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Istanbul Mufti and Professor Mustafa Cağrıcı Following the Iftar at the Consul General’s Residence, September 8, 2009
Consul General Sharon Wiener's Remarks at the Ramazan Iftar for Istanbul Mufti
September 8, 2009
Esteemed Mufti, Distinguished Guests and Friends, Welcome.
I am honored that you would share your iftar meal with us this evening. I welcome you both as a diplomat and personally. This house is, after all, both the official residence of the United States in Istanbul and it is home for me and my family. I host all of you this evening both as an American diplomat representing my country and as someone who has lived in Turkey twice and is a great admirer of this country and its people.
We wanted to host tonight’s iftar in honor of the Mufti of Istanbul, Sayın Professor Mustafa Cağrıcı, to say thank you. In some small way, we hope to show our deep appreciation to you and all the imams and muezzins at Sultanahmet Mosque for the generous hospitality you showed to President Barack Obama when he visited Istanbul in April. The Sultanahmet Mosque was the first mosque that President Obama visited as president. He was struck by its grandeur and its serenity as a monument of faith in this historic city with its tradition of religious diversity. We thank you for welcoming him.
Coming from a family with Muslim roots, President Obama is particularly aware of the values cherished by Muslims and the contribution Islam has made as one of the world’s great religions. He has made it a priority to have a new beginning in America’s relationship with Muslims and Muslim-majority nations throughout the world based on mutual interest and mutual respect. As President Obama said at the iftar he hosted at the White House last week, we can find common ground as we seek the pursuit of peace and the dignity of all human beings. And his visit here was an important step in that effort.
On a more personal note, during my time in Turkey, where I first lived in 1975, I have experienced the unparalleled hospitality of the Turkish people, and I am grateful for it. This hospitality especially shows itself during the month of Ramazan. Ramazan is a time to reflect on the spirit of love for family, devotion to community, and gratitude for what we have. We can all share in the meaning of Ramazan no matter what religion we are. Each traditional iftar dinner, like the one we eat tonight, reminds us of the blessings we have received and the importance of sharing those with others.
Thank you all again for honoring us tonight with your presence.
Hayırlı Ramazanlar, Allah kabul etsin.
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