A delegation from Turkey's ruling party visited the Phanar

A delegation from Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Phanar district of Istanbul on Thursday, November 5, 2026. According to the Orthodox Times, the visit took place in a spirit of constructive dialogue and mutual respect.

The delegation included Dr. Fatih Tuna, deputy chair of the AKP’s Istanbul branch for external relations, and Saliha Demirer, chair of the party’s women’s branch in Constantinople. The distinguished guests were received by Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkos. During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues concerning the activities of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the life of the Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul.

Following the official talks, a tour of the Patriarchal Residence was organized for the delegation members. Special attention was given to the Patriarchal Library, where the party representatives viewed unique early printed books and handwritten codices. Clergy and staff of the Patriarchate told the guests about the history of these valuable documents, emphasizing their exceptional significance as an important part of the Church’s religious and cultural heritage.

As a reminder, Turkey recently held commemorative events marking the 573rd anniversary of the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The central event of this commemorative date was President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s participation in a prayer service at the Hagia Sophia, which underscored the historical and religious significance of the event for the modern Republic of Turkey.