The first Iftar meals that took place in Şanlıurfa, as part of the "We are breaking our fast in Anatolia" project, of Çalık Holding, received a lot of attention from the community of the region. The Iftar tables that have been set in the courtyard of The Şanlıurfa Prophet Eyyub Mosque, with the support of The Yeşilay Organization and the Governor of Şanlıurfa, are going to host approximately 30 thousand people, over the duration of Ramadan.
The Iftar meals that have become a Çalık Holding tradition, as part of its "We are breaking our fast in Anatolia" campaign, are taking place in Şanlıurfa this year, with the collaboration of The Yeşilay Organization and the Governor of Şanlıurfa. One thousand people attended the first meal at the courtyard of the historic Prophet Eyyub Mosque.
Last year, Çalık Holding chose to serve its annual Iftar meals at Erciş, a location that was seriously damaged by the Van earthquakes. This year, out of an effort to participate in the peace efforts, launched by the government in the Southeastern region of Turkey, the city of Şanlıurfa, also known as the "City of the Prophets", was chosen.. Şanlıurfa, a city renowned on many levels for its historical riches, will be home to the Iftar meals of Ramadan within the courtyard of the Prophet Eyyub Mosque. Following the Iftar meal, which is expected to serve an estimate of one thousand people will attend each day, the guests are going to have the opportunity to take part in various activities and conversations, organized on account of this Holy Month.
Another step towards Unity and Solidarity
Çalık Holding's CEO, Dr. Berat Albayrak, who shared that the company's tradition of Iftar meals have been taking place in Anatolia over the past 2 years, continued by sharing that: "This year, we will be in Şanlıurfa for our annual Iftar meals: a city that bears with it a spirit very close to that of the Month of Ramadan. Gathering together and strengthening our solidarity and brotherhood, are all important values of Ramadan. These values that we honor during Ramadan, we hope to build on and remember for the duration of the year. As the peace making period continues in our nation, the sad developments in our neighboring countries, specifically in Egypt and Syria, seem to cast a shadow over our happiness. As we break our fasts with our sisters and brothers of Şanlıurfa, on the occasion of Ramadan this year, we will pray for all those who are under oppression to find contentment".
The Iftar meals in Şanlıurfa are taking place in collaboration with The Yeşilay Organization of Turkey. The Chairman of this organization, Prof. Dr. M. İhsan Karaman, shared that Ramadan is an important opportunity to flee from bad habits and continued by adding that "The Month of Ramadan has a very positive place and role in our society, from the perspective of one fleeing from his/her destructive habits. Ramadan and fasting, in essence, are means of discipline that teach one to not be trapped by bad habits, and to overcome challenges by virtue of our will. Fasting is indeed a teacher!"
Throughout the month of Ramadan, approximately 30.000 people will be guests at the Iftar tables of Çalık Holding, that are set with the support of the Governor of Şanlıurfa. In harmony with this month, the Iftar meals will begin with prayers. In addition, the Yeşilay Organization will be running awareness campaigns, on the harmful side effects of tobacco.
In addition, the needs of the Syrian refugee families have not been forgotten by Çalık Holding. As a reflection of this, 5 loaves of bread will be given each day, for the duration of the month, in conjunction with the "Bread Ration Card" campaign, that was started by the Günyüzü Fellowhip.
Contributions to the Local Economy
All the materials necessary for the Iftar meals, for the duration of the month which blossoms with helping hands, cooperation, and sharing, will be obtained from local businesses, in an attempt to support the region's economy.
