UNIW 2026 Traditional Iftar Program

The Union of NGOs of the Islamic World (UNIW) held its Traditional Iftar Program in Istanbul this year under the motto “6 Continents, 66 Countries, One Ummah.” Deputy ministers, members of parliament, mayors, academics, representatives of public institutions, UNIW members and representatives of numerous civil society organizations attended.

The program began with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by welcoming remarks. In his address, UNIW Secretary General Eyüp Akbal emphasized the spirit of unity and brotherhood during Ramadan and drew attention to humanitarian crises around the world. Referring to the oppression, wars and human rights violations in Gaza, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, East Turkestan and Arakan, Akbal said these tragedies wounded the conscience of all humanity. “Our greatest prayer is for the suffering in these and other regions to end, and for justice and peace to prevail,” he said.

Attendees included Istanbul Deputy Governor Nail Anlar; Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Halis Yunus Ersöz; Fatih Mayor Ergün Turan; Bahçelievler Mayor Dr. Hakan Bahadır; Belgin Uygur, AK Party Deputy Chair responsible for Civil Society and Public Relations and Member of Parliament for Balıkesir; Istanbul Members of Parliament Hasan Turan, Yahya Çelik, İsmail Erdem and Yıldız Konar; Erzincan Member of Parliament Serkan Bayram; Mehmet Emin Özkaya, AK Party Istanbul Deputy Provincial Chair responsible for Civil Society and Public Relations; retired Rear Admiral Prof. Dr. Cihat Yaycı; Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar; TGTV Chair Attorney İsmail Tuğrul; TGTV Founders’ Council Chair Hamza Akbulut; former UNIW Secretaries General Necmi Sadıkoğlu and Attorney Ali Kurt; Albayrak Media Group General Manager Abdullah Hanönü; UNIW members and NGO representatives; and diplomatic representatives from the consulates of Sudan, Qatar, Bangladesh and Pakistan.