15TH ANNUAL EID-UL-ADHA CELEBRATIONS - SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

His Excellency Rafet Akgünay, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey was recognized for his "DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS AMBASSADOR TO CANADA AND YOUR PASSION TO SERVE YOUR COUNTRY."

H. E. Farid Shafiyev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan, did the citation.  The relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan are excellent and both ambassadors are working hard to improve the relations between their countries and Canada. 

The celebrations were held in the Ontario Room, McDonald Block.  There was a sit down dinner this time.  The evening was a pleasant one with a delicious dinner, beautiful decor, colourfully dressed ladies and lively conversations.

His Excellency Rafet Akgünay was presented with a plaques and with the Sandulak's polar bear sculpture. In his Keynote Address, he said that " In all those Islamic traditions the utmost emphasized and respected notion was “justice” not only for the Muslims, but also for the followers of other faiths.  As one of the meanings of the word, Islam, is “Peace”, major Islamic states in history, such as the Ottoman Empire, always prioritized ‘the peaceful existence’ of different religious communities within their rulings. Before the notions of democracy, human rights or multiculturalism, as we understand today, was even developed, Turks embraced the eternal Islamic values of humanity, peace, progress, justice and empathy."   He mentioned some of the issues between the Islamic countries and the West and offeredsome solutions that could work.  For his complete speech, please click here.

Before dinner, President Obama's speech at the Iftar Dinner he held for American Muslims at the White House was shown.  This year, President Obama honoured the Muslims who died on 9/11 and invited their families. 

In his welcome address, Mobeen Khaja acknowledged the special friendship that has developed between the Embassy of the United States and the Association. He spoke about the programs that will be developed and implemented for the youth.  He extended a warm welcome to Dr. Crystal Meriwether and Sandra Weedmark of the Cultural Affairs Department who came from Ottawa inspite of a very early meeting the next morning.

Mr. Charles Coffey, O. C., co-chair of the event, also welcomed the guests.

The National Anthem was sung by young Niam Vora.  Sheikh Faisal Abdur-Razak did the opening dua.

The Association is grateful to the sponsors for contributing to the success of the event.  They are: 

Some photos of the Gift and Plaque presentation