Armenian Church holds pre-fast meal at its garden in Istanbul

The Büyükdere Surp Hıripsimyants Armenian Church foundation hosted the meal, organized with the Sarıyer Municipality, at its garden early in the morning. It was attended by Sarıyer Mayor Şükrü Genç, Büyükdere Surp Hıripsimyants Armenian Church foundation head Murat Süme, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) district head Mehmet Deniz, Büyükdere neighborhood muhtar Ali Yazıcı, as well as residents from the neighborhood.  

After the meal was concluded with the prayers of the imam of Büyükdere Mosque, İlyas Berber, Genç delivered a speech in which he highlighted the importance of unity and solidarity and condemned the deadly attack at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport. Genç also said they would hold the sahur event at the church every year. 

Also speaking at the event, Süme said “condemned the attack” at Atatürk Airport. “Despite all of this, we stress brotherhood, peace and friendship,” he added. 

During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan many non-Muslim places of worship throughout Turkey have organized iftar – fast-breaking – meal events to show solidarity with the country’s majority Muslim community.