Open iftar held at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Hundreds gathered Friday at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London as part of an open iftar -- a community event during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

About 450 people gathered for the fast-breaking meal hosted by the Ramadan Tent Project, an award-winning charity founded in 2013.

After the recitation of the adhan, or call to prayer, Muslims broke their fasts which was followed by a congregational prayer.

Speaking before the meal, Türkiye's Ambassador to the UK Osman Koray Ertas, touched on the importance of Ramadan in strengthening ties among people.

He noted the devastating Feb. 6 earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria and said those attending are in solidarity with the Turkish community after the destruction.

Ertas thanked Brits for donations and fundraising campaigns for quake victims.

Jonathan Wilson, a professor at Regent's University London, praised open iftar events and said the gatherings are a very good opportunity to meet people and share experiences.

For his part, Dowshan Humzah, Advisory Board Member of Ramadan Tent Project, said the projects are turning strangers into friends.

He noted previous iftar events and thanked all who have helped the project. "Ramadan Tent project would not exist if it was not volunteers," he said.

Organizers thanked sponsors, including Türkiye's Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB).