Western Black Sea's Spirit of Unity Meets at the Same Table in Istanbul

Istanbul and the Western Black Sea as One Heart: The Great Iftar Gathering Takes Place

The iftar program jointly organized by the Kastamonu Platform and the Western Black Sea Council at the Istanbul Meridien Hotel on March 12, 2026, was the scene of a meaningful gathering that demonstrated the strong unity of fellow citizens from the Western Black Sea. With the support of eleven (11) leading non-governmental organizations from the region, a broad base and high participation were achieved.

Held in the spiritual atmosphere of the month of Ramadan, the program brought together representatives from politics, bureaucracy, the business world, and civil society at the same table.

The program was attended by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Mr. İbrahim Yumaklı, former Minister of Interior Mr. Murat Başesgioğlu, former President of Religious Affairs Mr. Ali Erbaş, AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Mr. Abdullah Özdemir, former Minister of Science, Industry and Technology Dr. Faruk Özlü, the mayors of Kastamonu, Karabük, and Düzce, as well as numerous members of parliament, bureaucrats, businesspeople, and NGO representatives.

Commencing with a telegram from President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who congratulated the unity and solidarity of the Western Black Sea, the program continued with an enthusiastic spirit of integration. Protocol speeches particularly emphasized the unity and solidarity of the nation.

As the host of the program, Mr. Haydar Çolakoğlu, Istanbul President of the Western Black Sea Council and President of the Kastamonu Platform, emphasized in his speech that the month of Ramadan is a special time that strengthens the spirit of sharing, solidarity, and brotherhood. Stating that fellow citizens from the Western Black Sea have established a strong culture of solidarity in Istanbul, Çolakoğlu expressed that this unity is one of the most important guarantees not only of today but also of the future. Pointing out that 42 percent of the electorate in Istanbul is of Western Black Sea origin and that the people of Kastamonu constitute 12 percent of this large group, Çolakoğlu stated that this stance, exhibited shoulder-to-shoulder in the metropolis, is also the greatest guarantee for Istanbul. Noting that the vision of "Two cities, one heart" expressed in the past has now grown further and reached the point of "Istanbul and the Western Black Sea are one heart," Çolakoğlu highlighted the existence of deep-rooted Western Black Sea ties extending to Üsküdar.

In his speech, Çolakoğlu pointed out that the Western Black Sea is not merely a geographical region but a strong set of values molded by patriotism, diligence, and a culture of solidarity, noting that Kastamonu is a city that has stood out throughout history for its loyalty to the state and the nation.

Expressing that Kastamonu, as one of the provinces that gave the most martyrs in proportion to its population during the War of Independence, serves as the cement of Turkey in this regard, Çolakoğlu emphasized that the historical heritage of the region is kept alive today with the same consciousness. Elaborating on this heritage, Çolakoğlu touched upon the heroism of İnebolu, the only district holding an Independence Medal, and reminded the audience that those living on those lands rushed to the front without hesitation for the defense of the homeland. He also added that the Western Black Sea has raised many important figures who always stood with the state and the nation in times of hardship, from Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han to Enver Pasha, and from Martyr Şerife Bacı to Halime Çavuş.

Touching also upon the anniversary of the adoption of the National Anthem (İstiklal Marşı), Mr. Haydar Çolakoğlu stated that the lines of Mehmet Akif Ersoy beginning with the cry "Fear not" represent the nation's will for independence and its common values.

Addressing the goals of the Kastamonu Platform and the Western Black Sea Council, Mr. Haydar Çolakoğlu stated that they aim to strengthen the solidarity among fellow citizens, contribute to the social and economic development of the region, and leave a stronger Western Black Sea to future generations. He emphasized that the dynamism of the youth and the vision of women are important sources of power in this process.

The iftar program, which saw intense participation exceeding a thousand people, concluded with strong messages reflecting the spirit of unity and brotherhood of the month of Ramadan. The common message delivered at the program was that the Western Black Sea will continue to contribute to Turkey's future with the strength it derives from its deep-rooted values.