Hong Kong hosts Ramadan Iftar Dinner celebrating faith, unity, and halal tourism growth

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The Turkish Consul General in Hong Kong and government officials joined community leaders at a Ramadan iftar dinner on February 26, highlighting cultural harmony, the overlap of Ramadan with Chinese New Year, and progress in developing halal-friendly services.

The event, co-hosted by the Turkish Consulate General and Miramar Group, marked the second annual Ramadan iftar gathering in Hong Kong organized with support from local partners.

Turkish Consul General Kerim Sercan Evcin welcomed guests and noted the meaningful coincidence of Ramadan beginning alongside the Year of the Horse, extending greetings for both occasions and expressing hopes for prosperity in homes and bilateral ties.

He described the iftar as part of an emerging tradition aimed at raising awareness of Ramadan’s core values—peace, empathy, solidarity, and sharing—and sharing elements of Turkish Ramadan culture, including childhood memories of shadow puppet theater, classical music, and bazaars.

The consul general praised Hong Kong as a global city that transforms diversity into unity and encouraged media to help spread these cultural messages.

He highlighted growing momentum in halal tourism and a halal-friendly ecosystem, crediting the long-established Muslim community and government support, including commitments outlined in recent policy addresses.

Gratitude was extended to co-host Miramar Travel and The Mira Hong Kong for enabling the inclusive event.

Addressing global challenges, the consul general acknowledged ongoing suffering in parts of the Muslim world, particularly Gaza, where violence has eased somewhat due to international efforts, including Türkiye’s leadership.

He expressed hope that Ramadan’s spiritual peace would foster lasting stability across conflict-affected regions.

Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing spoke at the dinner, congratulating the Turkish Consulate for the gathering that promotes intercultural understanding.

He described Ramadan as a time of reflection, compassion, charity, and unity, and emphasized Hong Kong’s commitment to social harmony, where people of all faiths coexist peacefully.

The government, he said, actively supports community development, preserves religious heritage, and works with partners to advance Muslim-friendly services and halal certification to attract visitors and strengthen the city’s inclusive image.

Both speakers wished attendees health, happiness, and prosperity during Ramadan and the Year of the Horse, encouraging enjoyment of the Turkish Ramadan traditions presented that evening.