Ashraf AboArafe
The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Cairo organized a special Ramadan iftar program for families from Gaza, reflecting the spirit of compassion and solidarity during the holy month.
The gathering, hosted at the residence of Turkish Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen, welcomed around 150 guests from Gaza, alongside representatives of the Egyptian press and media.
The event was further enriched by a moving Qur’anic recitation from renowned Egyptian reciter Ahmed Naina, whose voice added a deeply spiritual atmosphere to the evening.
In his remarks during the program, Ambassador Şen emphasized that Ramadan is not only a time for worship and devotion but also a season of solidarity and compassion, inspired by Islamic teachings such as charity and zakat. He noted that the iftar gathering was organized with the support of the Verenel Association, highlighting that the Turkish people and Turkish companies continue to mobilize collectively to provide assistance to the people of Gaza.
Ambassador Şen also stated that the ongoing war in the region has deeply shaken and troubled the entire Muslim world. He stressed the urgent need to return to diplomacy and negotiations, respect the sovereignty and unity of all states, and abandon war, aggression, and the use of force.
Reaffirming Türkiye’s long-standing principle of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World,” the ambassador said that Türkiye will not be dragged into war. Instead, it will continue pursuing policies based on peace, security, stability, and development, in close consultation and coordination with brotherly and friendly countries such as Egypt. He noted that both Türkiye and Egypt share a common position on the necessity of ending the war.
Ambassador Şen further underlined that the situation in Gaza Strip will remain at the forefront of Türkiye’s concerns, adding that Ankara continues to work actively with Egypt to activate the second phase of the peace plan.
He also announced that the Turkish Embassy in Cairo will continue organizing solidarity initiatives with the people of Gaza throughout the remainder of Ramadan.
Concluding his speech, Ambassador Şen expressed his delight at hosting Dr. Naina, whom he described as a spiritual successor to the legendary Egyptian reciter Abdul Basit Abdus Samad. He revealed that Dr. Naina will soon travel to Ankara to recite the Holy Qur’an at an event attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, noting that President Erdoğan and the Turkish people hold great admiration for the recitations of Egyptian Qur’an masters.
During the iftar, guests shared the meal together in a warm and friendly atmosphere, exchanging conversations and embracing the spiritual serenity of Ramadan. The evening concluded with commemorative group photos taken with Ambassador Şen, capturing a moment of unity and compassion under Cairo’s Ramadan sky.
