Erdoğan hosts religious minority representatives for iftar in Ankara

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted representatives of Türkiye's religious minorities for an iftar dinner at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on March 10, 2026, continuing an annual tradition of interfaith dialogue during Ramadan. The gathering brought together leaders from various religious communities to break their fast together, symbolizing the country's commitment to pluralism and mutual respect.

Tradition of inclusion

The iftar event reflects Türkiye's longstanding practice of including religious minority representatives in Ramadan celebrations, demonstrating respect for the diverse faith communities that have coexisted in Anatolia for centuries. The Presidential Complex gathering provides a platform for dialogue between state leadership and religious minority groups.

Message of coexistence

Such meetings underscore the message that all citizens, regardless of faith, share in the spiritual and communal aspects of Ramadan. The tradition serves to reinforce social cohesion and mutual understanding among Türkiye's Muslim majority and its Christian, Jewish and other religious minority communities.

Diplomatic significance

Hosting religious minority representatives at the highest level of government sends a signal both domestically and internationally about Türkiye's approach to religious freedom and interfaith harmony. The event comes as President Erdoğan has previously spoken out against both Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, emphasizing that attacks on any place of worship are unacceptable.