Şehribanu TuranTürkiye-Themed Iftar Unites Communities in London’s Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square, long regarded as a symbolic civic space in the heart of London, was transformed into an open-air gathering ground for reflection, prayer, and cross-cultural connection as it hosted a Türkiye-themed community iftar during the holy month of Ramadan.
Organised under the umbrella of the Ramadan Tent Project, the event drew a crowd of nearly two thousand people, welcoming Muslims and non-Muslims from across the UK and beyond.
The 2025 edition of the Open Iftar at Trafalgar Square was organised in collaboration with the Ramadan Tent Project, in partnership with the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications, the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), as well as the Aziz Foundation, My Fridays, EverGive, Islamic Relief, and Vita Coco. These partnerships played a key role in supporting the event and expanding its reach across communities.
The square, steeped in political and historic resonance, became a stage for something more quietly profound—an expression of empathy, hospitality, and collective spiritual awareness. From the soft rhythm of communal prayer to the breaking of the fast at sunset, the evening unfolded with both intimacy and grandeur.
The event was attended by notable figures including Osman Koray Ertaş, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the United Kingdom; Robert Rigby, Lord Mayor of Westminster; and Omar Salha, founder of the Ramadan Tent Project. Their presence alongside representatives from cultural institutions, faith communities, and the wider public reflected the broad support for initiatives that foster inclusivity and shared cultural experience during the holy month.
Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş emphasised Ramadan as a time for compassion and remembrance, drawing attention to communities affected by conflict and hardship around the world.
Lord Mayor Robert Rigby highlighted the importance of open iftar events in strengthening social bonds and celebrating the city’s cultural diversity.
Ramadan Tent Project founder Omar Salha underscored Ramadan’s values of solidarity and empathy, with repeated references to the importance of interfaith dialogue and community cohesion in a time of global uncertainty.
Before iftar, the adhan—the Islamic call to prayer—was recited live by Muhammed Recai Çiftçi, a celebrated Turkish vocalist and tanbur player. As his voice echoed through the square, calling the faithful to prayer, the city’s usual tempo gave way to a moment of shared stillness. Participants—many of them fasting, many not—joined in respectful silence. Moments later, dates were shared and the call to eat signaled not just a meal, but a gesture of belonging and welcome.
Food was served generously, with volunteers distributing traditional dishes and carefully prepared gift bags. Inside the red cloth bags were pieces of Turkish delight and Eid greeting cards—a gesture inspired by Türkiye’s rich culture of hospitality and generosity during Ramadan.
A Cultural and Spiritual Highlight: Mystic Sounds from Anatolia
One of the evening’s most remarkable highlights came with the musical segment titled Mystic Sounds from Anatolia, presented with the support of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London. The concert featured a deeply evocative programme of Turkish Sufi music, performed by an ensemble of highly regarded artists.
The line-up included Muhammed Recai Çiftçi and Baha Yetkin, along with Muammer Sağlam and Serdar Yılmaz, supported by musicians on kanun and ney. Together, they performed a selection of Turkish Sufi compositions that drew from Anatolia’s deep-rooted spiritual and musical traditions.
The performance was more than a cultural interlude—it became a contemplative experience in its own right. For many in the audience, it was their first encounter with the meditative rhythms and modal depth of Turkish spiritual music. For others, it was a moment of quiet familiarity in a public square usually reserved for protest, celebration, or spectacle.
A Shared Table in a Shared City
More than just a religious observance, the Trafalgar Square iftar became a public meditation on coexistence—a demonstration that culture, faith, and art can intersect in everyday urban life.
By weaving together elements of Türkiye’s spiritual music tradition with the universal values of Ramadan, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London helped create an atmosphere where cultural diplomacy could be felt, not just spoken. It was a reminder that sacred moments can—and perhaps should—occupy public space.
In a city often marked by its pace and pressures, this Türkiye-themed iftar offered an evening of pause, poetry, and profound presence.
