inspired by GYV Honorary President Gülen, known for his teachings of hizmet (service), tolerance and dialogue. The Turkish nongovernmental organization has two main principles: respecting differences and coming together. The foundation works to enrich humanity and enhance the culture of coexistence by undertaking projects that emphasize dialogue, mutual understanding and tolerance to establish global peace. It is also interested in the issues that concern journalists and holds discussions of topics such as democracy, human rights, laicism and globalization.
Published on Today's Zaman, 25 July 2013, Thursday
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