The Love and Peace Iftar organized by the Marmara Group Foundation was held on the evening of 25 February 2026 at the Taşyapı Ballroom, with the participation of a distinguished gathering of guests.

The event brought together 41 foreign heads of mission based in Istanbul and 13 deputy consuls. Prominent attendees included former President of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ali Bardakoğlu, Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeos, Armenian Patriarch Sahag Maşalyan, Chief Rabbi David Sevi, Syriac Catholic Patriarchal Vicar Orhan Çanlı, and Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Yusuf Çetin.

Former ministers, retired ambassadors, and sitting members of parliament were also present. Sheikh-ul-Islam of Azerbaijan Allahshukur Pashazade was represented by a delegate from Baku. During the evening, religious leaders delivered individual remarks, commending the Marmara Group Foundation for its contributions and initiatives in the international arena.

In his address, Dr. Akkan Suver underlined that the Love and Peace Iftars have been held since 1998 in a spirit of mutual respect within a multicultural, multi-faith, and multilingual environment.

“Today, we are bringing together religious leaders, heads of diplomatic missions, and distinguished members of society in Istanbul at our ‘Love and Peace’ iftar. Our purpose in organizing these gatherings is to serve peace and to contribute to our country’s steady progress toward the future. Our sole aspiration is to support stability and harmony,” Dr. Suver stated.

Dr. Suver also noted the significance of the Holy Month of Ramadan coinciding this year with the Christian world’s pre-Easter fasting period, adding: “We take this opportunity to extend our congratulations in advance for both Ramadan and Easter to Muslims and Christians alike.”

At the Love and Peace Iftar, Catholic Monsignor Orhan Çanlı presented Dr. Akkan Suver with the Papal Medal bestowed by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, in recognition of Dr. Suver’s presence during the Pope’s visits to Türkiye.

The program, which continued until the late hours of the evening, concluded with the presentation of commemorative plaques.

The Marmara Group Foundation's Love and Peace Iftar was held at the Taşyapı Ballroom. The Marmara Group Foundation's thanks were presented to Emrullah Turanlı, Chairman of the Board of Taşyapı, by Prof. Dr. Asaf Hajıyev, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization.

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