An Iftar dinner in honor of local administrative and educational authorities was hosted last Monday by Zografeio Lyceum, on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan and with the aim of strengthening communication among minority communities, highlighting its longstanding role as a bridge of dialogue and cooperation between different communities.

The dinner was attended by representatives of minority education and a number of local officials. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople was also present and delivered a greeting.

The invitation of the historic Greek minority school was honored by local authorities, officials, public servants, and representatives of prominent NGOs, including the District Governor of Pera (Beyoğlu), Mr. Abdullah Atakan Atasoy, the heads of the Provincial and District Directorates of National Education, Mr. Murat Mücahit Yentür and Mr. Cevat Dervişoğlu, Member of Parliament of Armenian origin from the ruling AKP party, Mr. Sevan Sıvacıyan, as well as the President of the Zero Waste Foundation, Mr. Samed Ağırbaş. Also in attendance were principals and vice principals of minority schools in the Pera district, members of the broader educational community, and representatives of the Greek Orthodox communities.

Following welcome remarks by the distinguished guests representing the local administrative authorities, the Director of Zografeio Lyceum, Mr. Giannis Demirtzoglou, addressed the audience as host, noting that beyond its religious significance, the Iftar dinner is also an act of meaningful communication and rapprochement, strengthening bonds among people. He further emphasized that such initiatives foster a spirit of peaceful coexistence and intercultural dialogue.

The dinner concluded in a warm and cordial atmosphere, followed by discussions and exchanges of wishes among attendees, while major Turkish media outlets also showed interest in the event.