Reported by Suprovat Sydney: The Turkish business community came together for an unforgettable evening as MUSIAD, the largest and most prominent Turkish business organization, hosted a grand Iftar dinner at a prestigious venue in Lidcombe, Sydney, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The event brought together an esteemed gathering of Muslim businessmen, Turkish business leaders, community figures, media professionals, and dignitaries from various backgrounds.
The evening commenced with a spiritually uplifting call to prayer (Adhan) delivered by Imam Ali Emre Kucuksucu, whose melodious voice resonated throughout the hall. Attendees broke their fast together, marking the occasion with a sense of unity and devotion. Following the serving of entrees, the guests proceeded to perform the Maghrib prayer, led by Imam Ali Emre Kucuksucu of Erskineville Masjid.
As the guests returned to their seats, a beautifully arranged dinner was served, offering a rich variety of dishes. Adding to the ambiance, live music performances were held on the side, providing a soothing background to the evening. A particularly special moment arrived when the music from the renowned historical TV series Diriliş: Ertuğrul began playing live. The entire hall fell silent in admiration, with attendees captivated by the iconic and much-loved melodies.
The event witnessed the presence of several notable figures, including prominent media representatives such as Australia’s Turkish Weekly media editor-in-chief and businessman Yuksel Cifci, former MUSIAD president and Turkish community leader Hasan Gecturk, Syed Zafar Hussain from Pakistani Media, Abdullah Yousuf, editor-in-chief of the only Bangladeshi newspaper in Australia, and Hanif Bismy from Channel 5.
The Iftar dinner was further graced by an array of distinguished VIP guests, including:
- His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Ufuk Gezer
- The High Commissioner of Pakistan, Mr. Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri
- The Consulate General of Pakistan, Mr. Qamar Zaman
- Education Attaché of Türkiye, Mr. Cem Gencoglu
- Social and Religious Attaché, Mr. Ozcan Gokcebay
- Commercial Attaché of Türkiye, Mr. Yavuz Gokcayir
- International Maarif School of Australia Director, Mr. Tacettin Gunaydin
- ABSC Inc Director, Mr. Frank Alafaci
- The City of Canada Bay Councillor, Mrs. Sylvia Alafaci
- The Cumberland City Councillor, Mr. Enver Yasar
- AUSRelief CEO, Mr. Danny Mikati
- Pakistani Business Chamber of Trade President, Mr. Muhammad Asif
- Saudi Commercial Attaché, Mr. Atif Alothri
This prestigious gathering reflected the strong bonds of business, faith, and community that continue to grow within the multicultural fabric of Australia. The event was not only a celebration of Ramadan but also a testament to the unity and shared values of the diverse Muslim business community. MUSIAD once again demonstrated its role in fostering connections, strengthening economic ties, and creating memorable experiences for its members and guests.
The evening concluded on a high note, with attendees expressing their appreciation for the well-organized event, engaging discussions, and meaningful interactions that took place throughout the night. As one of the most significant Iftar gatherings in Sydney, MUSIAD’s event left a lasting impression on all those in attendance.
