CANAKKALE, Turkey
Muslim and Christian Turkish citizens have gathered on Turkey's Aegean Sea island of Gokceada on Wednesday for an iftar (breaking of fast) meal.
The iftar, organized by the Gokceada Municipality was attended by around 3,000 people who were treated to a concert and a performance by Sufi whirling dervishes.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Gokceada District Governor Muhittin Gurel described Gokceada as a place where different cultures live together.
"We are together here, which we consider to be the privilege of Gokceada. It is not a unity limited to tonight's iftar but one that you can observe in all phases of societall life on the island," he said.
Gurel pointed out that mutual tolerance was the key to unity on the island, which has been inhabited by both Muslim Turks and Christians of Greek origin for centuries.
Gokceada District mayor Unal Cetin, Gokceada Metropolitan Bishop Krilyos Yorgi Dragun were also present at the iftar meal.
