The Blessings of Ramadan at Maarif Tables

March 10, 2026

Turkish Maarif Foundation continues to keep alive the spirit of sharing and brotherhood during Ramadan through iftar programs organized across different regions of the world. From Europe to Africa, from the Middle East to the Balkans, students, parents, diplomatic representatives, academics, and representatives of Turkish institutions came together at the same table during iftar programs held in many countries. While reflecting the atmosphere of unity, solidarity, and brotherhood of Ramadan, these programs also became a concrete expression of the Maarif family culture.

Romania

Families, diplomatic representatives, and prominent members of the Turkish community gathered at the same table during the iftar program held in Romania. Representatives from the embassies of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Palestine also attended the program. TMF Board of Trustees Member Prof. Dr. Zarife Seçer, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bucharest Özgür Kıvanç Altan, Romania’s Mufti Yusuf Murat, and TMF Romania Representative Alpaslan Ateş delivered speeches. The program was also attended by representatives from the business community, civil society organizations, and many guests from the education sector.

Somalia

The iftar program held in Somalia became a meaningful gathering touching the dreams of young people. At the iftar program organized at the Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mogadishu Alper Aktaş, and Somali families came together. During the program, Mohamud Ali Suri, a student at Somali International Maarif Schools, had the opportunity to express his dream of becoming a diplomat to Ambassador Aktaş and Minister Ali. This meeting, held on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Somalia, demonstrated that the friendship between the two countries will grow even stronger through new generations.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The iftar program organized in the city of Gračanica in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the cooperation of Turkish Maarif Foundation and Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality highlighted the themes of brotherhood and sharing. An art exhibition prepared by Maarif students was also presented to visitors. Speaking at the program, Kocaeli Metropolitan Mayor Tahir Büyükakın emphasized the spirit of abundance and solidarity during Ramadan.

Ankara

Students who graduated from Turkish Maarif Foundation schools and continue their university education in Ankara also came together at an iftar program. The program, held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Education Facilities, was attended by Deputy Minister of Interior Mehmet Cangir, AK Party Women’s Branch Chair Tuğba Işık Ercan, and foundation officials. In his speech, Deputy Minister Cangir emphasized that students are the essential members of the Maarif Foundation family and said: “We opened our schools for you. You graduated from them and now you are studying in Türkiye. I wish you success. My most fundamental advice to you is never to lose the bond of brotherhood among yourselves.” AK Party Women’s Branch Chair Ercan stated: “I hope our valuable students will continue to maintain their sense of belonging both to our country and to the Maarif family even after graduating from Maarif.”

Bulgaria

The iftar program organized by Maarif Private Kindergarten in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, brought together students, parents, and guests at the same table. Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sofia Mehmet Sait Uyanık, embassy representatives, school administrators, students, and parents attended the program. The gathering reinforced the spirit of unity and togetherness during Ramadan.

Tunisia

Representatives from diplomacy, education, and civil society gathered at the iftar program organized in Tunisia. The program was attended by TMF Board of Trustees Member Hasan Taşçı, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tunisia Ahmet Misbah Demircan, TMF Board Member Mustafa Çaltılı, Maarif school administrators, academics, parents, and students. Ambassador Demircan emphasized that no being in nature lives solely for itself, stating that the fundamental principle of life is to exist for others. He noted that Ramadan strengthens the awareness of coexistence and that iftar tables are a concrete reflection of unity and brotherhood. Speaking at the program, TMF Board of Trustees Member Hasan Taşçı highlighted the significance of coming together in the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan. Recalling the verse from the Holy Qur’an, “They prefer others over themselves even though they are in need,” Taşçı stated that the consciousness of sharing and brotherhood forms the basis of the Maarif understanding.

Syria

The “Brotherhood and Gathering Iftar” program organized by Turkish Maarif Foundation and Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality in Damascus, the capital of Syria, was held with strong participation. Syria’s Deputy Minister of Defense Fehim İsa, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Damascus Nuh Yılmaz, diplomatic representatives of various countries, and Turkmens from different regions of Syria attended the program. Within the scope of the program, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Turkish Maarif Foundation and the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, establishing the legal framework for the foundation’s activities in Syria.

Qatar

The iftar program held in Doha, the capital of Qatar, was hosted by the Embassy of Türkiye in Doha. The program was attended by Turkish Maarif Foundation President Mahmut M. Özdil, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Doha Dr. Mustafa Göksu, TMF Board Members, representatives of Turkish institutions and organizations, and Maarif scholarship students studying in Qatar. In his speech, Ambassador Göksu emphasized the educational cooperation between Türkiye and Qatar, noting that many joint initiatives in the field of education have been implemented between the two countries. Stating that sharing the joy of Ramadan in a brotherly country holds a special meaning for them, Göksu underlined that educational relations constitute an important dimension of Türkiye–Qatar ties.

Following the presentation, President Mahmut M. Özdil shared information about the foundation’s activities. Emphasizing their aim to continue providing quality education in different regions of the world and to build bridges between cultures, Özdil stated: “As an international education network providing education in different parts of the world, we were pleased to meet with our students in Qatar as well. We thank our Ambassador Göksu for his efforts and support.”