The İMEAK Chamber of Shipping hosted an Iftar Dinner, uniting maritime leaders to celebrate resilience and shared values during Ramadan.
The 'Traditional Iftar Dinner,' organized by the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping, the Turkish Shipowners Association, and the S.S. Shipowners Motor Carriers Cooperative, was held on Thursday evening, February 26, 2026, at the Büyük Kulüp.
The iftar program was hosted by Tamer Kıran, Chairman of the Board of the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping; Cihan Ergenç, Chairman of the Board of the Turkish Shipowners Association; and Taylan Kalkavan, Chairman of the Board of the S.S. Shipowners Motor Carriers Cooperative.
Notable attendees included former Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, former Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey İsmet Yılmaz, General Director of Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Ünal Baylan, General Director of Turkey's Border and Coastal Health Osman Kan, Istanbul Deputy Governors Fahrettin Göncü, General Director of Maritime Affairs Ünal Kılıçarslan, Commander of the Istanbul Shipyard Rear Admiral Recep Erdinç Yetkin, as well as Rector of Piri Reis University Prof. Dr. Nafiz Arıca and Dean of the ITU Faculty of Maritime Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan.
Additionally, Assembly President Başaran Bayrak, board members, branch board members, and heads and members of professional committees, along with numerous representatives from the maritime sector, were also present at the invitation.
Tamer Kıran: 'May Our Unity Be Everlasting'
Speaking at the program, Tamer Kıran, Chairman of the Board of the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping, highlighted the significance and importance of the month of Ramadan.
Kıran expressed that the month of Ramadan is an exceptional period of abundance, sharing, and the coming together of hearts, stating that iftar tables are special moments where these values come to life in the most sincere way. He expressed great happiness and pride in sharing the same table with the valuable stakeholders of Turkish maritime and wished for the acceptance of the fasts and prayers.
In his remarks, Kıran stated:
'What brings us together here today is not only the abundance of the month of Ramadan; it is also the feelings of love, respect, and affection we have for each other. The essence is to come together, to unite, and to alleviate our longing. I pray to the Almighty Lord for this unity and brotherhood to be everlasting.'
Kıran pointed out that the world has been going through a process of increasing uncertainties and risks over the past year, noting that geopolitical developments, vulnerabilities in trade routes, and global economic fluctuations have also affected the maritime sector. He emphasized that the values reminded by Ramadan have gained even more importance during such a period.
Despite all challenges, Kıran stated that the Turkish maritime sector continues its path with determination, thanks to its experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilient structure, mentioning that Turkey has achieved significant gains in many areas, especially in the defense industry.
Kıran noted that the country maintains its existence with determination in a challenging geography, thanking all sector representatives who contribute to the country's development and wishing that the month of Ramadan brings blessings.
At the end of his speech, Kıran thanked everyone who contributed to this meaningful gathering and greeted the guests with respect and affection.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
