Patriarch Bartholomew attends Muslim Iftar dinner with Erdoğan

Erdoğan and Patriarch Bartholomew at the Iftar Dinner. Photo: Orthodox Times

On March 27, 2025, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived in Ankara at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to take part in an iftar dinner (the evening meal that breaks the Ramadan fast), held at the Beştepe Presidential Palace, reports Orthodox Times.

The dinner was hosted in honor of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is on an official visit to Turkey.

As a sign of special respect, the Ecumenical Patriarch was seated to the left of President Erdoğan, as seen in official photographs from the event.

Around thirty distinguished guests attended the dinner, including high-ranking Turkish officials: the Ministers of National Defense, Interior, and Culture and Tourism, the head of the National Intelligence Organization, and the President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs.

Patriarch Bartholomew held a private and cordial conversation with President Erdoğan, during which he raised matters concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox community in Turkey. President Erdoğan listened attentively and expressed interest in the issues discussed.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Turkey demanded an explanation regarding Patriarch Bartholomew’s signature on the 'Summit of Peace' Communiqué, after which the Patriarch withdrew his signature.

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