On Wednesday evening, the Sarajevo Times and Green Home Construction hosted an Iftar dinner for members of the diplomatic corps in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, Sarajevo, bringing together diplomats, officials, and public figures in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan.
The gathering aimed to foster unity, mutual respect and cross-cultural understanding through the tradition of sharing an evening meal after a day of fasting. Representatives of more than 25 nations attended the event, alongside business leaders, members of the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defense and politicians.
Zejna Yesilyurt, founder of Sarajevo Times and its Editor-in-Chief, welcomed the guests and emphasized the deeper meaning of the month of Ramadan.
“Ramadan is a time of reflection, humility and gratitude. But beyond its spiritual dimension, it is also a time that reminds us of the importance of compassion, generosity and community,” Yesilyurt said.
She highlighted that the tradition of iftar – gathering at one table after a day of fasting – carries a powerful message about solidarity and understanding.
“In many ways, this gathering reflects the very spirit of Sarajevo itself,” she noted, adding that the city has long been known as a meeting point of cultures, religions and civilizations, where mosques, churches and synagogues have stood side by side for centuries.
Yesilyurt also underlined the resilience of Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that despite historical challenges and divisions, the country’s story is also one of rebuilding, reconnecting and continuing to live together.
“At Sarajevo Times, we see our role as part of that bridge-building process. Media has the responsibility not only to report events, but also to encourage understanding and highlight the values that connect people,” she said, adding that such gatherings help strengthen relationships beyond formal meetings and official discussions.
“Your work, whether in diplomacy, security, finance, or public service, also plays a vital role in shaping stability, cooperation, and trust in our region and beyond. And while many of those responsibilities are carried out in formal meetings and official discussions, moments like this – moments of shared conversation and hospitality – are equally important in strengthening relationships,” she added.
Addressing the guests, Selcuk Yesilyurt, owner and general director of Green Home Construction, said the evening brought together people of different languages, religions and backgrounds around a common table.
“Tonight we have gathered with diplomats, business leaders, politicians, educators, artists and athletes – followers of all Abrahamic religions as well as friends of other faiths – around a shared table during the month of Ramadan,” he said.
Reflecting on global tensions, Yesilyurt stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue and understanding.
Quoting the renowned Sufi thinker Rumi, he reminded guests: “It is not those who speak the same language who understand each other, but those who share the same feelings.”
“With participants from 25 different nations and different religions, I believe we share precisely those same feelings tonight – tolerance, dialogue and a strong belief in peace and brotherhood,” he added.
He also noted that throughout history there have always been individuals who oppose tolerance and acceptance, stressing that awareness of such challenges is necessary in order to respond wisely and continue promoting dialogue.
The evening concluded with guests sharing the traditional iftar meal, symbolizing friendship, partnership and the enduring spirit of cooperation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The dinner, which brought together distinguished diplomats from 25 different nations and representatives from the three major religions, was organized with the aim of strengthening ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community. It served as a symbol of solidarity, respect for diversity, and a commitment to mutual understanding and cooperation.
Among the distinguished guests were ambassadors from various countries including Sweden, Belgium, Netherlands, Greece, Albania, Poland, Algeria, Norway, Slovenia, Slovakia, Japan, Norway, Italy, Romania, Indonesia, Ukraine, along with their respective diplomats and representatives, general inspector at the Ministry of Defense of BiH Brigadier General Edin Fako, Sarajevo mayor Samir Avdic, president of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH Ahmet Egrlic, Federal Minister of Labour and Social Policy Adnan Delic and other respected guests.
