An iftar was organized by the Turkic American Alliance (TAA) and its sister organization, the Rumi Forum, in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night, bringing together diplomats, government officials and members of civil society. Over 70 guests were present at the dinner, including Mozambican Ambassador Amelia Matos, Macedonian Ambassador Zoran Jolevski and officials from the US State Department.
The dinner began with an introductory video about the Rumi Forum, which was established in 1999 with the mission to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue and to provide a common platform for education and information exchange. The Rumi Forum endeavors to foster the noble ideals of Rumi, bringing people together for a more peaceful coexistence.
Messages emphasizing the importance of coexistence and creating bridges between different faiths and cultures were issued jointly by the speakers of the event.
Ambassador Jolevski, who delivered a speech at the event, talked about his childhood memories and recounted a story about having iftar with his Muslim neighbors. He was followed by Ambassador Matos, who spoke of the peaceful relations between Muslims and Christians in Mozambique.
Doug Johnston, president of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD) delivered the last speech and said Muslims must work to eradicate Islamophobia by playing a more active role in interfaith affairs.
After the iftar, the guests went to the TAA terrace to enjoy a view of the Capitol while sipping Turkish tea and coffee.
The TAA was established as a broader umbrella organization for federations, councils and similar entities which bear the qualities and share the objectives of establishing closer relations between the Turkic American community and the American community at large and also more specifically with the members of other ethnic communities in the US.
Source: Today’s Zaman, Retrieved on August 1st, 2012 from http://www.todayszaman.com/news-288312-turkic-american-alliance-organizes-iftar-in-washington-dc.html
