On the evening of July 23rd, 2014, Senate staffers gathered in the Dirksen Senate Office Building for the Turkic American Alliance’s (TAA) first Senate Ramadan Dinner. The event saw over 80 people, including His Excellency the Ambassador of Albania, His Holiness of the Bektashi Order of Dervishes and several Chiefs of Staff.
After Dr. Faruk Taban, President of TAA, offered introductory remarks, His Excellency Gilbert Galanxhi, the Ambassador of Albania addressed the audience. Ambassador Galanxhi thanked the Turkic American Alliance for making him feel so welcomed by inviting him to this important dinner—“I have no better words to thank you again. I really feel myself among brothers and sisters here.”
Following the Ambassador, His Holiness Haji Dedebaba Edmond Brahimaj, leader of the Bektashi Order of Dervishes, presented his blessings and well wishes to everyone who attended the Ramadan dinner.
As the time drew near to break the daylong fast, a short video was played that explained the importance of the month of Ramadan and the meaning behind the month-long fast.
With dinner now served, guests shared memories of trips to Turkey and experiences with Turkic cultures, in addition to current events and happenings in the Senate.
The Turkic American Alliance thanks all of the guests who attended this premier event in the U.S. Senate, as well as its staff and summer interns without whose hard work this event would not have been possible.
