Franciscan Iftar Gathering in İzmir, Türkiye

On the evening of 17 March, after sunset, the Franciscan friars in İzmir, on the western coast of Türkiye, welcomed Muslim friends and members of the local community for an iftar, the traditional meal that breaks the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Around forty people participated in the gathering, including representatives from the local municipal government and the police department.

This annual event has become an important moment in the life of the Franciscan fraternity, reflecting their ongoing commitment to interreligious dialogue, encounter, and fraternity in the local context of Türkiye. Through such simple gestures of hospitality, the friars seek to build bridges of friendship and mutual respect among people of different faith traditions.

At the end of the meal, the fraternity’s Guardian, Br. Felianus Dogon, OFM, addressed the guests and reflected on the spiritual meaning of this time for both Muslims and Christians.

He noted that Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims, marked by fasting, prayer, charity, and a renewed turning of the heart toward God. For Christians, these same weeks coincide with the season of Lent, a time of preparation for Easter, characterized by prayer, fasting, charity, and the renewal of life in God.

Br. Felianus observed that it is particularly meaningful that Ramadan and Lent occur almost at the same time this year, reminding believers of both traditions of their shared call to purification of heart and closeness to God. Each person, within his or her own faith tradition, is invited to deepen their spiritual life and renew their commitment to goodness and compassion.

He also encouraged those present to recognize the deeper significance of the shared meal: 

“May the table we share this evening be more than a meal. May it be a sign of hope, friendship, and solidarity. When people of different faiths sit at the same table, it becomes a powerful reminder that mutual respect, understanding, and friendship are possible. Our beliefs may be different, but we share the same human dignity and belong to the same human family.”

The Head of the Bornova District, who attended the gathering, expressed his gratitude to the Franciscan community for organizing the iftar each year and for contributing to the strengthening of bonds of friendship within the local society. Referring to the present global situation, marked by conflicts and wars, he invited those present to pray and work for peace in the world.

The Mayor of Bornova also offered a few words of appreciation, thanking the Franciscan community for their initiative and emphasizing that such encounters help foster mutual respect and peaceful coexistence within society.

The evening concluded in a warm and fraternal atmosphere. Gatherings like this remind everyone present that dialogue, hospitality, and simple moments of encounter can become seeds of peace, helping people of different religions walk together in respect and friendship. 

Br. Jeffrey Haller, OFM