July 18, 2015, Washington, D.C. – Throughout the month of Ramadan, the Turkic American Alliance has hosted numerous iftar dinners in its headquarters, family homes, including restaurants in what has become an annual tradition of hospitality and friendship.
This year, almost 200 guests attended the dinners, which included representatives from various national organizations also attended these special dinners, including National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and National Governors Association (NGA), Asian Pacific Institute of Congressional Studies (APAICS), Sister Cities International (SCI). In addition, TAA also hosted staff dinners from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency based in DC.
Diaspora leaders and Embassy Staff from the Somali, Kenyan, Macedonian, and Kosovar communities also attended the dinners and shared similarities and differences of their respective cultures and traditions of fasting in their respective countries over baklava and Turkish tea.
A number of Members of Congress graciously took part as well, and described their daily routine and work environment in congress as well as of those around them. Many were able to experience the essence of Ramadan in the family homes, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan, hosted iftars for their friends and neighbors. Staffers too were also hosted for the dinners and were intrigued by the fasting tradition — a few of whom also decided to try out a day of fasting themselves.
During the dinners at TAA, the guests were given a brief presentation of TAA and its role in advocating for the Turkish and Turkic communities in the U.S as well as a video on the importance of the Holy Month of Ramadan, referred to some as “Thirty nights of Thanksgiving.” Guests were introduced to and shared the meaning of Ramadan and briefly discussing activities of TAA and its various member organizations across the U.S. that aim to promote dialogue, cultural understanding and mutual respect among communities.
Every night was a joyful learning experience for all, including guests and TAA staff.
